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ASSAF - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
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Denial of the legitimacy of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel
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15/11/2009
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ASSAF – Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation of refugees’ status in Israel. In cooperation with human rights partner organizations, ASSAF is working to effect policy change, and in particular, to prevent the instatement of the recently proposed “Infiltration Prevention Law” - a draconian law which will allow long-term imprisonment of all refugees (including children, minors, and women) that illegally cross the Egypt-Israel border. This draconian law has been presented as a need to preserve the security of the Israeli state, where in fact refugees trying to enter Israel are themselves fleeing from gravely dangerous situations in their home countries and are in desperate need of refuge.
Today there are some 20,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. An overwhelming majority of Israeli’s key decision makers see fit to impose harsh policies and sanctions on the entry of refugees and asylum seekers. Some are in favour of deporting refugees that are already in the country – an act that would be, if carried out, in flagrant violation of the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees of which Israel is a signatory.
ASSAF is actively involved in campaigning, advocating for and promoting awareness of refugees’ rights, and is actively involved in trying to change the detrimental policies which damage the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
For related media links in Hebrew and in English:
Article on recent petition submitted to allow refugees access to representation (English):
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3802684,00.html
Article on Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai’s recent statement;
“Refugee children are a danger to the Jewish State” (Hebrew):
http://news.walla.co.il/?w=//1589828
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Original article
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Policy Campaign to change refugees and asylum seekers legal rights
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01/08/2009
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Along with a number of key partners, ASSAF has been leading an intensive media campaign in order to challenge the proposed draft of the Infiltration Law which was voted by the Knesset in its first round. Due to this widespread national campaign which has consisted of articles, demonstrations and petitioning the public, the last week has seen some very positive changes in public policy. The "Hadera Gadera" restriction, which was implemented in January 2008, thereby limiting refugees' and asylum seekers freedom to live and work in Israel's centre, was lifted by the Ministry of Interior. Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday announced that the planned deportation of non-Israeli children (of refugees and migrant workers) would be delayed by 3 months. This intensive campaign has proved that public compassion will override harsh governmental policy which has been making life exceptionally difficult, and depressing, for the thousands of refugees in Israel who have fled oppression and civil war in their countries of birth.
The struggle is not yet over and ASSAF plans to continue its efforts to pressure key authorities to develop a just system for the fair treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
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World Refugee Day 2009
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16/06/2009
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In cooperation with 11 other Israeli NGOs, ASSAF - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers is organizing a live event in commemoration of World Refugee Day. This event aims to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel and around the world, and to serve as a platform for expanding our base of friends and supporters.
This is also a forum for the refugee community to express themselves through music, creativity and to expose their cultures and histories. Please find attached an invitation to this event.
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Attachment
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Among our supporters:
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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יעל
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מיטל
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