Hotline for Migrant Workers

Thousands of African refugees protest in front of German, Swedish, US and Canadian embassies calling the international community to support their struggle against Israel’s asylum policies. (photo: Yotam Ronen/Activestills.org)

On left-wing NGOs and asylum seekers, ‘Jerusalem Post’ is all doublespeak

In an editorial published Tuesday, ‘The Jerusalem Post’ accused left-wing NGOs of bringing African asylum seekers to Israel in order to undermine the state’s Jewish majority. By accusing the Left of such Machiavellian tactics, the Post’s editorial board is, quite simply, inciting against those whose political views it disagrees with. The Jerusalem Post saw fit to…

By Natasha Roth-Rowland January 8, 2014

An African asylum seeker shows a list of names of some of those waiting to renew their temporary visa, outside the Israeli Ministry of Interior's offices in Tel Aviv, early morning, November 1, 2012. Asylum seekers gather from midnight outside the offices to be first in line. Only 60-70 visas are renewed each day, meaning many have to return the next day to repeat the process. Unlike Israelis coming to the offices, the asylum seekers are not allowed into the building. An officer comes out and takes the documents, leaving the applicants outside, sometimes waiting for hours. The 2A5 temporary visa must be renewed every 3 months, regardless of the amount of time a person has been living in Israel. The temporary visa is their only legal document issued by the Israeli government, and can be revoked at any time without reason. (photo by: Oren Ziv/ Activestills.org)

Despite landmark High Court ruling, asylum seekers are only cautiously optimistic

Monday’s High Court ruling provided a major blow to the state’s attempt to hold asylum seekers in detention. However, despite the decision, asylum seekers are still not entitled to basic benefits such as health insurance, social services, housing and the freedom to work. By Elizabeth Tsurkov Refugees in Israel reacted with delight to the news of…

By +972 Magazine September 17, 2013

African refugee at protest for human rights June 10, 2012 (Activestills)

Cracks in the detention regime: Refugee advocates see string of court wins

Although the Israeli government is actively pursuing a detention regime meant to snare as many asylum seekers as possible, some recent legal victories provide a ray of light during an increasingly dark time for asylum seekers and refugees in Israel. By Noa Yachot and Adi Lerner The last year hasn’t been a good one for…

By Laissez Passer May 16, 2013

Latest

Court prohibits detention of Sudanese refugees days before mass arrests begin

A Jerusalem court issued a temporary injunction on Thursday, prohibiting the detention of Sudanese refugees. The group was slated for arrest and forced transfer to a prison camp in the Negev desert beginning on October 15. The court’s move comes in response to an October 3 petition, filed by the Clinic for Migrants’ Rights at the…

By Mya Guarnieri Jaradat October 12, 2012

Police distort crime data, inciting violence against refugees

By Sigal Rozen Several Sudanese and Eritrean nationals were recently arrested in two separate cases involving the rape of Israeli women and the murder of an Eritrean woman. The media extensively covered these horrible crimes, followed by a long line of politicians quoting frightening police claims that Africans account for 40 percent of Tel Aviv’s…

By +972 Magazine May 19, 2012

NGO threatened with arson and violence for helping Africans

A human rights organization that assists foreigners received threats of arson and rape within hours of Interior Minister Eli Yishai’s remarks that African asylum seekers are “infiltrators” and most are “criminals” who “damage the Zionist project.” The NGO has filed an incitement complaint against Yishai. The Hotline for Migrant Workers received three phone calls yesterday…

By Mya Guarnieri Jaradat May 17, 2012

South Sudanese get last-minute reprieve from deportation

On Thursday, a Jerusalem District Court judge issued a temporary injunction preventing the Ministry of Interior from revoking the group protection of South Sudanese. The move effectively delays the deportation of South Sudanese refugees, which was set to begin today. Families, including Israeli-born children, are among those facing deportation to South Sudan. Human rights organizations say…

By Mya Guarnieri Jaradat March 31, 2012

Knesset passes draft law to criminalize paying for sex

Spearheaded by Kadima Cabinet member Orit Zuaretz, a draft law was recently passed making the solicitation of a sexual act a criminal offense. First brought to the table in 2009, this law received its first green light on the path to becoming official. Under this law, first time offenders will be sent to an educational…

By Ori J. Lenkinski February 24, 2012

Proposed law would indefinitely jail refugees seeking protection

Israel was created 64 years ago by refugees and for refugees. But despite its young age, the state seems to suffer from memory loss when it comes to dealing with the refugees who seek its protection today. By Sigal Rozen The Refugee Convention is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The young State of Israel…

By +972 Magazine November 13, 2011

Israel policy myth #3: trying to stem a flood of migrants

To justify draconian and inhumane measures against refugees, the Israeli government claims the country is flooded by work migrants from impoverished countries. The facts do not bear this out, to put it mildly. In Israel today, there are two classes of immigrants. One is composed of those who come under the Law of Return, which…

By Roi Maor June 27, 2011

Court ruling forbids deportation of migrant workers who gave birth

Under the current policy, a pregnant worker would be deported either after the sixth month of her pregnancy if she is not currently employed, or once she gives birth if she is employed. Justice Jubran: The regulation “isn’t becoming of a democratic state.” By Elizabeth Tsurkov In a landmark ruling, the Israeli High Court of…

By +972 Magazine April 16, 2011