*This is a New Generations Event, for people in their 20s and 30s.*

Infiltrators or Refugees?
African Asylum Seekers in Israel

With Joanna Packer, Former NIF/SHATIL Social Justice Fellow



Sunday, March 10, 2013
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Doors open at 6:45, program to begin by 7:05

At the home of Alana Alpert in Jamaica Plain.
(exact address available upon RSVP)

Click here to RSVP.

 

Headlines of violence and incitement against African asylum seekers in Israel have highlighted the plight of this community and the complexity of their situation.  Since 2005, more than 60,000 African refugees and asylum-seekers have crossed into Israel, primarily moving into areas that already suffer from underfunding and neglect.  With a broken asylum process and heightened anti-refugee rhetoric, these asylum seekers are now in the political cross-hairs.  Join us as NIF/SHATIL Social Justice Fellowship alum Joanna Packer guides us through this complicated issue and reflects on her time working at the African Refugee Development Center in Tel Aviv.

This event is co-sponsored by the Right Now Coalition.

This event is part of the Boston New Gen event series "What We Talk About When We Talk About Israel," which is designed to give participants a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and Israeli society.  Coming from the New Israel Fund’s deep belief in the importance of Israel’s dual status as a Jewish and democratic state, this series provides an open space for learning and engaging with content and ideas.  Read more and see upcoming events here.


New Israel Fund: New Generations is an open and vibrant community of young professionals, social activists, community leaders, and others in their 20s and 30s who are committed to the work of the New Israel Fund, the leading organization promoting social justice and equality for all Israelis.  New Gen provides an opportunity to learn about and engage with the most important issues facing Israel today through lectures, group discussions, and social events.

    
Please join New Israel Fund and Congregation Emanu-El for a special performance of Wrestling Jerusalem, a play about an American boy, Israel and a question of conscience.  Written and performed by Aaron Davidman.

Friday, March 15
7:00 PM – Shabbat Service
8:00 PM – Performance
At Congregation Emanu-El (Martin Meyer Sanctuary)
2 Lake Street, San Francisco

Admission is FREE! RSVP not required, but we’d love to know you’re coming:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information click HERE

The New Israel Fund’s Atlanta Regional Council
Invites You to a Special Intimate Evening for Friends and Supporters of NIF
Beta Yisrael:  Ethiopian Jews in the Promised Land
with:

·   A private tour of the Oglethorpe University Museum exhibit
·    A premier screening of Neither Here Nor There, a documentary film by Navit Robkin Salzberg
·   A conversation with Maritu Enyu Tadesse
*Space is limited*

About the exhibit:
“Beta Israel: Ethiopian Jews and the Promised Land,” is an exhibition that explores the mass migration of Ethiopian Jews into modern Israeli society and the integration difficulties they faced. The exhibition features 100 photographs by South African photojournalist Ilan Ossendryver and is running through April 21, 2013.

About Neither Here Nor There:
This 46-minute documentary explores Ethiopian and Russian immigration to Israel through the eyes of politicians, young adults, and young immigrants. By comparing the two immigration experiences, we notice the differences and similarities of their experiences and how the tensions between the two groups emerge.

About Maritu Enyu Tadesse:
Having escaped Ethiopia in 1983, Maritu came to Atlanta by way of Canada 16 years ago. Her family was left behind, including her father, a 14th generation religious leader.  They left a year later, some to join her and others to Israel.  Her Israeli relatives appear in Neither Here Nor There. Maritu was recently in Israel where she celebrated Jewish wedding.

As part of its work to promote equality and justice for all Israel’s citizens, the New Israel Fund has a long-standing commitment to supporting the work of Ethiopian Israelis to strengthen and empower their community.  The work of organizations NIF supports includes promoting the acceptance of Ethiopian Jews into Israeli social and religious life; addressing unemployment and housing issues; ensuring equal access to education; providing opportunities for youth-at-risk; and empowering leaders in the community.

Renewal, Peace and Possibility in Challenging Times

Click here to learn more.