February 24, 2018 Thousands protest deportation in Tel Aviv
Israelis and Africans rallied side-by-side 20,000 strong on the streets of Tel Aviv on February 24th. They rallied in protest of the government's plan to deport asylum seekers, which will begin in March.
Hebrew chants passed through the crowd:
"Neither in darkness nor in light will the deportation come to pass!"
Click here to read the full story
Hebrew chants passed through the crowd:
"Neither in darkness nor in light will the deportation come to pass!"
Click here to read the full story
February 23, 2018 Former Justice Slams Government Treatment of Asyum Seekers
Former attorney general and former Supreme Court judge, Elyakim Rubinstein, criticized the Israeli government's handling of asylum requests. Only 12 asylum seekers have attained refugee status in Israel. "...Our traditions command us to be cautious regarding removal of foreigners, even if there is no choice in many cases," Rubinstein told the Times of Israel.
Click here to read the full story
Click here to read the full story
January 31, 2018 Diaspora Jews Care About Asylum Seekers
Haaretz reports how Israel's deportation plan of asylum seekers has struck a nerve with Diaspora Jews. "Even a prominent pro-Israel supporter like Alan Dershowitz is taking the Israeli government to task. 'The whiff of racism can’t be avoided when you have a situation where 40,000 people of color are the ones who are being deported en masse, without being individualized and every single case considered on its merits,' the Harvard law professor told ILTV Daily recently."
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to read the full story.
January 30, 2018 Deportations are Creating a Religious Controversy
The Atlantic reports how deportations of asylum seekers are creating a religious controversy in Israel. “This is a turning point—a fork in the road for Israel, not only dealing with these refugees, but what kind of country does Israel want to be?” said Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg, an American activist who has worked extensively with the African asylum-seekers in Israel. “I personally will never be able to forgive Israel and the Jewish people if we let this happen.”
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to read the full story.
January 4, 2018 NGOs Blast Gov't Plan for Deportation
" The Interior Ministry’s aggressive, multi-tiered campaign to deport African asylum-seekers or imprison them within 90 days will result in a humanitarian crisis and a black eye for a country populated by former refugees, rights organizations said on Wednesday."
Click here to read the full story
Click here to read the full story
January 1, 2018 Gov't Announces Deportation of Thousands
On November 19, 2017, the Government of Israel announced plans to begin the deportation of tens of thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers to Rwanda. Such deportations would put the lives of thousands of individuals at risk and contradict Israel's obligations as a Jewish and democratic state.
We call upon the Government of Israel to immediately halt deportation plans and to implement sound asylum policies in line with international law and Jewish values. We call upon our friends - Jews and allies around the world - to express our readiness to help Israel and work together with Israel in coping humanely with the challenges of the global refugee crisis.
Join us in demanding Israel Stop the Deportation and Let Us Help
We call upon the Government of Israel to immediately halt deportation plans and to implement sound asylum policies in line with international law and Jewish values. We call upon our friends - Jews and allies around the world - to express our readiness to help Israel and work together with Israel in coping humanely with the challenges of the global refugee crisis.
Join us in demanding Israel Stop the Deportation and Let Us Help
June 22, 2017 Dery Acknowledges Sudanese Asylum Seekers
Interior Minister Arye Dery recognized this week that asylum seekers from Sudan fled to escape persecution. He said this in response to a statement made by MK Anat Berko (Likud), who asked why Israel should take in individuals from "an enemy state." Dery's response was significant, because it marked "the first time" an Israeli interior minister "recognized the refugee claims of asylum seekers" (Lior, 2017).
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
May 15, 2017 Asylum Seekers Leaving Israel for Other Countries
May 15, 2017
Haaretz reports that almost 1,400 African asylum seekers left Israel for North America and Europe in the past year. 900 of these asylum seekers went to Canada; 140 went to the U.S.; 350 went to Sweden and the Netherlands. Dawit Demoz, an Eritrean asylum seeker who left Israel for Canada, says that he is now studying at York University in Toronto. He recalls how in Israel, "People didn't sit next to me on the train...people told me they don't rent to Eritreans," but in Canada, he says,"I [feel] at home here."
For the full news story, Click Here
Haaretz reports that almost 1,400 African asylum seekers left Israel for North America and Europe in the past year. 900 of these asylum seekers went to Canada; 140 went to the U.S.; 350 went to Sweden and the Netherlands. Dawit Demoz, an Eritrean asylum seeker who left Israel for Canada, says that he is now studying at York University in Toronto. He recalls how in Israel, "People didn't sit next to me on the train...people told me they don't rent to Eritreans," but in Canada, he says,"I [feel] at home here."
For the full news story, Click Here
January 29, 2017 Right Now Demonstration in Tel Aviv
40 demonstrators gathered in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv on January 29th to protest President Trump's order to put a temporary ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Protesters' signs included slogans such as, "For you were strangers in the Land of Egypt," likening the history of the Jews in Egypt to the current refugee crisis.
This gathering was organized by Right Now to join in the wave of international protests against President Trump, as well as to protest Prime Minister Netanyahu's support of him. Elliot Glassenburg, co-founder of Right Now, told the Jerusalem Post, "We believe that only by taking a global approach can we truly address the global refugee crisis." He added that he is concerned about Netanyahu's treatment of asylum seekers in Israel, as well as Israeli society's apparent apathy.
A U.S.-Israeli dual citizen Becca Strober also remarked, “Everyone deserves to live with respect and dignity – we should not be closing our doors.”
For the full news story, Click Here
This gathering was organized by Right Now to join in the wave of international protests against President Trump, as well as to protest Prime Minister Netanyahu's support of him. Elliot Glassenburg, co-founder of Right Now, told the Jerusalem Post, "We believe that only by taking a global approach can we truly address the global refugee crisis." He added that he is concerned about Netanyahu's treatment of asylum seekers in Israel, as well as Israeli society's apparent apathy.
A U.S.-Israeli dual citizen Becca Strober also remarked, “Everyone deserves to live with respect and dignity – we should not be closing our doors.”
For the full news story, Click Here
January 27, 2017 |
Right Now Statement on Trump's Anti-Refugee and Anti-Immigrant Executive Order |
Right Now: Advocates for Asylum Seekers in Israel, joins dozens of American and international human rights and faith-based organizations in condemning Drump’s Executive Order against refugees and migrants. Since its inception, Right Now has been a voice for refugee rights in Israel and around the world, calling on all countries and peoples to do their share in addressing the challenges of the world’s refugee crisis.
For the full statement, Click Here
For the full statement, Click Here
December 14, 2016 Pending High Court Ruling in Coerced Deportation
An appeals tribunal in Tel Aviv ruled that rejecting asylum requests because they were filed belatedly is illegal. Since asylum seekers are granted blanket protection in Israel, many assumed they did not need to submit individual asylum requests. The appeals tribunal ruled that the government must give asylum seekers a reasonable amount of time to submit asylum requests and not automatically dismiss them for being too late.
For the full story, Click Here
For the full story, Click Here
November 7, 2016 Rejecting Late Asylum Requests is Illegal
An appeals tribunal in Tel Aviv ruled that rejecting asylum requests because they were filed belatedly is illegal. Since asylum seekers are granted blanket protection in Israel, many assumed they did not need to submit individual asylum requests. The appeals tribunal ruled that the government must give asylum seekers a reasonable amount of time to submit asylum requests and not automatically dismiss them for being too late.
For the full story, Click Here
For the full story, Click Here
September 29, 2016 Mutasim Ali Awarded Gallanter Prize
Mutasim Ali, the first Sudanese asylum seeker granted refugee status in Israel, was recently awarded the Gallanter Prize. The Gallanter Prize is given every year to an emerging Israeli social justice leader. Ali fled to Israel after the Sudanese military destroyed his village. While in Israel, he spent 14 months in the Holot detention center. Despite being detained, Ali arose as a leader of the asylum seeker community. He served and continues to serve as the Executive Director of the African Refugee Development Center (ARDC) in Tel Aviv.
To hear Mutasim Ali's speech, Click Here
To hear Mutasim Ali's speech, Click Here
August 17, 2016 Lieberman Cancels Soldiers' Volunteering Activities
Within the past several weeks, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman made the decision to cancel soldiers' volunteering activities with children of asylum seekers. His decision was due to pressure from right-wing activists, as well as his idea that soldiers should not volunteer with a population "not residing [in Israel] lawfully."
Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon was quick to criticize his successor stating that "it is our obligation to assist the weak and needy in our society." Ya'alon went on to say that "it is a pity" national leadership is trying to divide Israeli society.
Despite Lieberman's decision, an IDF unit still requested to volunteer with the children.
For the full news story, Click Here
Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon was quick to criticize his successor stating that "it is our obligation to assist the weak and needy in our society." Ya'alon went on to say that "it is a pity" national leadership is trying to divide Israeli society.
Despite Lieberman's decision, an IDF unit still requested to volunteer with the children.
For the full news story, Click Here
July 21, 2016 Asylum Requests Still Pending
Haaretz reports that nearly 15,000 asylum requests are still pending in Israel with some asylum seekers still waiting for an answer after six years or more. Despite having appointed a panel to address asylum requests in March, the government has not made any changes in either the pace or the method of examining these requests. In fact, the panel has rejected 1,090 requests since March, many on the basis that they had been filed belatedly.
The only request that was approved this year was that of Mutasim Ali from Darfur, who is a leader of the asylum seeker community in Israel. He was granted refugee status after four years of a highly publicized legal campaign.
We encourage the government to implement a fair and effective Refugee Status Determination Process.
For the full news story, Click Here
The only request that was approved this year was that of Mutasim Ali from Darfur, who is a leader of the asylum seeker community in Israel. He was granted refugee status after four years of a highly publicized legal campaign.
We encourage the government to implement a fair and effective Refugee Status Determination Process.
For the full news story, Click Here
July 6, 2016 Netanyahu's Refugees-for-Weapons Agreement
As part of his Africa tour, Netanyahu discussed Israel's shady refugees-for-weapons transfer agreements with Uganda and Rwanda. Right Now, along with other human rights organizations, calls for these shady agreements that put refugees at risk to be halted immediately, and instead for Israel to check the asylum claims of asylum seekers in an objective, transparent and just manner, seeking appropriate solutions that respect the rights of asylum seekers and of Israeli citizens.
Countries must work together to share in the burdens and challenges of the global refugee crisis, and not dump refugees on one another - especially not in exchange for weapons deals!
For the full news story, Click Here
Countries must work together to share in the burdens and challenges of the global refugee crisis, and not dump refugees on one another - especially not in exchange for weapons deals!
For the full news story, Click Here
June 16, 2016 Haftom Zarhum's Family Files Lawsuit
The parents of the Eritrean asylum seeker who was killed in a mob attack are suing Israel. In an event that made international headlines last October, Haftom Zarhum was mistakenly shot by a security guard in Be'er Sheva and then beaten to death by an Israeli mob. Zarhum's parents, who still live in Eritrea, are suing the police, the security company, and all those individuals involved in their son's death for at least 3 million shekels.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
June 1, 2016 Art in Support of Asylum Seekers
The Diplomatic Spouses of Israel (DSI) came together for an art project in support of the Hagmom Kindergarten in South Tel Aviv, home to many young children of African refugees and asylum seekers. In recent weeks, the kindergarten has been the site of hate crimes by neighbors. Now, with the help of DSI and several artists, the kindergarten's playground has been transformed into a safe, artistic space for the children. The mural painting project was spearheaded by two Americans, Max Levi Frieder and Joel Bergner, and their organization, Artolution, which runs similar projects across the globe for community healing and empowerment.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
May 16, 2016 Law Firm Petitions Appointment of New Chairman
A law firm that represents asylum seekers living in Israel petitioned the High Court of Justice last week against the appointment of a new chairman of the government's advisory panel on refugees. The law firm is arguing that the appointee does not have the relevant background needed to address asylum seeker issues, nor does he have the time to do the job.
The appointee, Zion Amir, is a leading criminal defense attorney, but he has no background in refugee law or international rights. In addition to this, the law firm argues, Amir already has a heavy case load, so he will not be able to adequately review asylum requests.
The panel under the previous chairman, Avi Himi, was heavily criticized for its slow pace of work, as well as rejection of most asylum requests. As of the start of this year, more than 10,000 asylum requests were awaiting a response.
For the full news story, Click Here
The appointee, Zion Amir, is a leading criminal defense attorney, but he has no background in refugee law or international rights. In addition to this, the law firm argues, Amir already has a heavy case load, so he will not be able to adequately review asylum requests.
The panel under the previous chairman, Avi Himi, was heavily criticized for its slow pace of work, as well as rejection of most asylum requests. As of the start of this year, more than 10,000 asylum requests were awaiting a response.
For the full news story, Click Here
May 5, 2016 Asylum Requests Filed Belatedly
A Tel Aviv tribunal has just ruled that the Interior Ministry cannot simply reject asylum requests because they were filed belatedly. Each asylum request must be examined on its merits, even if it was filed more than a year after the asylum seeker entered Israel.
This ruling is a recognition that the Interior Ministry has been unfairly rejecting almost all asylum requests by Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers on the grounds they were filed belatedly. This is despite the fact that many of these asylum seekers were unable to file within the year they arrived, because at that time, Israel granted them group protection, rather than letting them submit individual asylum requests.
The Interior Ministry needs to better consider applications of asylum seekers, "given the fact that a rejection might, in some cases, send a man to his death."
For the full news story, Click Here
This ruling is a recognition that the Interior Ministry has been unfairly rejecting almost all asylum requests by Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers on the grounds they were filed belatedly. This is despite the fact that many of these asylum seekers were unable to file within the year they arrived, because at that time, Israel granted them group protection, rather than letting them submit individual asylum requests.
The Interior Ministry needs to better consider applications of asylum seekers, "given the fact that a rejection might, in some cases, send a man to his death."
For the full news story, Click Here
April 17, 2016 Refugee Seder at Holot
Several dozen activists went to the Holot detention facility to conduct a Seder with African asylum seekers. The activists were accompanied by nearly 200 Israeli visitors, who joined with 250 African detainees to enjoy the Seder meal. During the Seder meal, the biblical story of the Jews' exodus from Egypt was discussed, as well as the stories of many asylum seekers' own journeys from their home countries. The event also included joint prayers, singing, several speeches and a large pot-luck meal.
Approximately 3,300 African asylum seekers are currently being held at Holot. Holot has come under scrutiny in recent months for its poor standards and low nutritional quality of food. Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg, one of our very own volunteers, said at the event, “Holot should not exist...Israel [is] taking away the basic liberties and dignity of thousands of people who came here looking for asylum, at great moral and economic cost to the country."
For the full news story, Click Her
Approximately 3,300 African asylum seekers are currently being held at Holot. Holot has come under scrutiny in recent months for its poor standards and low nutritional quality of food. Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg, one of our very own volunteers, said at the event, “Holot should not exist...Israel [is] taking away the basic liberties and dignity of thousands of people who came here looking for asylum, at great moral and economic cost to the country."
For the full news story, Click Her
April 11, 2016 Vulnerable Teenage Asylum Seekers
The Immigration Authority refuses to issue visas to teenage children of asylum seekers, making them vulnerable to arrest and making it difficult for them to work. The Authority only issues visas to Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers aged 18 or older, which protects them from being arrested and allows them to work. But the Authority does not extend these visas to minors, who often do not have any official identifying documents.
Without documentation, many teenagers are also either denied jobs or are exploited by their employers.
The Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (ASSAF) has appealed to the government on the matter, stating that refusing to issue visas to teenagers "is contrary to the principle of what’s best for the child and undermines the rights of these minors to equality and freedom of movement.”
For the full news story, Click Here
Without documentation, many teenagers are also either denied jobs or are exploited by their employers.
The Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (ASSAF) has appealed to the government on the matter, stating that refusing to issue visas to teenagers "is contrary to the principle of what’s best for the child and undermines the rights of these minors to equality and freedom of movement.”
For the full news story, Click Here
March 31, 2016 Asylum Requests Rejected
Haaretz reports that the Administration of Population and Immigration is rejecting asylum requests which were submitted by Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers more than a year after entering Israel. This is despite the fact that many of these asylum seekers were not able to submit asylum requests during their first year in Israel. In the past two years, thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese nationals submitted asylum requests. But apart from a few who were recognized as refugees, the administration denied all the requests.
Recently, an Eritrean asylum seeker in Holot appealed Israel's denial of his asylum request. His lawyer is arguing that the automatic rejection of asylum requests because of the delay in submitting them is unauthorized and violates international law.
We encourage the Israeli government to implement a fair and effective Refugee Status Determination Process.
For the full news story, Click Here
Recently, an Eritrean asylum seeker in Holot appealed Israel's denial of his asylum request. His lawyer is arguing that the automatic rejection of asylum requests because of the delay in submitting them is unauthorized and violates international law.
We encourage the Israeli government to implement a fair and effective Refugee Status Determination Process.
For the full news story, Click Here
March 15, 2016 Petition Considered by the High Court
The High Court of Israel is discussing a petition against the government for its policy of indefinite detention of asylum seekers who refuse to leave Israel for Rwanda or Uganda. Some 3,000 asylum seekers have left Israel for these third-party countries, Rwanda and Uganda, these past several years. Testimony presented indicates that many asylum seekers forced to relocate to Rwanda or Uganda are not allowed to remain there and have no legal status.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
March 9, 2016 Finding Solace in Basket Weaving
In Israel, many female asylum seekers have found solace in basket weaving to help cope with their PTSD. Kuchinate - African Refugee Women's Collective organizes biweekly basket weaving meetings, where women are encourage to crochet, as well as speak about their struggles. Here, the women are able to talk about dealing with the trauma of their migration and the uncertainty of life in Israel. Many of the women need more help beyond this program, but these meetings have helped pull many women out of their depression.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
March 7, 2016 Asylum Seekers Arrested Outside Holot
22 asylum-seekers were arrested for operating make-shift restaurants located right outside the Holot Facility. In accordance with the last amendment to the Anti-Infiltration Law, a person in Holot who is caught working outside the facility can be jailed for up to one month in Saharonim prison. This is despite the fact that they are “serving” 12 months in Holot, where they were sentenced without a trial. The establishment of these food stands came out of well documented complaints about the quality and quantity of food in Holot. Given the location of Holot near the Egyptian border, this was the only substantial food option for detainees.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
February 12, 2016 Asylum Seekers' Children in Danger at Day-Cares
A study conducted last year, which surveyed 47 unlicensed day-care centers in South Tel Aviv, found that asylum seekers' children are in real danger. The researchers of the study, Dr. Yael Meir and Prof. Michelle Slone of Tel Aviv University’s School of Psychological Sciences, found that many of the day-cares are understaffed and have numerous safety problems. Safety problems include poor ventilation, exposed electrical outlets, unsafe heaters, and poisonous cleaning materials within the children's reach. Five children died last year because of the unsafe conditions at these centers.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
February 8, 2016 Right Now Media Statement
It is with great sadness that we announce that the Israeli Knesset has passed the 6th Amendment to the "Anti-Infiltration Law." This law allows the imprisonment of asylum seekers without trial for up to 12 months at the Holot detention center (the previous amendment, overturned by the High Court allowed for 20 months), and continues the government's policies of encouraging "voluntary departure" through arrest, imprisonment, and financial "incentives."
Despite previous court rulings condemning Holot as a grave violation of human rights, the government continues to pursue policies that violate the rights of asylum seekers, contradict basic principles of international law and Jewish values, and have done nothing to improve the quality of life of Israeli citizens in south Tel Aviv.
We hope that the government will realize the wrongness of its ways, and pursue new policies that will allow those fleeing persecution already residing in Israel to live in dignity alongside the citizens of Israel. Until that time Right Now will continue to advocate tirelessly for the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
For the full news story, Click Here
Despite previous court rulings condemning Holot as a grave violation of human rights, the government continues to pursue policies that violate the rights of asylum seekers, contradict basic principles of international law and Jewish values, and have done nothing to improve the quality of life of Israeli citizens in south Tel Aviv.
We hope that the government will realize the wrongness of its ways, and pursue new policies that will allow those fleeing persecution already residing in Israel to live in dignity alongside the citizens of Israel. Until that time Right Now will continue to advocate tirelessly for the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
For the full news story, Click Here
January 26, 2016 Asylum Seekers Stage Walkout at Holot
African asylum seekers held in Israel’s Holot detention center staged a walkout from the cafeteria on Saturday night to protest the half-cooked food served at the facility. According to a report published last summer by the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, the food served to detainees in Holot does not meet their basic nutritional needs. We call upon the State of Israel to provide the detainees at Holot with the basic human needs that they are committed and obligated to provide under law.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
January 18, 2016 Eritrean Girl Finds Home Abroad
A young Eritrean girl who was stabbed by an Israeli man in Tel Aviv two years ago has been granted asylum in an unnamed European country. Rights groups negotiated the move to Europe, where the family will be granted humanitarian rights, as well as medical treatment and social welfare benefits.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
January 14, 2016 New Bill Proposed by Zionist Union
Although its chances of passage are slim, the Zionist Union has proposed a bill that permits to live and work in Israel be granted to 41,000 Eritrean and Sudanese asylum-seekers who cannot be deported to their home countries because of the dangerous conditions there. Right Now applauds this action and any efforts of those in the Knesset to address this issue in a constructive, forward-thinking way.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
December 29, 2015 Detention Center for Asylum Seekers is Full
The Times of Israel reports that the Holot Detention Center is now filled to capacity, at 3,300 -- raising serious questions about the sustainability of detention as a long-term policy for dealing with the estimated 47,000 African refugees and asylum seekers now in the country.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
November 9, 2015 Refuse Deportation, Face Unlimited Detention
Despite a legal appeal by human rights organizations, the Be'er Sheva District Court has upheld the right of the government to hold refugees who refuse to be deported to a third country (generally Uganda or Rwanda) indefinitely in Saharonim Prison. The ruling came despite considerable evidence presented to the court that those who had gone to Uganda and Rwanda faced "serious harm" upon arrival.
For the full news story, Click Here
For the full news story, Click Here
October 19, 2015 Asylum Seeker Killed by Mob
Twelve people were killed in a terror attack at the Be'er Sheva bus station on October 19, 2015. An Eritrean asylum seeker, by the name of Habtom Zarhum, 29, was misidentified as a terrorist, and was beaten by onlookers in what is now being described as a "lynch mob." The government is investigating the attack. For the full news story, Click Here
August 28, 2015 |
Right Now Media Statement |
Right Now and T’ruah denounce the recent action taken by the Israeli Government to expand detention to any Sudanese or Eritrean person regardless of the length of time they have been in the state. Right Now reminds Israel that under the Refugee Convention, which Israel signed in 1952, Asylum Seekers and Refugees are not to be detained indiscriminately. Right Now asks Israel to develop an asylum process consistent with the Refugee Convention, one that would respect the dignity of asylum seekers, protect their human rights, and facilitate meaningful and impartial determinations of refugee status by the government of Israel.
July 21, 2015 |
Right Now Media Statement |
“Right Now” wishes to express its deep concern over two disturbing developments in Israel’s policies toward African asylum seekers this week:
(1) The Beer Sheva District Court rejected a petition by Human Rights NGOs for an injunction against the government’s new policy of issuing “Deportation or Indefinite Imprisonment” orders to asylum seekers at the Holot detention facility. This decision dangerously disregards the evidence of threats facing asylum seekers who have been deported to Africa, as well as international law and Jewish law against refugee refoulement: "If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master. Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.” (Deut. 23).
(2) The Ministry of Interior announced that it will begin revoking the temporary visas and issuing Holot “summonses” of Eritrean and Sudanese male asylum seekers who arrived in Israel before Fall 2011 - thereby threatening loss of status and imprisonment to over 10,000 individuals. This announcement is a gross violation of previous Supreme Court decisions and an example of "Ona’at Devarim” - words meant to mislead and cause harm - as Israel has neither the legal authority nor the prison capacity to implement such a decision.
“Right Now” calls upon Israel’s leaders - and asks Jews and allies around the world to join us in calling upon Israel’s leaders - to reverse such decisions, to end policies of unjust imprisonment and incitement, and implement appropriate asylum policies that respect the Tzelem Elohim (the divine image) of every human being, and Israel’s obligations to justice and human rights as enshrined in international, Jewish, and Israeli law.
(1) The Beer Sheva District Court rejected a petition by Human Rights NGOs for an injunction against the government’s new policy of issuing “Deportation or Indefinite Imprisonment” orders to asylum seekers at the Holot detention facility. This decision dangerously disregards the evidence of threats facing asylum seekers who have been deported to Africa, as well as international law and Jewish law against refugee refoulement: "If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master. Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.” (Deut. 23).
(2) The Ministry of Interior announced that it will begin revoking the temporary visas and issuing Holot “summonses” of Eritrean and Sudanese male asylum seekers who arrived in Israel before Fall 2011 - thereby threatening loss of status and imprisonment to over 10,000 individuals. This announcement is a gross violation of previous Supreme Court decisions and an example of "Ona’at Devarim” - words meant to mislead and cause harm - as Israel has neither the legal authority nor the prison capacity to implement such a decision.
“Right Now” calls upon Israel’s leaders - and asks Jews and allies around the world to join us in calling upon Israel’s leaders - to reverse such decisions, to end policies of unjust imprisonment and incitement, and implement appropriate asylum policies that respect the Tzelem Elohim (the divine image) of every human being, and Israel’s obligations to justice and human rights as enshrined in international, Jewish, and Israeli law.
September 22, 2014 |
Right Now Applauds High Court of Justice's Ruling on Anti-Infiltration Amendment and Encourages More Policy Change and Action for Asylum Seeker Rights |
Today, Israel's High Court of Justice ruled that the Holot detention facility must be closed down within 90 days of the ruling. The Court also cancels Israel's Amendment to the Anti-Infiltration, which allowed for the imprisonment of asylum seekers without trial.
Right Now applauds the High Court's decision to end the practice of incarceration of African asylum seekers in Israel without due process and to close the Holot detention facility. Imprisoning people who have survived atrocities like genocide, torture, and human trafficking goes against the very values Israel was founded on. At least 2,000 asylum seekers who have been imprisoned at Holot will be freed within 90 days of the ruling.
However, while we are content with the Court's ruling, we will continue to advocate for the rights of the 47,000 asylum seekers in Israel. Without social rights like the right to work, and without a fair refugee status determination process, asylum seekers in Israel are unable to properly care for themselves and their families.
Because of the Jewish experience of the Exodus, the Torah commands us to protect the stranger in our midst 36 times. As a signatory of the Refugee Convention and as a state existing in the name of the Jewish people, the Right Now coalition will continue to advocate for:
"It's Time for a Real Solution that Will Benefit Both Residents of South Tel Aviv and the Asylum-Seekers"
The response of the petitioners, the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, the Association of Civil Rights in Israel, Assaf - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, Kav LaOved, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and Amnesty International-Israel:
"The Court made it clear today, once more, in a categorical and unequivocal manner, that the policy toward asylum-seekers cannot be solely based on mass detention of innocent people or complete disregard of the issue. We call on the government: This is the time to act for the mutual benefit of residents of southern Tel Aviv and asylum-seekers - by investing money in improving the infrastructure, welfare and health services in neighborhoods where many asylum-seekers reside, and by working to decrease the density of population in those areas by granting asylum-seekers work permits and encouraging Israelis to employ them.
In the ruling issued today, the High Court justices ruled seven to two that the Holot detention facility will be closed in three months, and until it is shut down, those detained within it will have to take part in two daily roll-calls instead of three. In addition. the ruling abrogated the article in the law that mandated a one-year detention in Saharonim prison for asylum-seekers who've arrived in Israel since the law came into effect in December 2013.
"The heart understands the difficulties, but the mind cannot accept the chosen solution" (Justice Fogelman, from the ruling)
Right Now applauds the High Court's decision to end the practice of incarceration of African asylum seekers in Israel without due process and to close the Holot detention facility. Imprisoning people who have survived atrocities like genocide, torture, and human trafficking goes against the very values Israel was founded on. At least 2,000 asylum seekers who have been imprisoned at Holot will be freed within 90 days of the ruling.
However, while we are content with the Court's ruling, we will continue to advocate for the rights of the 47,000 asylum seekers in Israel. Without social rights like the right to work, and without a fair refugee status determination process, asylum seekers in Israel are unable to properly care for themselves and their families.
Because of the Jewish experience of the Exodus, the Torah commands us to protect the stranger in our midst 36 times. As a signatory of the Refugee Convention and as a state existing in the name of the Jewish people, the Right Now coalition will continue to advocate for:
- a fair and timely Refugee Status Determination process, one that is in line with all other Western democratic countries,
- a cessation of Israel's deterrence policy of coercing asylum seekers to "voluntarily return,"
- social residency and the right to work, including work permits, health care, and welfare benefits,
- and the condemnation of all racist rhetoric and violent incitement towards the asylum seekers.
"It's Time for a Real Solution that Will Benefit Both Residents of South Tel Aviv and the Asylum-Seekers"
The response of the petitioners, the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, the Association of Civil Rights in Israel, Assaf - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, Kav LaOved, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and Amnesty International-Israel:
"The Court made it clear today, once more, in a categorical and unequivocal manner, that the policy toward asylum-seekers cannot be solely based on mass detention of innocent people or complete disregard of the issue. We call on the government: This is the time to act for the mutual benefit of residents of southern Tel Aviv and asylum-seekers - by investing money in improving the infrastructure, welfare and health services in neighborhoods where many asylum-seekers reside, and by working to decrease the density of population in those areas by granting asylum-seekers work permits and encouraging Israelis to employ them.
In the ruling issued today, the High Court justices ruled seven to two that the Holot detention facility will be closed in three months, and until it is shut down, those detained within it will have to take part in two daily roll-calls instead of three. In addition. the ruling abrogated the article in the law that mandated a one-year detention in Saharonim prison for asylum-seekers who've arrived in Israel since the law came into effect in December 2013.
"The heart understands the difficulties, but the mind cannot accept the chosen solution" (Justice Fogelman, from the ruling)
April 4, 2014 |
Eighth Annual Refugee Seder Set for Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, Holot Detention Facility, and Outside Israeli Embassy in Washington DC |
Eighth Annual Refugee Seder Set for Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, Holot Detention Facility, and Outside Israeli Embassy in Washington DC
Hundreds of Jews and Africans to Honor Ancient and Modern Exodus Stories as 1,500 Asylum Seekers Remain in Indefinite Detention in Israel as Freedom Festival of Passover Approaches.
Washington, DC, April 4, 2014– Since 2007, Israelis and African asylum seekers have come together for an annual interfaith Refugee Seder in Tel Aviv where they honor both ancient and modern exodus stories at Passover time.
This year, Refugee Seders will be held in three places: Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, outside of the Holot “open” facility in an isolated area of the Negev desert where approximately 1,500 African asylum seekers are housed in indefinite detention, and outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. These events intend to bring Jews and non-Jews together to celebrate freedom and show solidarity with the more than 50,000 people who escaped war, violence, or persecution in their home countries and are seeking protection in Israel.
Who/What: In Israel, the Refugee Seders are co-organized by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel, BINA, the African Refugee Development Center (ARDC), ASSAF: Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, the Eritrean Community Women's Center, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Shalom Hartman Institute, Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism, Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, and others.
The Washington, DC Refugee Seder is co-organized by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel, Partners for Progressive Israel, Ameinu, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Hashomer Hatzair North America, Habonim Dror North America, Darfur Interfaith Network, and Act for Sudan.
Where/When: The Refugee Seder in Washington, DC will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, outside of the Embassy of Israel (3514 International Drive, NW).
The Refugee Seder in Tel Aviv will be on Thursday, April 10, 2014, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, in Rabin Square.
The Refugee Seder outside of the Holot “open” detention facility will be Friday, April 11, 2014, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Buses will depart from Levinsky Park at 10:00 am and return before Shabbat begins.
Hundreds of Jews and Africans to Honor Ancient and Modern Exodus Stories as 1,500 Asylum Seekers Remain in Indefinite Detention in Israel as Freedom Festival of Passover Approaches.
Washington, DC, April 4, 2014– Since 2007, Israelis and African asylum seekers have come together for an annual interfaith Refugee Seder in Tel Aviv where they honor both ancient and modern exodus stories at Passover time.
This year, Refugee Seders will be held in three places: Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, outside of the Holot “open” facility in an isolated area of the Negev desert where approximately 1,500 African asylum seekers are housed in indefinite detention, and outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. These events intend to bring Jews and non-Jews together to celebrate freedom and show solidarity with the more than 50,000 people who escaped war, violence, or persecution in their home countries and are seeking protection in Israel.
Who/What: In Israel, the Refugee Seders are co-organized by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel, BINA, the African Refugee Development Center (ARDC), ASSAF: Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, the Eritrean Community Women's Center, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Shalom Hartman Institute, Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism, Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, and others.
The Washington, DC Refugee Seder is co-organized by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel, Partners for Progressive Israel, Ameinu, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Hashomer Hatzair North America, Habonim Dror North America, Darfur Interfaith Network, and Act for Sudan.
Where/When: The Refugee Seder in Washington, DC will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, outside of the Embassy of Israel (3514 International Drive, NW).
The Refugee Seder in Tel Aviv will be on Thursday, April 10, 2014, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, in Rabin Square.
The Refugee Seder outside of the Holot “open” detention facility will be Friday, April 11, 2014, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Buses will depart from Levinsky Park at 10:00 am and return before Shabbat begins.
January 19, 2014 |
Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel Joins the Freedom4Refugees International Solidarity Movement in Protesting at 10 Israeli Consulates and Embassies Worldwide |
Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel Joins Freedom4Refugees in Protesting at 10 Israeli Consulates and Embassies Worldwide on January 22, 2014
Diaspora Jewish Communities Join Protests to Express Solidarity and Support for the Human Rights of African Asylum Seekers in Israel
Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2014-Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel is announcing solidarity with the grassroots international solidarity movement for the African asylum seekers in Israel, Freedom4Refugees. The protests are taking place in ten cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Toronto, London, Stockholm, Berlin, and Rome.
In Los Angeles, the protests will take place outside of the Consulate General of Israel, located at 11766 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, 90025. The demonstration will begin at 9:30 am.
Right Now is a coalition that represents Diaspora Jews and allies who demand that Israel uphold the rights of the African asylum seekers in Israel, who have gone on strike, marched, and protested against the new Anti-Infiltration Law Israel, which came into effect on December 12, 2013. This new law allows for asylum seekers to be detained in an “open facility” in an isolated area in the Negev desert. The Israeli government, according to the new law, is permitted to round up asylum seekers and place them in internment camps, where they are not permitted to work, must report to authorities three times a day, and will be locked in at night. There is no end date to this detention.
“The new law does not comply with the ruling made by the High Court of Israel last year, in which it they ruled that detaining asylum seekers for long or indefinite periods of time violates Israel’s Basic Law on Human Dignity and Liberty,” says Maya Paley, Co-Founder of Right Now. “Indefinite detention along with a lack of a refugee status determination process is inhumane, immoral, illegal according to international law, and we believe, illegal according to Israeli law as expressed by the High Court just a few months ago. These people are survivors of genocide, torture, human trafficking, and forced military conscription. As a Jew in the Diaspora, I join others like myself in saying that the asylum seekers deserve no less than to be treated with humanity and respect in a country that exists in my name.”
The 55,000 asylum seekers in Israel are mainly from Sudan and Eritrea. They equal less than 1% of Israel’s population and have protested peacefully and respectfully for the past few months to demand their rights. Right Now joins the demonstrators in urging Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister of Interior Gideon Saar to cease all detention of asylum seekers without due process and to provide asylum seekers with a real, transparent, and fair Refugee Statues Determination procedure, one that assesses each individual’s claim and provides protection and support for refugees. These actions would be in accordance with the 1951 Refugee Convention, which Israel is signatory of, with Jewish values of Tikkun Olam and human rights, and with Israel’s values of basic dignity and respect.
Diaspora Jewish Communities Join Protests to Express Solidarity and Support for the Human Rights of African Asylum Seekers in Israel
Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2014-Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel is announcing solidarity with the grassroots international solidarity movement for the African asylum seekers in Israel, Freedom4Refugees. The protests are taking place in ten cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Toronto, London, Stockholm, Berlin, and Rome.
In Los Angeles, the protests will take place outside of the Consulate General of Israel, located at 11766 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, 90025. The demonstration will begin at 9:30 am.
Right Now is a coalition that represents Diaspora Jews and allies who demand that Israel uphold the rights of the African asylum seekers in Israel, who have gone on strike, marched, and protested against the new Anti-Infiltration Law Israel, which came into effect on December 12, 2013. This new law allows for asylum seekers to be detained in an “open facility” in an isolated area in the Negev desert. The Israeli government, according to the new law, is permitted to round up asylum seekers and place them in internment camps, where they are not permitted to work, must report to authorities three times a day, and will be locked in at night. There is no end date to this detention.
“The new law does not comply with the ruling made by the High Court of Israel last year, in which it they ruled that detaining asylum seekers for long or indefinite periods of time violates Israel’s Basic Law on Human Dignity and Liberty,” says Maya Paley, Co-Founder of Right Now. “Indefinite detention along with a lack of a refugee status determination process is inhumane, immoral, illegal according to international law, and we believe, illegal according to Israeli law as expressed by the High Court just a few months ago. These people are survivors of genocide, torture, human trafficking, and forced military conscription. As a Jew in the Diaspora, I join others like myself in saying that the asylum seekers deserve no less than to be treated with humanity and respect in a country that exists in my name.”
The 55,000 asylum seekers in Israel are mainly from Sudan and Eritrea. They equal less than 1% of Israel’s population and have protested peacefully and respectfully for the past few months to demand their rights. Right Now joins the demonstrators in urging Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister of Interior Gideon Saar to cease all detention of asylum seekers without due process and to provide asylum seekers with a real, transparent, and fair Refugee Statues Determination procedure, one that assesses each individual’s claim and provides protection and support for refugees. These actions would be in accordance with the 1951 Refugee Convention, which Israel is signatory of, with Jewish values of Tikkun Olam and human rights, and with Israel’s values of basic dignity and respect.
