Israel’s Detention Center for African Immigrants Filled to Limit
Image by getty images
Israel has run out of space in its detention center designated for migrants and asylum seekers who have entered the country without documentation.
The Israel Prison Service announced Tuesday that with 3,300 inmates, its Holot center is full, several Israeli media outlets reported.
Inmates are permitted to leave the Negev facility during the day, but are required to check in each morning and evening. Because it is the only detention facility run in the manner, the government — which has ordered hundreds of people to report to the facility in the coming months — has no other place to assign them, according to Haaretz.
In August, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that illegal migrants can be detained for no more than a year.
According to government figures cited by the Times of Israel, an estimated 47,000 illegal immigrants are currently in Israel, almost all from the African countries of Eritrea and Sudan. The majority have settled in south Tel Aviv. Most traveled to Israel via Egypt and claim refugee status, but Israel has granted asylum status to only 1 percent of the immigrants.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
