Thursday 10 December is International Human Rights Day. Every year we celebrate Human Rights Week with a variety of events and activities – online, in the media and in the Knesset. If you are in Israel this week we’d love to have you join us!
On Thursday, we will post on ACRI’s website our 2015 Situation Report – our annual review of the human rights situation in Israel in three languages. The report refers to the recent wave of violence and the importance of protecting human rights in difficult times. The report also covers a range of issues including the treatment of asylum seekers and migrant workers, the tenth anniversary of the disengagement and the government ‘s decision regarding the Separation Wall in East Jerusalem, restrictions on artistic freedom and the plight of people in debt.
Each day there will be a new short video in Hebrew on ACRI’s Facebook page, of a public figure talking about the human rights struggle that matters most to them. Watch and share!
On our education website you can check out the poster that we sent to thousands of schools for Human Rights Day, on the freedom of expression. Today we also uploaded educational lesson plans that include the poster.
This week we also initiated, along with many of our partner organizations, a campaign against the government’s decision to bring migrant workers to Israel from China. In the absence of bilateral agreements, many workers are faced with huge brokerage fees. Click here to watch the video (with English subtitles) that clearly explains what bilateral agreements are and why they are important. Please like the video on our English Facebook page to support this important campaign!
The Annual Human Rights Day Conference in the Knesset will take place on 15 December. This year the focus will be on “Human rights in times of emergency”, led by members of Knesset Benny Begin, Dov Khenin and Karin Elharar. Knesset members from all parties will attend. If you would like to join us please send your full name, phone number and teudat zehut or passport number to Debbie@acri.org.il
Finally, a reminder to please nominate candidates for the Emil Grunzweig Human Rights Award by emailing emilaward@acri.org.il. This week it is more important than ever to be active in promoting human rights and democracy.
ACRI’s success is encouraging, however there is still plenty of work to do.
As this year is drawing to a close, we ask you once again to stand with us and show your long-term commitment to ACRI. Your donations enable us to do this important work. With your support, we will continue fighting for a fair and just democracy for us all.
