The Question of African Refugees in Israel

Over the past year Israel has experienced a sharp rise in illegal immigration of African refugees. While there is no accurate count of the number of African refugees that have arrived in Israel in recent years, a generous estimate puts the figure at about 10,000.

What should Israel do, if anything, about the new situation?

Several months ago, the Vilnai bill passed the first reading by a large majority. In a series of legal expressions, the bill regularizes the detainment, trial, punishment, and expulsion procedures of illegal refugees and immigrants.

If approved, the legislation would make it possible to sentence all border infiltrators - refugees or not - to up to five years in prison. Infiltrators from enemy states, including Sudan, could be sentenced to up to seven years, and the release of a prisoner could be delayed if a "security source" submitted a written opinion that the infiltrator's country of origin was a place where acts were carried out that threatened the security of Israel or its citizens. The bill would also permit the arrest of children and families who are caught crossing the border.

Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said the bill was necessary to stem the increase in the infiltrators entering from Sinai, and expressed optimism that it would have a deterrent effect.

But many others, including Yediot Achronot journalist Uri Misgav, believe that deporting refugees sets a new standard of cruelty for the State of Israel.

Misgav argues three main points in his opposition to the bill.

First, Misgav argues that the amount of African refugees in Israel is so small it does not even influence the demographic status quo in Israel. Second, he argues that Israel has a responsiblity to take care of refugees because of the Jewish people's unique historical connection to refugees. Misgav reminds us of the Jewish refugees after WWII, who were rejected and persecuted by all other nations, were in a similar position to that of the African refugees arriving in Israel today. Finally, besides our own historical similarities with the refugees, Misgav concludes by reminding the State of Israel that it is their duty to be a shining light unto other nations.

While Israel has yet to deport the refugees to Egypt or their home countries, where they could face punishment from hostile authorities. At the same time, Israel is wary of being too hospitable to the newcomers; there are several million African refugees in Egypt and Sudan, and Israel really doesn't want to encourage them. Last week, a frustrated Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered authorities to "tighten supervision" of the border to bar "infiltrators," and he directed that those already here be "transferred to detention centers" or, if possible, deported. 06/12/08