The Tel Aviv Student Union has recently launched a campaign against the Jewish Agency decision to house 50 new immigrants in dormitories currently occupied by Israeli students with low socio-economic status. The head of the union's Planning & Management Department, Gilad Arditi, told Israel Hayom that Israeli students should not be forced to move out of Brodetsky House, situated just off the campus, as a result of the Jewish Agency's plans. "Bringing new immigrants to Israel is a welcome endeavor but at the same time the Jewish Agency's decision to have the students move out of the dormitories is tantamount to a death sentence for their academic studies at Tel Aviv University, because they have no means to rent an apartment in other areas around the city or beyond." Arditi also said the move is against government policy, and went on to say that the government has "promised to make sure students have affordable accommodation and to increase the number of available dorms. We have to work together to find a solution to house the immigrants at a different place. The timing of this decision, and the fact that the immigrants from what we know will pay a higher rent than the students, smacks of foul play." Another student union source recalled last summer's social justice movement, which mobilized a record number of Israelis to demonstrate against the high cost of living and the lack of affordable housing. "Last summer we took to the streets and demanded that students in the State of Israel have access to appropriate and affordable housing. "Now we understand that the Jewish Agency, which is partially funded by the state, plans to take 50 students with low socio-economic status out of the dorms. This is unacceptable. We demand that the Jewish Agency reverse its decision and find alternative accommodation for the new immigrants." A statement released by the Jewish Agency said "we are working to promote the aliyah of young immigrants from around the world and help them integrate in Israeli society in a variety of areas. The property in question is run by Real Estate Participations and is not owned by the Jewish Agency. We do indeed plan to house some 50 immigrants in the dorms as part of our ongoing activities." A source at the Jewish Agency also said "it is highly important to keep in mind that we are talking about immigrants who arrive here on their own and without their parents, and practically all of them intend to pursue higher education in Israel just like any other student. None of the immigrants who are to live in the Brodetsky dorms will pay the Jewish Agency for the accommodation; rather, they will pay their rent to the owners of the property by means of the Absorption Basket they will receive from the state."
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שיתוף כתבה
At Tel Aviv University dorms, it's immigrants vs. students
Jewish Agency's plan to house immigrants in dormitories sparks controversy • Some 50 students with lower socio-economic status to find new homes • "The timing of this decision, and the fact that the immigrants will pay higher rent, smacks of foul play."