Hias Pledges to Aid Escape from Tyrants

The Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society of America redicates itself on this Passover to the purpose which has animated it since its work began half a century ago, according to a holiday message from Abraham Herman, president of the society.

“On the occasion of the glorious festival of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the children of Israel from Egyptian, bondage, it is fitting that a message come from HIAS to American Jewry,” the message states.

“HIAS is engaged in the great task of helping to free those of our people living under intolerable conditions by finding new homes for them. For fifty years HIAS has stood by the side of the Jewish wanderers, befriending them, guiding their footsteps and making the journey easier for them.

“Unfortunately the travail is not yet at an end and there are still thousands of our people who, like their forebears, wander with the pilgrim’s staff in their hands, seeking freedom, security and peace.

“It is these that we must succor; it is these that we must aid; it is these that we must help to become liberated from a thraldom almost as severe as the servitude from which our ancestors suffered under Pharaoh.

“Happily we are free, enjoying to the fullest the liberty which this glorious country of ours offers to us. Ours must be the duty and the responsibility to aid those of our people who still dwell in darkness and who bear the burdens of the oppressed.

“HIAS, which together with its affiliates, functions in twenty-eight countries, knows and realizes the sufferings of Jews. And on this Passover it rededicates itself to the purpose which has animated it for the past half a century. HIAS calls to American Jewry to support this great work to the utmost so that freedom may come to the stricken of our people.”

The rite of setting aside, slaughtering and eating the paschal lamb was instituted by Moses in Egypt, according to Exodus, in anticipation of the judgment about to be visited on Pharaoh and his people.