Here is a list of Israeli (or Israel-based) refugee NGOs that have been active in Greece, primarily providing humanitarian aid, medical care, psychosocial support, trauma recovery, legal assistance, education, and integration programs for refugees and asylum seekers (especially during the 2015–ongoing migrant crisis on islands like Lesbos and in areas like Thessaloniki and Athens).
Primary Active/Well-Documented Israeli NGOs
- IsraAID (also referred to as IsraAID Greece or IsraAID Hellas)
Israel-based international humanitarian NGO founded in 2001. It has operated extensively in Greece since 2015, focusing on emergency relief (medical clinics, distribution of supplies), psychosocial support, trauma care, language learning, resilience-building, and long-term integration for refugees and migrants. Key locations include Lesbos (including response to the Moria camp fire) and Thessaloniki/Diavata camp. It employs mixed Jewish and Arab Israeli teams and has a registered Greek branch.
Other Notable Mentions
- HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, now HIAS)
Global Jewish humanitarian organization with roots in aiding Jewish refugees; it has a dedicated HIAS Greece program since 2016. It provides legal aid and representation, mental health/psychosocial support, protection services (especially for vulnerable groups like children and torture survivors), and advocacy. While not exclusively “Israeli,” it has strong historical ties to Jewish/Israeli communities and has collaborated on refugee efforts in Greece (e.g., partnerships involving Lesbos and Athens).
Smaller or Short-Term Israeli Initiatives/Groups
- Hashomer Hatzair (with its Arab division Ajyal, in partnership with Natan-International Humanitarian Aid) — Involved in educational initiatives and building schools/centers for Syrian refugee children on Lesbos.
- Mosaic United (in collaboration with the Jewish Agency) — Supported community and aid efforts for refugees in Greece as part of broader tikkun olam (social justice) projects.
- Ad hoc Israeli volunteer teams or smaller groups (e.g., linked to Amaliah, iAID, or individual Israeli doctors/nurses) that provided beach rescues, medical aid, winter relief supplies, and trauma counseling, often coordinated through IsraAID or local partners.
Context and Notes
Most Israeli involvement peaked during the height of the Syrian refugee influx (2015–2018) on Lesbos and other islands, where teams offered immediate aid like medical care for new arrivals, emergency supplies, and psychosocial programs. Some efforts continued into longer-term support in mainland Greece (e.g., Thessaloniki).
Activities often emphasized neutrality and included Arab Israeli staff to build trust with refugees from conflict zones. HIAS and IsraAID are the most established with ongoing or recent documented presence. Other mentions tend to be partnerships, short-term missions, or one-off projects rather than standalone NGOs with permanent operations in Greece.For the latest status, check official websites (israaid.org for IsraAID; hias.org for HIAS Greece) or Greek NGO registries, as humanitarian work in Greece can be affected by policy changes, funding, and registration rules.
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