Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

The concept of memory in Biblical Hebrew and theology is never something that is passive, ceremonial, or nostalgic; it is active and dynamic. Most importantly, it is and ought to be transforming. Although memory is a mental act, it is inextricably related to outward behavior in addition to public invocations. Thus with respect to remembering the Exodus, the memory of the biblical Exodus becomes the moral template for Israelite society (Deut. 5:15). This memory prevents Israel from transforming into a cold and cruel Israelite version of Egypt. Most importantly, it is the way we as Jews have always honored the past. One of my favorite passages reads:

“You shall not violate the rights of the alien or of the orphan, nor take the clothing of a widow as a pledge. ^For, remember, you were once slaves in Egypt, and the LORD, your God, ransomed you from there; that is why I command you to observe this rule (Deut 24:17-18)

The message of redemption is one of the most important theological ways we can honor the memory of the Exodus. The true character of a nation is never measured in terms of its religious or theological platitudes but by its actions and behavior. Otherwise, the event of the Exodus is lost in bland ceremonialism and the present generation becomes historically dislocated from the past. One of the basic principles of the Tanakh demonstrates repeatedly that God is always on the side of the oppressed and downtrodden, which in turn explains why the prophets’ continuously demand social justice. The Kingdom of God must not be relegated to an eschatological dimension. Rather, it needs to become an earthly paradigm that is achieved through human means.

In light of this basic truth, it is very important that the State of Israel continue to be a beacon of hope for those people who have fled to it from the lands of their oppression. I was deeply shocked when Israel recently sent back 150 Sudanese Christian refugees consisting of mostly children, who will in all likelihood face certain death at the hand of their Muslim tormentors. In a recent letter to the Israeli community, Eritrean African refugees (from northeast Africa) made a most passionate plea, which I will now present to you—the reader.

December 25, 2010

African Refugees To Israelis: Please Do Not Hate Us

“We assure the Israeli public that we are not a threat to Israel or to its Jewish character. We have been labeled with so many names so far, such as economic migrants, infiltrators and so on, expressing in a contradictory way our true reasons for being here.”

“PLEASE DON’T HATE US”
Op-ed: Eritrean asylum seekers concerned by protests write open letter to Israelis
Haile Mengisteab, et al • Ynet

We are very concerned by what is going on in Israel towards the refugees in general, and particularly by the action taken by some community members in south Tel Aviv on December 21.

We of course respect the rally held against us refugees, but we believe that the Israeli people do not have any information about our real problems, as otherwise they would not hold the rally.

We assure the Israeli public that we are not a threat to Israel or to its Jewish character. We have been labeled with so many names so far, such as economic migrants, infiltrators and so on, expressing in a contradictory way our true reasons for being here.

We are begging the people of Israel and the government of Israel to provide us with protection. We are not here to claim citizenship, but rather, for reasons of safety and protection of our lives which we do not have in our country of origin (and unfortunately not in Israel either.)

The reasons that brought us here have to do with the unstable and unjust political leadership of the regime at home. We were forced to flee, and none of us likes being the victim of exile. We hail from a culture with good norms and values of respecting human dignity. We show a very positive approach towards foreigners in our country, and abide by the law.

We want to make it clear that we are not infiltrators or economic migrants. Rather, we are people with real political problems and we are at the top of the global ranking in terms of asylum seekers in need. In fact, some 88% of Eritrean asylum seekers in other countries are granted refugee status. We strongly condemn the racial or other discrimination that we are facing in Israel, yet at the same time we are ready to talk and negotiate with all who are against us.

At last, we would like to remind you that there is nothing permanent in the world so one day there will be peace and stability, and the good things done to us by the Israeli government and people while we faced adverse conditions will be told in history to generations. Realizing this, we plead with you not to hate us, engage in terror against us or cause us mental distress. We are the right people at the right time, in need of protection.

We therefore politely request the government and the people of Israel to reconsider the steps that have been announced against us, which truly put the lives of refugees in danger.

Thank you.

Haile Mengisteab, Mehari Okubai, Kidane Essak, Tesfai Hadgn, and Keberom Mengistu are members of the Committee of Eritrean Asylum Seekers in Israel.

I encourage all my readers to send a letter to the Israeli Embassy near you and let your voice be heard.

Every country has its challenges with the plight of migrant workers and refugees seeking political asylum, but it is imperative that in these anti-Semitic times that the refugees be integrated into Israeli society. In the 70s, that is exactly what Israel did with the famous Boat People.

Why? Because it is compassionate and consistent with the highest ethics of our people-for, we too were once slaves in Egypt and nobody cared about our suffering . . . We experienced homelessness and abuse for centuries, how can we as Jews shut the door on those seeking our help and compassion?

It also makes for excellent public relations, for we can tell the enemies of Israel that Israel is sensitive to the plight of homeless people.

On the other hand, the world does not judge Israel fairly when it behaves like every other nation. If we are to be a “light unto the nations,” then we need to embody in deed the highest teachings of our faith. That’s simply reality. I believe that as a whole, this is an opportunity to create a great Kiddush HaShem before the entire world.

Even if biblical altruism should fail to inspire Israeli leaders to choose the noble path, then they should consider the matter in terms of enlightened self-interest. The Israeli government is having such a miserable time making its case to the international community, surely an act of kindness like this could do considerable good for our people. Who knows, perhaps other nations will be inspired to follow Israel’s noble example.