Crisis Response

JIAS Toronto's crisis response is part of Canada’s broader humanitarian response to global events. Our work is shaped by national immigration measures and strengthened through community partnerships, allowing us to respond quickly and effectively when crises unfold.

Over the past decade, global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed how JIAS responds. What began as a largely reactive effort—driven by urgency, goodwill, and a dedicated team—has evolved into an integrated organizational capability, shaped by experience, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Today, we operate with crisis response as a built-in capability, supported by established systems, partnerships, and operational readiness. JIAS serves as a trusted partner to governments, funders, and agencies across the settlement sector and beyond, while bringing a distinctly Jewish commitment to welcoming and supporting those forced to flee their homes.

Every crisis is different, but our approach remains the same. We work within Canada's humanitarian and immigration programs while mobilizing community partnerships, staff, volunteers, and organizational expertise to respond quickly and effectively.

Our work includes:

• Rapid mobilization of staff, volunteers, and community resources
• Settlement support for immigrants and refugees arriving through humanitarian pathways
• Emergency financial assistance and short-term housing support
• Targeted programming focused on employment, mental health, and community connection
• Collaboration with partners across Canada

Our work doesn't end when emergency programs conclude. We continue supporting newcomers, strengthen the partnerships built during each response, and apply what we've learned to prepare for future crises. 

In 2015, Canada launched a large-scale resettlement initiative in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Following the publication of the widely shared photo of Alan Kurdi, JIAS experienced an unprecedented outpouring of support from the Jewish community. Individuals and families reached out, eager to sponsor refugees, donate, and help those forced to flee. This extraordinary response became the catalyst for JIAS's expanded humanitarian efforts.

JIAS:

• Sponsored 150 refugees within a two-year period
• Submitted applications within an accelerated timeline
• Expanded beyond its traditional client base for the first time

This response laid the foundation for the systems, processes, and partnerships that continue to shape JIAS's crisis response today.

In August 2021, the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's takeover of Kabul triggered an urgent humanitarian crisis. In response, Canada introduced special immigration measures to support the resettlement of Afghans facing immediate risk.

JIAS:

• Partnered with the 30 Birds Foundation to sponsor 250 vulnerable Hazara girls
• Completed applications within a compressed timeframe
• Expanding operations through partnerships across other Canadian cities.

This response demonstrated the organization’s growing ability to take on complex, high-stakes humanitarian initiatives.

In February 2022, Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine triggered Europe’s largest displacement crisis since World War II, forcing millions of Ukrainians to flee the country within weeks. Following this, Canada introduced a temporary pathway for Ukrainians to enter and work, the Canada‑Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

JIAS:

• Supported over 1,900 Ukrainian newcomers
• Provided emergency housing (in partnership with Airbnb) and financial support.
• Delivered both targeted programs (Mental health, parenting in crisis, specific information sessions on the CUAET visa, etc.) and mainstream settlement services

This response required adapting to a new model: supporting individuals in temporary status while addressing longer-term settlement needs.

Following the Hamas‑led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war, a severe crisis unfolded. Canada introduced temporary measures for Israelis in Canada, however many arrived in Canada as visitors, often without immediate access to work permits or services. Processing times for in-Canada applications were growing with the number of applications, leaving thousands of Israelis with visitor status in Canada without ability to work, receive medical support and other status-related supports.

Together with UJA, JIAS created and coordinated centralized intake, provided financial supplementation for people stranded in Canada as visitors, and emergency Airbnb housing.

JIAS:

• Advocating for faster processing of open work permits
• Delivering pre-arrival and in-Canada orientation sessions
• Developing targeted programming to address unique and emerging community needs

Despite the urgency, operations stabilized quickly, with minimal disruption to core services—reflecting JIAS’s increased organizational readiness.

Across these crises, JIAS has developed structured, scalable crisis response models, strengthened partnerships across Canada, built trust with government and sector partners, and expanded its operational capacity and reach.

Each response has contributed to a more resilient organization, better equipped for future efforts.

Advancing Canada’s Refugee Sponsorship Model

Through its crisis responses, JIAS has helped strengthen how refugee sponsorship and settlement are delivered in Canada.

Creating innovative sponsorship models

JIAS was among the first Sponsorship Agreement Holders to develop a structured matching model, helping connect privately sponsored refugees with communities more effectively.

Strengthening financial support for newcomers

JIAS introduced an approach to supplement required government funds, helping ensure newcomers could live with greater stability and dignity during their first year in Canada. This model has since been recognized and shared through broader sector and international exchanges.

A trusted partner to IRCC

JIAS has become a trusted partner in Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, including being entrusted with complex cases such as in-Canada Yazidi referrals—helping establish new pathways for support.

Growing Impact and Partnerships

Each crisis response has contributed to JIAS’s broader role within Canada and beyond.

• Strengthened partnerships that are now integral to how JIAS operates
• Increased national and international recognition in humanitarian response
• A stronger, more engaged donor community supporting long-term impact
• A distinct, Jewish voice within the sponsorship community and sector.

Responding to a crisis is only the beginning.

Long after emergency programs end, newcomers continue building their lives in Canada—and JIAS continues to support them. We remain committed to supporting individuals and families throughout their settlement journey while strengthening the partnerships, knowledge, and systems that prepare us for future crisis response.

Global events are unpredictable. Our commitment is not. Whatever challenges lie ahead, JIAS will be ready to respond with compassion, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to helping immigrants and refugees build safe, connected, and hopeful futures in Canada.

Support our work in helping immigrants and refugees rebuild their lives in Canada—and ensuring JIAS is prepared for what comes next.