Tag: The Jerusalem Post

Nepali community finds comfort in performance arts

by adminin Migrant workers, Writing

dsc05621The Jerusalem Post, August 27, 2010

In the past several weeks, Israel’s Nepali community has hosted a flurry of events to entertain and support its workers.

Nepali artists performed at two of the events put on by Namaste Entertainment, a Kathmandu-based organization that aims to give migrant workers temporary relief from difficult circumstances while promoting Nepali performers and culture abroad.

“It’s a well-known saying, ‘Music is a medicine for all,’” begins Namaste Entertainment’s mission statement, which goes on to discuss the stress and pain of working overseas. Programs provide temporary “peace of mind” by making workers “feel at home.” The organization also hopes that events will serve as a platform for local Nepalese to meet and build a stronger community.

Palden Sherpa, event manager of Namaste Entertainment, remarked, “We are trying to entertain Nepalese workers to give them strength.” His organization is also connected with Kathmandu’s Disabled Rehabilitation Center (DRC). Profits from events organized by Namaste Entertainment are donated to the DRC.

On a recent Friday night more than 200 Nepalis, and a handful of Israelis, attended a Nepali dance competition held in South Tel Aviv.

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An undiplomatic move

by adminin Miscellaneous, Writing

dsc00268The Jerusalem Post, August 20, 2010

As Shabbat drew to a close Saturday, more than 2000 protestors marched against the deportation of migrant workers’ children. On August 1, the Israeli cabinet adopted criteria that will make 800 children eligible for naturalization, subjecting another 400 to deportation. Observers have pointed out that many minors who seem to meet the criteria for naturalization could fall through the bureaucratic cracks, significantly raising the number of those who face expulsion.

Amongst Saturday’s demonstrators were the embassy cases—families that, in a twist of irony, are threatened with deportation because they spent many years working in Israel legally.

In 2005, Israel announced that it would give residency to migrant workers’ children. A one-time decision, similar to that made in early August, parents rushed to file the paperwork.

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Falling through the cracks

by adminin Writing

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The Jerusalem Post, August 13, 2010

Despite the imminent deportation of 400 migrant workers’ children, South Tel Aviv’s black market kindergartens are still up and running.

Sometimes referred to as “pirate kindergartens” or “babysitters,” this is where most of the kids who face expulsion spend their days. Many of the older children who meet the government’s criteria for naturalization also come to the kindergartens, arriving in the afternoon during the school year.

Almost all are operated in the homes of undocumented migrant workers. The kindergartens range in condition from the unthinkable—one woman, alone, with dozens of children and only a bucket for a toilet—to the near-professional.

At one, backpacks hang neatly from a rack by the door. The walls are painted a cheerful combination of rose and apricot. Children sit on bright yellow chairs, playing with blocks and puzzles. They seem to have no problems cooperating or sharing. One little boy works on a puzzle alone, a look of intent focus on his face as he slides each piece across the table.
In another room, toddlers are out of their cribs, padding about on a red, oriental carpet. One of the kindergarten’s three employees hands out snacks.

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Lawyer guilty of document scam must refund ill-gotten gains

by adminin Migrant workers, Writing

dsc02443The Jerusalem Post, July 23, 2010

Muhammad Fokra, a local attorney accused of cheating scores of migrant workers and Palestinians out of thousands of dollars, has been ordered by a Tel Aviv court to refund his clients. The civil suit against Fokra was filed by attorney David Ben-Haim, who represented 25 migrant laborers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Romania and Turkey. They are thought to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of other migrant workers are believed to have fallen victim to the scam.

Almost all tell a similar story. Most had either lost or overstayed their work visas. And Fokra, who keeps an office in Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station – a popular meeting place for foreign workers – promised to protect them from deportation.

After they’d paid between $3,000 and $4,000, Fokra provided his clients, most of whom don’t read or write Hebrew, with court documents. According to his clients, Fokra claimed the paperwork meant they could stay in Israel and continue to work for up to five years.

Some say Fokra referred to it as a “protection visa” – a category that does not exist.

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