Pro-Palestine Israeli fights deportation from UK

Amina Taylor
Press TV, London

A leading rights organization in the UK is leading the legal efforts to stop a Jewish rabbinical student from being deported after his asylum claim in the UK was rejected. The pro-Palestine claimant asserts his safety is at stake should he be sent back to Israel.

Lifting his voice in support of Palestinian rights has cost one young Israeli dearly. Forced to flee his home after being beaten by the authorities and consistently harassed for his pro-Palestine views, the UK was supposed to be a safe harbor.

Britain’s Home Office disagrees, refusing the application despite the folders of evidence to support the claimant whose identity is being protected for his safety.

Now weeks ahead of an appeal against the decision, there is a sense of disbelief at the initial asylum ruling.

A funding appeal has been launched to offset the costs of fighting the case, one which could have wider ramifications not just for Israeli refusniks but Palestinians living under occupation and apartheid.

Civil and legal observers will be watching the developments in this case closely. A win for the unnamed claimant could shine an uncomfortable light on Tel Aviv’s brutal apartheid policies.

The claimant fears his pro-Palestinian stance will continue to make him a target of the state - should he be deported - who will also insist he serves time in the Israeli army, an occupation force who hone their deadly craft on Palestinian bodies and property. It’s now up to Britain’s Home Office to show the same concern they profess for anyone seeking sanctuary from an oppressive regime.

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