Israel to Deport 400 Children

Q: What do Arizona and Israel have in common? A: An uncanny disregard for immigrant rights. Two weeks ago the Israeli Cabinet voted to deport 400 children of migrant workers, and even after the wife of the Israeli prime minister wrote a letter pleading for amnesty for them, the Cabinet has refused to reconsider.

As in most immigration paradoxes, Israel needs labor — it has encouraged thousands of foreign workers to take jobs after it barred most Palestinians from employment inside Israel — but many Israelis also insist on “ensuring the Jewish character of the state of Israel,” which migrant workers would necessarily dilute. –JCL

The Guardian:

The wife of the Israeli prime minister has protested over a decision by her husband’s cabinet to deport 400 children of migrant workers, adding her voice to an emotional debate about the nature of the Jewish state.

Sara Netanyahu wrote a letter to Eli Yishai, the hardline cabinet member in charge of the deportation programme, appealing for a review of the controversial decision, which is backed by her husband, Binyamin Netanyahu.

“I appeal to you as a mother of two young boys and a psychologist in the public service,” wrote Mrs Netanyahu. “I am asking you, from the bottom of my heart, to … allow the vast majority of the 400 remaining children to stay in Israel.”

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