Prime Minister Netanyahu Responds to Letters from ENP Participants!
June 3, 2015
ENP encourages leadership and social initiative among teenagers in the Ethiopian community!
http://www.enp.org.il/pics/database/more_data/13_file.pdfIn June, there was a correspondence between the participants
in the program SPACE between Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in
which the students shared with the Prime Minister their struggles as young
Ethiopian- Israelis. This correspondence strengthened the hand of the Ethiopian
community in the struggle for full equal opportunity.
He writes:
" Dear SPACE Students,
I was very excited to receive your letters and I appreciate the fact that you shared with me what is in your heart. I learned about your struggle with racism in Israel and I would never accept this behavior, not in our country. Israel’s government will fight with all its power against racism. Last month I created a committee to improve the Ethiopian-Israeli lifestyle in Israel in matters of work, culture, religion, housing, and social welfare. I had a meeting with the head of the police and community representatives. I also met with Damas Pakada, a soldier that was beaten by police. I condemn with all my heart this act of racism. I am proud of the Ethiopian community that integrates into many different aspects of society; academics, public sector, military service (IDF), healthcare, and culture. There are many goals that we need to accomplish in Israel and I believe they can be achieved. Dear students, you deserve equal opportunities and I promise that we will make sure your rights are being fulfilled like any person in Israel. I wish you success in studies and have a nice vacation.
Best wishes,
Benjamin Netanyahu"