Dear friends,

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for continuing to walk this journey with us. This year has been one of both lights and shadows, and your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope in our mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for forcibly displaced people.

It has now been over 1,000 days since the international armed conflict in Ukraine began, displacing millions. From the very first day, the Society of Jesus has responded with a coordinated effort through the One Proposal. In nearly three years, the One Proposal has accompanied more than 110,000 people, and we remain committed to continue this support, as it was powerfully symbolised by the historic visit of Father General Arturo Sosa to Ukraine.

2024 was also a year of critical elections across the globe, including the European Parliament. In this context, we launched our Dear European Parliament campaign, highlighting how our votes affect the lives of people seeking refuge in Europe. The campaign’s short videos resonated widely, with over 3.6 million views and reaching audiences across the continent. While we are heartened by this response, we are deeply concerned by the growing political narratives that prioritise walls over bridges, dividing rather than uniting people.

These challenges are compounded by the European Migration and Asylum Pact, whose implementation risks increasing human suffering without addressing the issues of the current system. We are already witnessing its consequences: countries reintroducing internal borders, the EU fortifying its external ones, and the outsourcing of reception to countries with questionable human rights records. Disturbingly, some of these countries have even been found to misuse EU funds to perpetrate human rights violations.

Amid these challenges, JRS continues its mission. Across Europe, in 23 countries and 125 cities, we accompany, serve, and advocate for over 235,000 refugees through work in social inclusion, awareness-raising, access to protection, and the accompaniment of people in migration detention.

Amongst all the projects, I want to highlight our educational projects CHANGE Environment and Together For CHANGE. In both cases we are working together with schools and teachers to foster critical thinking on migration topics in high school students because we understand that they are the future leaders of Europe. We are hopeful that they will grow to lead a Europe that is more welcoming and just.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of thousands of JRS staff and volunteers and the generosity of supporters like you. Your kindness has brought hope and meaningful change to the lives of thousands of refugees and displaced people.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I am inspired by the words of Pope Francis, who reminds us of the profound presence of Christ in every person in need:

“The encounter with the migrant, as with every brother and sister in need, is also an encounter with Christ. He himself said so. […] in Matthew 25 leaves no doubt: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me (v. 35)”. […] Every encounter along the way represents an opportunity to meet the lord; it is an occasion charged with salvation, because Jesus is present in the sister or brother in need of our help.”

Let us continue to keep hope alive for refugees and displaced people in Europe. With your continued support, I am confident that together we can continue walking hand in hand and make an even greater difference in the year ahead.

Thank you, and I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Many blessings,

Alberto Ares, SJ