The Evolution of a Nascent Asylum System in Israel

Dr Yosef Joel Moss (Director, HIAS Israel)

Note: Internal event not open to external attendees.

Until 2006, Israel was not a destination country for asylum seekers.  In the following years monthly entries rose to 2,000 people until reaching a peak of over 60,000 asylum seekers in the country during 2012. The numbers have recently dropped to under 20 per month, but the presence of African asylum seekers in the country continues to be a turbulent issue in the public discourse.  The discussion will explore several aspects of this phenomenon including: a historical review of the rapid and unforeseen influx of asylum seekers; initiatives to develop expertise and fairness in a new RSD system in the context of government and societal prejudice against the influx of asylum seekers;  the interplay between state, religious and democratic values in the responses to the phenomenon of asylum seekers; role of government and civil society in providing services to asylum seekers;; government deterrents and their effectiveness; legal challenges and responses. The presenter has played an inside role as the lead trainer for the government RSD officers as well as participating in the NGO community.

Contact email: dt37@soas.ac.uk