Passover party promotes refugees in Tel Aviv

A pre-Passover event called “Out of Egypt” aimed at supporting the many refugees who flee to Israel was held in Tel Aviv on Friday.

The outdoor celebration, organized by Israeli human rights groups and other organizations including the mainstream Kibbutz Movement, was aimed at boosting public support for refugees’ rights in the lead-up to the Passover (Pesach) holiday, which commemorates the Israelites exodus from slavery in Egypt and starts on Wednesday evening, March 8.

Most of the refugees seeking to enter Israel – including many from the Darfur region of Sudan – pass through Egypt and across the Sinai Peninsula before arriving at Israel’s southern border. The journey is treacherous and many have been imprisoned and tortured by Egyptian authorities or killed by Egyptian border guards before managing to cross into Israel.

Their reception by Israeli authorities has also been a source of controversy and public debate. While some refugees have found work and housing, often with the help of non-governmental organizations, others are being housed in makeshift camps adjacent to prisons around the country.

The event, held in an area of south Tel Aviv inhabited by large numbers of refugees and migrant laborers, included musical performances by Israeli and African musicians, children’s activities and a large holiday meal or "seder." Hundreds of Israelis, refugees and migrant laborers participated in the festivities.