Ethiopian asylum seekers in Israel face deportation

Ethiopian asylum seekers living in Israel are facing potential deportation following a High Court decision last December that allowed for the revocation of their group protection. Many of these individuals, such as Endalkew Yemani Tesma, arrived in Israel years ago after fleeing civil unrest in Ethiopia and traveling through Sudan and Libya.

While many have built lives in Israel, including raising families and attending local schools, they often hold only renewable 2(a)5 visas rather than permanent status. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Israel’s asylum approval rate is approximately 0.1%, averaging about five people per year.

In response to the threat of deportation, a Jewish organization is taking the Israeli government to court to challenge the decision and protect the families at risk.