Second Asla aclc Congress

on mlgrauon, famlly and mlsslon

SepLember 2014
1alchung ClLy, 1alwan

Claudette Habesch
Executive council member
Caritas Jerusalem

Second Asla aclc Congress
on mlgrauon, famlly and mlsslon

!!
When a sLranger so[ourns wlLh you ln your land, you shall noL do hlm
wrong.
!#
?ou shall LreaL Lhe sLranger who so[ourns wlLh you as Lhe nauve
among you, and you shall love hlm as yourself, for you were sLrangers ln Lhe
land of LgypL: l am Lhe LC8u your Cod."
Levlucus 19:33-34







Holy Land of Jerusalem
It is a privilege for me to be here today with you to shed light on the important topic of Asian migrant workers and
also to learn from the experience of others.
Though I was quite hesitant to join you leaving behind me my country at difficult times when 1.8 million
Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip are trying to understand the savage was launched against them by Israel because
they dared say enough is enough.
Still living under siege, Palestinians in Gaza are dealing with devastation of more than 2000 dead, 11,000 injured,
and in excess of 20,000 homes, schools, and hospitals raised to the ground by Israels was machine.


Women ln nazareLh ClLy of nazareLh

Caza 2014
Caza 2014
Allow me just a few moments to briefly explain where I come from, the Holy Land, Palestine and Israel; I am a
Palestinian Christian Arab from Jerusalem, a member of the Mother Church. Our presence has been uninterrupted for
the last two centuries withstanding turmoil, wars and occupation.
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nauvlLy Church


Cave of !esus 8lrLh
vla uolorosa
Poly Sepulcher Church
8ehlnd me ls Lhe map of hlsLorlcal alesune 1947. alesune was sull under 8rlush MandaLe (8ule), undlvlded, home Lo
alesunlans belonglng Lo Lhe Lhree monoLhelsuc rellglons, !udalsm, ChrlsuanlLy and lslam.

To deal with rising tension between the growing numbers of the Jewish population, mostly
immigrants fleeing from Europe, the League of Nations passed a resolution (181) to partition
Palestine between Jews and Arabs as presented in the map. Palestinians and Arabs nations refused
the partition. May 1948, Great Britain withdrew from Palestine, ending its mandate. War broke out
between Arabs and Jews resulting in the creation of the state of Israel on 78% of historic Palestine,
which was immediately recognized by the international community. This left in excess of 750,000
Palestinian refugees dispossessed, shattered, and homeless. I and my family are among these.

In 1967, and after the six day war, Israel occupied the remaining of Palestine.
Though Israel and the Palestinian authority signed the Oslo peace Accords, Palestinians still live
under Israeli occupation highlighted by continued illegal expropriation of land, building of Jewish
colonies and control of Palestinian Water, imprisonment and home demolition ..etc



Bill Clinton, Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat at the White House
1993-09-13
Oslo Peace Accords


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1oday l wlll share wlLh you Lhe slLuauon of Aslan mlgranL workers llvlng ln lsrael. very few workers are wlLh alesunlan
famllles due Lo Lhe facL LhaL lsrael does noL glve easlly enLry vlsas Lo Lhose wlshlng Lo work ln alesune. ?LS, enLerlng
alesune requlres approval by lsraell auLhorlues.

l Lake lnLeresL ln Lhls Loplc prlmarlly because Lhe ma[orlLy are women and l belleve LhaL Lhey are Lhe ones who carry Lhe
heavlesL burden. ln addluon wlLh Lhe rlse of human Lramcklng and slx Lrades, sLrlcLer ma[or should be lmposed Lo proLecL
mlgranL workers, glvlng Lhem Lhe chance Lo work and earn Lhelr llvlng wlLh dlgnlLy and respecL avoldlng modern day
slavery.

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Aslan mlgranL workers ln lsrael



In the Arab countries, migrant workers can do any job they can choose but in Israel they are
limited to what field they work in.
hlllplnos are resLrlcLed baslcally Lo belng careglvers, alLhough a very small number have
found Lhelr way lnLo hoLel and resLauranL work.

nepalls, Srl Lankans and lndlans are allowed Lo work ln Lhe careglvers buslness.
1hals are allowed Lo work ln Lhe eld of agrlculLure.
Chlnese workers are allowed Lo work ln Lhe eld of consLrucuon.


Many of the migrant workers are professionals with university degrees and can work in
hospitals or in banks. Many are actually qualified above what they are allowed to do.

Many who are bachelor degree holders feel that they do not have the opportunity to use
what they learned.


It is important to note that the number of migrant or foreign workers, as they are often
referred to, has been on the rise since the early 2000, especially in the fields of agriculture
and constructions. These jobs were previously filled by Palestinian laborers and workers,
who crossed borders on a daily basis to enter Israel. Their entry was conditional on valid
work permits issued by Israel only.

These permits did not allow them to sleep, so they had to commute daily and cross Israeli
controlled checkpoints. The daily pay for the Palestinians was less with no benefits such as
insurance and holidays. After the second Palestinian uprising (Intifada) Israel stopped
issuing permits opening the door for migrant workers to fill in those positions left vacant
by Palestinian workers.

8ose losLanes

On a happy note, the Philippines migrant workers community got attention and a spot under the limelight when the
Rose Fostanes , a migrant caregiver won the X Factor (A singing contest). The much celebrated victory and the
exposure in the local Israeli newspapers prompted many to look closer at this community from the Philippines. But
this event did not bring any real change for the majority of those working in Israel. This community is the most
organized of the migrant workers living in Israel.



The trip in search of work income and dignity to Israel is marked by many hardships and
challenges. I state a few:

While it costs around 1,700 USD to arrange for a 5 year work visa in Israel, those seeking
work end up paying anywhere between 6,000 USD to 7,000 USD to middle men and
brokers; or equivalent to three to four years salary. Many end up working longer hours or in
other less desirable jobs to pay off this huge amount.

While Israeli authorities try to regulate this labor market, they sometimes look the other
way in cases of maltreatment or unjust dismissal from the job. While the majority of
employers are reported to treat the migrant workers well, there are cases of disagreement-
many times, employers accuse employees of stealing. If their employment contract is
terminated, immigrant workers status immediately is changed to illegal. Many opt to
remain in an effort to find another employer, especially that going back home is not an
option because most still need to continue payments to the middle man/broker, while some
simply do not have the money to go back home.
As mentioned earlier, the majority of migrant workers are women employed as caregivers
to the elderly and the handicapped or as domestic help. Many of these women are single
mothers leaving their children with their elderly parents back home in hopes of making
enough money to send back home and improve the familys standard of living. Those
women are already frail, and in a compromised emotional and social state. They start their
journey with a huge debt and a huger void in their hearts. They arrive to a foreign country
with no support, with uncertainty and a lot of fear.

If any employer turns out to be dishonest, while refusing payment, disrespecting working
conditions, migrant workers have no recourse. If they leave, they become illegal, risking
arrest and deportation. Migrant workers can submit a request to the Israeli Ministry of
Interior to change jobs and employers, but if the permit is denied, they are immediately
deported. According to Kav La Oved (a foreign workers hotline) it is not unusual for
workers to be deported without receiving wages due them. Also the immigration police is
accused of using brutality when dealing with foreign workers. They are frequently cursed
and threatened and beaten! Some have reported that they have also lost money from their
homes.
It is estimated that the Filipino community in Israel send $36 million in remittances back
home. Most are female care givers in their 30s and 40s. reason for leaving home, is the lack
of job opportunities, especially within this age group and poverty. Some are even college
graduates and trained professionals. The number of Filipinos is estimated to be between
35,000 and 38,000. The average salary is around $950, almost three times the average
salary of a school teacher back home.

Recently, a few non-governmental organizations offer their services to migrant workers
offering them legal council and protecting the workers rights. Kav Laoved is one of those
organizations. Furthermore, the consular section at the embassy of the Philippines offers a
lot of services to the community, such as issuing new passports, marriage certificates and
birth registrations.
Many migrant children are born and raised in Israel. They go to Israeli schools
and learn Hebrew as a second language. Though many say they do not have
Israeli friends, they feel part of this country, but they are not integrated in the
Israeli society. Some do have identity crisis, especially that they have no
connection with their own country. The matter of identity becomes worse, if
children come from a mixed marriage.
Most migrant workers are found in big Israeli city centers, such as Tel-Aviv and
Jaffa, Haifa and Jerusalem. Though these cities are in Israel now, prior to 1948,
they were prominent Palestinian Christian cities with a vibrant local Arab
Christian community and an active church. Today, these churches play a central
role in offering spiritual and social guidance to the migrant community, especially
to the Filipinos who are pre- dominantly Christian. Masses and activities are held
on Saturdays, the official holiday in Israel. Sister Regina from the Chapel of
Divine Mercy for Filipinos say that this room is full during mass smiling
proudly at this little slice of fellowship that she helps provide to her community.
The Catholic Church in the Holy Land has assumed the responsibility of caring for the
Filipino community. According to Rev. Fr. David Neuhaus, responsible for the Filipino
Chaplaincy, there are numerous centers all over Israel offering religious services, social
activities, meetings, trips as well as Sunday Schools and other activities for the children.
Social work and accompaniment for those in need remains one of the churchs main
activities.

Rev. Fr. Neuhaus talks about two churches in Jaffa serving the large community of migrant
workers and some who are asylum seekers, adding that the church has no established
presence in Tel-Aviv.

Aslan mlgranL workers meeL for prayers
Sunday mass
MonLh of May prayers
In 2003 a group of Filipinos rented a meeting hall in South Tel-Aviv, but soon had to
relocate. The church saw the need to intervene and in March 2014 Our Lady Woman of
Valor Pastoral Centre was purchased and renovated, thanks to the generosity of many
organizations among which are KHS and the German Association of the Holy Land. The
faithful themselves have actively contributed by collecting money towards a fund called
Build our own church. A vibrant center, the church seats 250 people, and it has two
apartments for the sisters from the Philippines. There are daily masses and on Sunday and
Saturday there are five masses in English and one in Tagalog. The centre is also attracting
other Christian migrant communities from Asia and Africa.

One particular rising concern remains the children who are born in Israel. Hundreds of
Catholic children are raised in secular Israeli government schools, where Hebrew becomes
their first language. With parents overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and hard work, the
mother tongue is not taught or spoken. There comes instrumental the role of St. James
Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel. Closely working with chaplains serving
the migrant communities, regular catechism classes are given to the different age groups,
strengthening them in their faith.

Many text books are published in Hebrew to educate this Hebrew-speaking generation, that
almost has no exposure to the church, or even to the culture of their homeland. Though
born and raised in Israel, they will not be able to get a citizenship or even long-term
residence status. Eventually they have to leave and try to integrate in a new society, neither
as Israelis and nor as Filipinos!

In Israel, then the idea of naturalization is difficult, almost impossible. The answer lies in
the definition of Israel as a Jewish state. Can Israel afford to grant equal rights to non-Jews
without threatening the Jewish character of the state? I believe that this is the reason why
Israelis speak of foreign workers rather than migrant or guest workers.


The Catholic Church through the Saint James Vicariate organizes Summer camps which are
regularly held for migrant children to fill their long summer days while parents are at their
jobs. Those camps cover more than the aspect of social activities and fun, integrating
activities to strengthen the commitment of children to the church, for spiritual and pastoral
service. The church will remain the constant factor in their lives no matter where they end.

Rev. Fr. Neuhaus sees a rise in new migrant communities, also needing and requesting
pastoral care. For example, he talks about the long cherished wish come true to the
Indian community in Natanya, who attended mass for the first time on 8 August in
Malayan, celebrated by Fr. Tojy Jose. OFM.

lndlans celebraLe SalnL AnLhony of adua feasL wlLh laLher 1o[y, Chaplaln of Lhe lndlan communlLy

Trafficking in human beingsis a true form of slavery, unfortunately
increasing common, which affects every country even the most developed
what persons of good will who profess to be religious or not, can allow these
women, these men, these children to be treated as objects, cheated, raped,
often sold several times for different purposes, and eventually killed, or at
least, damaged in body and mind, and finally discarded and abandoned. It is a
disgrace Together we can and we must try for their liberation and this
horrific trade may be put to an end.
Pope Francis: addressed to Newly Accredited Ambassadors
Pearlng Lhe message of Lhe Poly laLher, whaL ls our response? And whaL ls our
responslblllLy and Lhe responslblllLy of Lhe Church ln Lhe dlerenL home counLrles of Lhe
mlgranL workers.

1haL brlngs me Lo Lhe role of Lhe Church ln Lhe mlgranL workers' homeland. l belleve and
especlally ln Lhe hlllpplnes, from where a large number of mlgranLs come, LhaL Lhe
Church should be a sLrong address of reference for Lhose wlshlng Lo leave Lhe counLry ln
search of employmenL, work and dlgnlLy for Lhemselves and Lhelr famllles.

As menuoned earller, Lhe ma[orlLy are women. Many come from broken marrlages, and
are slngle moLhers. lL ls hearL breaklng Lo leave your chlld back home, only Lo come Lo
lsrael Lo be a nanny for anoLher.

1he Church can arrange for professlonal counsellng sesslons Lo help women and oLher
mlgranL workers deal wlLh Lhelr emouons and Lhe many anxleues Lhey are feellng,
allowlng Lhem Lo Lalk abouL Lhelr concerns and fears. 1he Church musL empower Lhem ln
Lhelr falLh, because surely, Lhey wlll pass Lhrough dlmculL umes.

Also, from Lhe pracucal slde Lhe Church can prepare Lhe workers by glvlng Lhem lnformauon abouL Lhe hosL
counLrles, Lhe language, Lhe culLure, Lhe rellglon llke !udalsm, lslam and oLher. noL only, buL also abouL Lhelr
rlghLs and Lhelr responslblllues. 1hey should know LhaL Lhey have Lo be honesL workers wlLh good conducL.
lor Lhe mlgranLs lL ls lmporLanL Lo glve Lhem conLacL addresses of Lhelr embassles ln Lhe hosL counLry and
especlally addresses of churches so LhaL Lhey can feel safe ln a forelgn place.

My concern ls Lhe chlldren who are le behlnd for long perlods of ume, someumes for over Len years. 1hese
chlldren reach a polnL where Lhey forgeL Lhelr parenLs, especlally Lhe moLher who ls far away. 1hey are le
wlLh grandparenLs or wlLh relauves who can never replace Lhe love and care of a moLher.

l belleve LhaL Lhe church should reach ouL Lo Lhose chlldren, embrace Lhem and come up wlLh programs
where lL has Lo ll Lhe vold and work aL keeplng conLacLs wlLh Lhe absenL parenL and Lhe chlld. lL ls easler
sald Lhan done, buL whaL else?

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ope lrancls: Lvangelllum Caudlum
?es Lhere are challenges and many challenges, l
have shared wlLh you only some. Can we respond
Lo Lhose challenges and ln whaL way? l belleve
LhaL LogeLher we can make a dlerence .