Here's what you can do to help refugees and asylum seekers find real homes in Israel. Click here to make a quick donation online
The Kibbutz Resettlement Sponsorship Initiative
Many friends and supporters of refugees and asylum seekers around the world have been asking how they can help. Now we have a way for synagogues, churches, community centers, family foundations, charity circles, groups of friends, or individuals to help resettle families, improving people’s lives immediately.
Kibbutz communities around Israel are waiting to receive asylum-seeking families and families are ready to be moved out of dire poverty in Tel Aviv.
How Can You Help?
We are asking organizations to sponsor the move of one family for $5,000, which will cover the initial costs of resettlement including moving, job training, apartment repairs, school supplies, and other expenses needed to ensure a successful resettlement in the family's new kibbutz community.
If you would like to join our sponsorship initiative to move African asylum-seeking families out of dire poverty in Tel Aviv and resettle them in safe and welcoming kibbutz communities waiting to receive them, please send a check to:
ATZUM
PO Box 793
Skokie, IL 60076
Please write on memo: Kibbutz Resettlement of Asylum Seekers
Contributions are tax deductible as permitted by U.S. law. ATZUM is registered
as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization # 01-0697869.
You can also donate online.
The Story of Kibbutz Resettlement
In the Spring of 2018, the General Secretary of the Kibbutz Movement, Nir Meir, along with Dr. Avi Ofer, a kibbutz volunteer, sent a request to all of Israel's kibbutz communities asking them to absorb African asylum seekers who were struggling in South Tel Aviv with difficult living situations and uncertain futures.
They wrote, “We call on kibbutzim to make every effort to host and absorb asylum seekers, ... and provide shelter and work, as much as possible. Asylum seekers have work permits and can legally work. This is a decisive moment for us all and it can be our moment of pride. Please respond generously and according to our values as kibbutz members, Jews, and human beings.”
Why Resettlement?
Life has been difficult for refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. In March 2017, it became almost impossible, due to the implementation of the "Deposit Law", which requires employers to withhold 20% of the wages of asylum seekers (in addition to 16% for taxes paid by employers). Families are especially hard hit and struggle to take care of their basic needs. Many live in fear of becoming homeless and struggle to feed their children. Some have turned to prostitution in order to pay for rent and food. They are not eligible for any social welfare services from the government.
Resettlement provides a safe haven for these young and vulnerable families by providing them with clean and safe housing, jobs, childcare, and volunteer social workers. And....those endless kibbutz lawns for kids to run around on....
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