On World Refugee Day, we celebrate the richness and cultural diversity that refugees bring to the host country. This year, we focused on “Solidarity with Refugees.”
World Refugee Day 2024 in Israel was marked with various cultural events in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheba with participants from the various asylum seeker communities, Israelis, civil society representatives, NGOs and social activists participated.
The passing year, since Refugee Day in June 2023, has not been like any previous year. Tension, wars, uncertainty have been the lot of Israelis as well as refugees and asylum-seekers. Despite all, this year, representatives of the refugee communities decided to mark World Refugee Day with a public event after all, and to produce an evening that showcases the many talents in the community, challenges and successes.
UNHCR, in collaboration with representatives of refugee communities and aid organizations, presents: “Solidarity with Refugees”
At the “Solidarity with Refugees” event, African refugees demonstrated the resilience of the community, and especially their solidarity with Israeli society over the past nine months, in times of loss, displacement and war.
Where: ZOA House, Tel Aviv
When: June 20, 2024
Artistic program: a reception including refreshments and traditional dishes, an exhibition of drawings by an Eritrean artist, a musical performance by the “New Life” ensemble from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a personal story of an Eritrean refugee, a panel discussion on refugees and resilience and guidance. Hosting this evening was done by an asylum-seeker from South Sudan, who is an artist and a prominent activist in the community.
Please see below a short video with the evening’s highlights. For a full-length video of the event see here
Jane Williamson, acting representative, UNHCR Israel greets the distinguished guests
Carmel, member of the Congolese musical ensemble "New Life"
An evening of solidarity with refugees
Tsega Abraha, Eritrean social activist, shares her contribution to the community and Israelis During the war in Israel
A drawing by Eritrean artist Tzegay Brehe
Sharon Harel, Senior Representative at UNHCR Israel, delivers opening remarks
Left: Tonton Kalupa, music director, together with members of the ensemble "New Life"
Makara Mberhatum, Eritrean refugee shares his personal story
Adam Salah, a social activist from South Sudan who lives in Kibbutz Dorot, worked extensively for evacuees from the community during the war
Tzegay Brehe, Eritrean artist, showcasing his drawings in the reception
Naka Pitia, an artist and social activist, a refugee from South Sudan, hosts the evening
The Musical ensemble "New Life"
Makare Mberhatum together with his adoptive Israeli mother, Oksana Tzemach
A panel discussion: "Refugee’s Resilience" moderated by Monim Haroun of HIAS
Congolese sweets prepared by asylum-seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo
ASSAF Aid Organization World Refugee Day Event: ” I did not chose to become a refugee”, a panel discussion
Where: ASSAF office, Tel Aviv
When: 19 June 2024
More information can be found at ASSAF Facebook page
Women leaders in the community – JACC Organization
Where: YMCA, Jerusalem
When: 20 June 2024
More information can be found at JACC’s Facebook page
