Adversity, population density, and lack of employment motivate many people to leave their countries and look for another country in which to make a living.
And Israel has turned into a magnet for immigrants from all over the world.
[Tamar Schwartz, Mesila, Aid and Information Center for the Foreign Community in Israel]:
"Why do foreign workers come here? Because ours is a western, normal, and rich country. In this age of globalization, we are considered a country that employs workers, and not a country that exports workers. Third world countries export workers, the same way as we export hi-tech, oranges and whatever. This country is the land of milk and honey, and a gold mine for these people. They can come here and make a living, and send most of the money to their countries of origin."
So, what is the problem? Why are so many of them asked to leave Israel?
[Tamar Schwartz, Mesila, Aid and Information Center for the Foreign Community in Israel]:
"It is a regulation of the Ministry of the Interior, according to which a foreign worker who gives birth loses her visa, unless she sends the child back home and doesn't raise the child herself. If she decides to raise him here, she would automatically turn illegal, even if she had a visa."
We met with workers whose families and children were sent back.
[Fei, Foreign Worker from the Philippines]:
"I have 2 children. My firstborn was sent to the Philippines when he was born."
[Risa Deliosa, Foreign Worker from the Philippines]:
"I haven't seen them for 10 years. It's rough, for a mother it's rough. Having distance with your family is very hard, nothing compares to your family. I arrived here in 2000. Now it is already 2010, I haven't seen my children for over 10 years. I only see them via the Internet."
So why do these people choose to leave their families and children and go work in Israel?
[Fei, Foreign Worker from the Philippines]:
"It is because we don't have enough work in the Philippines. It's a poor country, and many people are unemployed, so I decided to take a risk and come here."
[Risa Deliosa, Foreign Worker from the Philippines]:
"It is for my family, so my children can go to school, so I can... it is so I can send money to the Philippines, I can provide sustenance, if they want something they can buy it."
Usually foreign workers want to stay in Israel, despite the distance from their families.
[Risa Deliosa, Foreign Worker from the Philippines]:
"There are very good people here. There are people who've helped me, there are many people to whom I say thank you very much, to all the people who help me out, it is from the bottom of my heart."
But some immigrant children have managed to stay -- so far.
[Makra Silasi, Ethiopian Child]:
"I feel good here in Israel, and I want to stay here. I have many friends [in Israel], and I want to play football with them."
There are children from various nationalities, including the Philippines, Morocco, Ethiopia and more.
[Miriam Phatimi, Born in Israel to Moroccan Parents]: (Female, Hebrew)
"I have friends from France, friends from here [Israel], I have friends almost everywhere in the world..."
But the Israeli government has now decided to evict some of the children, along with their parents.
[Tamar Schwartz, Mesila, Aid and Information Center for the Foreign Community in Israel]:
"Children who are above 5 years old can receive residency status; children under 5 are not entitled for residency status and are facing deportation."
This is not a simple issue, but a moral and political question which still remains open.
Reporter: Israela Yablonka Photographer: Anat Markram
NTD news, Israel
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Ridiculous
PtAltmVansanTarr 1 month ago
what a retarded systerm they have normally if u are born there u will get a passport not the oppsite
charlieiscool1000 1 year ago
One lose their Visa if they give birth in Israel?! What kind of stupid rule is that. Total evil madness.
yoniii 1 year ago
As someone who has & always will support the Jewish State of Israel I will say that we should welcome these children. If policy towards how many for. workers & other issues need 2b worked out in the future they can. Israel is a wonderful place in order for it 2 remain that way we should both respect it sincerely in its decisions & for what it has 2 offer many in the world/region. I think it is beautiful to see people of all faithes/ethnicity find peace, opportunity & prosperity in Israel. Shalom
daderone 1 year ago
G-d bless Israel
citizenlizard 1 year ago