MK Michal Rozin (Meretz) appealed on Monday to the Education Ministry to make the necessary moves to ensure that children of migrant workers and asylum seekers integrate into the school system. “I call on the Education Ministry to allocate the necessary tools, relevant resources and clear guidelines for the integration of children of migrant workers and asylum seekers into the school system,” she said. She made these remarks during a meeting of the Knesset Committee on Foreign Workers that held a discussion on the integration of children of migrant workers and asylum seekers into the school system. “It's not enough to talk about the accepting the other – we must guide the teaching staff on the issue of migrant integration and build lessons and educator hours related to this burning issue,” said Rozin. Rozin also said that according to the mandatory education law, every child from age three is eligible to receive an education. Education Minister Shai Piron attempted to assure the committee, the migrant workers and asylum seekers that the ministry was working hard to resolve the issue. “We are trying to fix this deep problem of years of cultural exclusion and racism,” he said. “A child is a child and it is my job to take care of everyone. I am committed to children aged three to 18, to receive equal education that will prepare them for a meaningful life and future.” Piron said he intends to examine how to integrate foreign children, who have already graduated from the educational system, into the national service. The committee also discussed the pressing issue of unaccompanied children from Sudan and Eritrea, who came to Israel and integrated into society through the educational system, adoptive families, youth villages and youth movements, and who are now receiving summons to the “Holot” detention facility. “The state of Israel did the right thing when she hugged these lone children and provided them with a safe place to grow up. I call on the government to immediately stop this policy of summoning them to Holot. It is inconceivable that the Education Ministry will work towards their rehabilitation and the education of these youths, who came here deprived of any protection, only for the Interior Ministry to send them to an isolated facility in the middle of the desert. It is not only cruel, but also absurd and devoid of justification,” said Rozin
