Israeli authorities have launched a major drive to deport the vast majority of the 38,000 African asylum seekers and migrants still in the country. Cincinnati Jewish leaders spoke out via a letter to Israel Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer. Many Israelis believe the country has a moral and ethical obligation to treat foreign nationals with dignity and respect, regardless of religion, especially those who came to Israel seeking refuge from persecution. Others view foreign migrants as a threat, alleging they bring with them crime and disease and threaten the demography of Israel as a Jewish homeland. Numerous other global diplomats are also concerned, pressing Israeli president Reuven Rivlin to get involved. For more details and context on this complicated matter, read this comprehensive backgrounder on the issue from the Jewish Federations of North America. More >