June 6, 2012

The IRF Board of Directors voted to release the following statement on the situation of undocumented migrants in Israel:

The International Rabbinic Fellowship recognizes the difficulties facing a number of communities in Israel in confronting the growing problem of undocumented migrants who have crossed into Israel, either fleeing persecution or in many cases simply looking for work. We appreciate the social, cultural, economic and security burdens that this phenomenon has placed on the limited resources of these neighborhoods and their residents. 

Moreover, we recognize, that unfettered immigration of undocumented migrants into a small country like Israel with limited resources and demographic challenges to ensure its Jewish majority, is simply not tenable and would be irresponsible. 

At the same time, we vigorously, reject that these challenges provide any justification for physical or verbal abuse towards innocent people whatever their legal status may be. Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We strongly condemn incitement to violence or manifestations of racism in any form or shape as inimical to the highest values of Torah and the great national project of Zionism.