African Hebrew Israelites finally see legal victory against Israel's deportation threats
Members of the African Hebrew Israelite community rally outside of the District Court in Beersheba, Israel, ahead of a hearing on the deportation orders for dozens from their community, July 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
The small African Hebrew Israelite community in Israel’s Negev Desert last month celebrated a major milestone in its struggle for recognition in the Jewish state, as more than 100 members seem to have avoided deportation.
In a court battle spanning decades, Israeli judicial authorities ruled a majority of residents with undocumented or unclear status in the country will be placed on a pathway toward permanent residency and potential citizenship.
“It’s been really rough. We are happy for this day,” Dawn Hercules, who, along with her eight children, had faced deportation before the court ruling, said in an interview.
