Israel announced that it is going to grant temporary residency status to 200 Darfur refugees out of the group of 8,000 waiting for a response for their request for political asylum in Israel. This new status will permit them to work as well as traveling in and out of the country.

This refers to the group of the refugees who fled Africa, and in many cases, only to come and terrorize residents of southern Tel Aviv. Since the arrival of the refugees, southern Tel Aviv has become off limits in the eyes of many who fear visiting the area in light of the crime attributed to the African refugees, which includes muggings and break-ins. In addition, they work illegally in many areas, taking jobs from citizens.

Proponents applaud the humanistic move, crying for the same for thousands of others living in a detention center. Opponents decry the move and fear the decision will set a dangerous precedent.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)