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'No such thing as illegal children'

Hundreds rally in support of foreign workers

Human rights activists, foreign workers rally in Tel Aviv to protest immigration authority's intention to deport families whose children were born in Israel

Some 300 foreign workers and human rights activists rallied in Tel Aviv Saturday, protesting the Interior Ministry's new immigration policies.

 

The ministry announced recently that the Immigration Police's duties will be taken over by the newly formed Oz Unit. Yaakov Ganot, who heads the National Immigration Authority, will also head the new unit.

 

The protesters said they feared the new unit may deport families who have children – many of whom were born in Israel.


The rally (Photo: Yaron Brener)  

 

The protestors carried signs reading "There's no such thing as illegal children" and "Don't deport our children," while their children carried signs reading "Israel is my home."

 

Knesset Member Dov Khenin (Hadash), who took part in the rally, told Ynet that "deporting refugees is a disgrace… this country was formed for refugees." Khenin also called on immigration authorities to immediately cease all deportation procedures.

 

The Hadash MK further said that the anti-infiltration law must be annulled since it calls for radical punishment against anyone assisting refugees.

 

The Oz Unit's mission statement is to encourage illegal foreign workers to leave Israel freely. The unit is set to assist those who choose to do so.

 

Avi Cohen contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.11.09, 22:04
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