At a conference sponsored by SHATIL and the Forum for Immigrant Families in the North, MK and former Absorption Minister Marina Solodkin (Kadimah) claimed the Israeli government abandoned the immigrant public in the North during the second Lebanon War and has yet to rehabilitate them.

Solodkin spoke at "Not for Sabras Only: Immigrants' Access to Crisis Intervention Services." At the Haifa gathering, SHATIL and the Forum presented the findings of a study they initiated showing the majority of immigrants do not use Israel's social and community services, even when they are in distress or crisis.

The study exposed the need for culturally sensitive services and treatment and for greater mutual understanding between the immigrant populations and the absorption and welfare authorities. One hundred twenty professionals, NGO directors and government decision makers took part in the November 13th gathering.

David Ben-Yemini

David Ben-Yemini, head of the Northern Rehabilitation Authority in the Prime Minister's Office, stated that a joint effort of the Ministries of Absorption and Welfare, SHATIL and immigrant representatives is the key to improving conditions for immigrants in the North. He praised SHATIL for its proven and effective work in building post-war civil society in the North.

The day after the Conference, Ben-Yemini asked SHATIL and the Forum to initiate a think tank to tackle the issues aired and to examine the feasibility of creating an emergency center for immigrants.

The Forum for Immigrant Families in the North was founded with SHATIL assistance by FSU immigrant women psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers and social and community workers after the second Lebanon War, which hit the immigrant community especially hard