There’s a lot of talk in Israel about the difference between refugees and migrants. Some apologists for the government’s revolting treatment of refugees and foreign workers claim that most African nationals who come to Israel and claim to be refugees are actually migrant workers and so must be deported. As a migrant myself I wholeheartedly support people’s struggle for a better life through immigration. I believe that the majority of Africans who come to Israel do so as genuine refugees but even those who may do so to look for work are running a way from a life of misery and poverty and are trying to improve the lives of their families, just like many Jews did in the past and many Israelis do in the present (myself included).
On December 18th, come celebrate immigration and diversity in Tel Aviv as part of International Migrants Day. Here’s the event blurb (unedited):
Movies/Performances/Food Festival/Information Booths
Tel Aviv Cinemathéque, December 18, 2010, from 2PM
The International Migrants Day is celebrated around the world in respect of the contribution of migrants to the economies and well-being of their host and home countries, and for the promotion of their human rights. Migrants, refugees and Israeli human rights activists, joint with Tel Aviv Cinematheque, will host this annual multi culture event for the tenth time. The program includes movies revolving migrants and refugees, as well as an international festival of foods prepared by local migrant communities and performances by migrant workers’ group. Our event is complimented by similar cultural events around the world. We invite you to join us!
The Program:
14:00
I’m Not Filipina
(Israel 2010, 51 min), Directed by: Anat Tel
16:00
Paraiso Travel
(Colombia 2008, 110 min), Director: Simón Brand
17:00 – 20:00
• Food Festival Presented by Various Migrant Communities
• Performances by
Various Migrant Communities
QUAMI
• Activities for Children
• Information Stands by Human Rights Organizations
18:00
Across Borders
(Israel 2008, 50 min), Director: Nitzan Horowitz
A Panel will be held before the screening on “infiltrators or migrants”?
With: Nitzan Horowitz, Knesset Member and director of this film, Adv. Reut Michaeli, manager of Hotline for Migrant Workers and Journalist Ben Dror Yemini.
20:15
World Class Kids
(Israel 2010, 54 min), Director: Neta Levi
21:30
The Human Resources Manager
(Israel, 2010, 103 min)
21:30
Desert Flower (Germany/England, 2009, 124 min)
Dir: Sherry Horman
This day is made possible thanks to the generous support of organizations, foundations and individuals.