Compassion VS. Law
Philippines Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial has written to Education Minister Rafi Peretz, Democratic Union leader Nitzan Horowitz and MK Tamar Zandberg to thank them for their show of support and compassion for Filipino nationals and their children, who are facing possible deportation due to their undocumented status in Israel.
Imperial wrote that his embassy has reminded Filipino nationals to respect and abide by Israeli laws and regulations, and that the embassy cooperates with the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) to ensure that repatriations are carried out in the most orderly and humane manner.
In his letter to Peretz, Imperial wrote: “I acknowledge, as well, your deep concern for the possible impact of these events on undocumented Filipino children and for speaking up on behalf of their welfare. The Embassy recognizes the challenges that our nationals and their children will face upon return to the Philippines. We have sought to address these by providing repatriation benefits to our workers. Since 2017, we have also partnered with a local school, Bialik Rogozin, on an after-school Filipino Language and Culture program that seeks to teach young Filipinos our national language and provide them with information about their country and cultural identity.”
Several Israeli radio and television news anchors have expressed outrage at the way Israeli-born children of Filipino descent are being treated by PIBA.
In an interview on Reshet Bet this week, PIBA Director-General Shlomo Mor Yosef admitted that on a personal level, he felt uncomfortable with the deportations, but insisted that every country has immigration laws which must be adhered to and Israel is no exception, especially if it wants to maintain its Jewish character.
Source: www.jpost.com