The Ministerial Committee on Symbols and Ceremonies approved yesterday my proposal to designate a “Refugee Rights Day for Jews from Arab Countries.”
Addressing the committee’s chair, Minister Stas Misezhnikov, I spoke of the 856,000 Jewish refugees from Arab countries, whose story is an integral part of the rebirth of the Jewish people in Israel. These people suffered from pogroms, killing and dispossession just because they were Jews, even before the establishment the modern State of Israel and their condition worsened after the War of Independence.
“The remarkable absorption of these refugees in the country, despite the many challenges, is a source of pride and satisfaction for all of us. It is time to recognize the injustice done to these Jews and restore their rights.
Together with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman we are leading an international campaign for recognition of the rights of Jewish refugees from Arab lands. Moreover, the ”Maintenance of the right to the compensation of Jewish refugees from Arab countries and Iran” law of 2010″ requires the Israeli government to raise this issue in any future negotiations with our neighbors.
Danny Ayalon
See/Read our: Verdrijving arabische Joden - The Forgotten Refugees
