JDCA applauds Israel’s abandonment of deportation plan

Israel’s decision yesterday to abandon its plan to forcibly deport African migrants isn’t just a welcome political development of Tikkun Olam—repairing of the world. The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) is glad to see Israel take moral and political leadership on this important issue.

As a beacon of democracy and pluralism in the Middle East, Israel should extend a welcome to refugees who are running from war-torn countries in fear of their lives, and to remember African migrants are the very same type of people that Jews once were strangers in a strange land. Israel’s plan to forcibly deport them was a betrayal of its values—a denial of asylum to those who needed it most. In abandoning this plan, Israel has truly lived up to its foundational values.

It is a proud day for Israel, and a proud day for the Jewish community.