By Darcelle Lindor
Nation turns its back on people in need of protection
From 1933 to 1945, Jewish people were victims of the horrific genocide known as the Holocaust. It had the intent of wiping out the Jewish population. The Jewish community has made great accomplishments after that period, and Israel stands as a democratic nation prideful of their Jewish heritage. Even with the painful history the Jewish people have of persecution, Israels government has chosen to withhold aid and security from the 50,000 asylum seekers that have entered the country. Many Africans have turned to Israel as a shield of protection from the war and repression they have faced in their own countries. They came to Israel with plenty of hope for a better life. But, they were devastated when they encountered the same injustice they were originally fleeing from.
The country’s strict policy has made it impossible for asylum seekers to gain refugee status.
Without official status, they are not entitled to work permits, welfare or healthcare services. They can even be imprisoned at the Holot detention facility for more than a year. From 2009 to 2013, only 15% have been given refugee status-a number significantly lower, as compared to other countries. The government views the Africans seeking asylum as economic migrants, who will infiltrate the land and rob Israel of its Jewish identity. It is illegal under international law to deport asylum seekers. Therefore, activists believe that Israel puts asylum seekers through these harsh conditions in hopes of pressuring them to leave the country.
The world expects more from the land of Jesus. | Photo courtesy: UnsplashFleeing in hopes of a better life
29-year-old former business teacher, Shiden Kiflai fled from Eritrea due to war and religious persecution. He, at one point, was thrown in jail after getting caught practicing his Pentecostal beliefs. After this, he fled to Sudan, but after a war erupted between the rebels and the government, he finally went to Israel. He was certain that Israel would welcome him with security. But on his arrival in 2011, he was shot seven times by Border Guards. He still resides in Israel with only a temporary visa. He is yet to be given asylum.
Walyaldin Suliman, a barber, left Darfur after his village was destroyed by government militias. Once he reached Israel in 2012, he found the majority of refugees residing in a park without any food. He held protests in hopes of change. But, the government policies remain the same. In 2015, in Tel Aviv, police arrested seven people for attendance at a graduation party held for Taj Jemy- a Sudanese asylum seeker, for not bringing in visas.
Forgetting the years of oppression Israeli Jews had faced
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Asylum seekers should be a reminder to Israel of the deadly conditions their people endured for years in Nazi Germany.[/su_pullquote]
Asylum seekers should be a reminder to Israel of the deadly conditions their people endured for years in Nazi Germany. Democracy is about including and respecting all, not just a particular group. Asylum seekers remaining in Israel are a part of the community. They should be given the same respect that the government provides for its Jewish citizens.
The Jewish people have a history of oppression and mistreatment. It is baffling that as a proud Jewish nation Israel is partaking in similar inhumane conditions their own people once fought hard to be freed from.