Foreign workers' kids appeal to ministers
Children of illegal aliens travel to Jerusalem, call on cabinet ministers entering government meeting to legalize their status in Israel, end deportation. 'I want to ask the prime minister why he doesn't want children,' says five-year-old Maya
The children who gathered in the area carried signs reading, "Cancel deportation, don't postpone it", "Israeli child – Israeli citizenship".
They also proceeded to sing songs celebrating the Land of Israel. The children prepared letters with a personal appeal to each one of the ministers, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
One child wrote in his letter, "I, Jonathan, attend school, love to ride my bicycle, stop the deportation – this is the land I was born in," to which he also enclosed a drawing of the Israel flag.
"A clear and humanitarian policy must be achieved which will not tear away Israeli children from the lap of their culture," the parents wrote in a separate letter intended for the ministers.
Children protest in Jerusaelm (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Claudia, a foreign worker from Colombia who arrived in Israel nine years ago has been raising her only daughter Maya, who was born in Israel. "I work in cleaning jobs and raise my daughter, who was born here and knows no other way of life. I am very concerned she will be deported," she said.
Little Maya also took part in the struggle and said that Israel was the only home for her. "I have many friends in kindergarten, Adi. Dan, Daniel. I came here because I wanted to talk to the prime minister; I want to ask him why he doesn't want children."
Minister for Minority Affairs Avishay Braverman, who arrived at the scene, collected the children's letters and promised to deliver them to the ministers in the meeting.
"The government meeting will soon commence. You should be embraced as Israelis and I am going to say this to all the ministers," he told the protestors. "It is our duty and I am sure it will happen, in a major way," he added.
