#Israel visa application

[raizinggroup12]

Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Israel Once Your Visa Is Approved

Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Israel Once Your Visa Is Approved

Israel is a country of rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an adventure seeker, or someone seeking spiritual connections, Israel offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 10 destinations you must explore once your visa is approved.

1. Jerusalem: The Heart of Spirituality

No trip to Israel is complete without a visit to Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Key highlights include:

Old City: Wander through its four quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian) and visit iconic sites such as the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

Yad Vashem: The Holocaust Remembrance Center provides a poignant look at history.

Mahane Yehuda Market: Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and bustling stalls.

2. Tel Aviv: The Modern Metropolis

Known as the "city that never sleeps," Tel Aviv is a vibrant blend of innovation, nightlife, and culture:

Beaches: Relax at Gordon Beach or Banana Beach.

Neve Tzedek: Stroll through this historic neighborhood with boutique shops and art galleries.

Carmel Market: Experience the colorful local market offering fresh produce, spices, and street food.

Nightlife: From rooftop bars to underground clubs, Tel Aviv’s party scene is legendary.

3. The Dead Sea: A Natural Wonder

Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Known for its therapeutic properties, this area offers:

Mud Baths: Rejuvenate your skin with natural black mud.

Masada: Visit the ancient fortress for stunning sunrise views and historical insights.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Hike through lush oases and waterfalls.

4. Haifa: A City of Harmony

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city where different cultures coexist peacefully. Must-visit attractions include:

Bahá’í Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site, these meticulously manicured gardens offer breathtaking views.

German Colony: Explore its charming streets filled with restaurants and shops.

Stella Maris Monastery: A serene spot offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

5. Nazareth: The Childhood Home of Jesus

A hub of Christian pilgrimage, Nazareth is steeped in religious significance:

Basilica of the Annunciation: One of the most important Christian sites in the world.

Nazareth Village: A recreated first-century village providing insights into life during Jesus’ time.

Local Markets: Discover spices, textiles, and local crafts.

6. Eilat: The Red Sea Paradise

Eilat is a haven for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts:

Coral Beach Nature Reserve: Snorkel or dive to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Timna Park: Marvel at unique rock formations and ancient copper mines.

Dolphin Reef: Swim with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat.

7. The Sea of Galilee: Tranquility and History

This freshwater lake is surrounded by historical and spiritual landmarks:

Capernaum: Explore the ancient ruins of a fishing village.

Mount of Beatitudes: Visit the site where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Tiberias: Relax in hot springs or take a boat ride on the serene waters.

8. Acre (Akko): A Crusader City

Acre offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history:

Old City: Wander through narrow alleys and explore ancient walls and tunnels.

Templars’ Tunnel: A hidden passage used by the Crusaders.

Local Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood and authentic Middle Eastern dishes.

9. The Negev Desert: Adventure Awaits

Covering over half of Israel’s land area, the Negev Desert is a place of stark beauty:

Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon): Discover this natural geological wonder.

Bedouin Hospitality: Experience traditional Bedouin culture and cuisine.

Star Gazing: The clear desert skies offer unparalleled views of the stars.

10. Caesarea: Ancient Meets Modern

This ancient port city combines archaeological wonders with modern amenities:

Caesarea National Park: Explore Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and aqueduct.

Golf Course: Play a round at Israel’s only 18-hole golf course.

Marina: Enjoy waterfront dining and luxurious yachts.

Practical Tips for Travelers:

Seasonal Travel: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are ideal for comfortable weather.

Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and fresh pita bread.

Language: While Hebrew and Arabic are official languages, English is widely spoken.

Transportation: Israel has an efficient public transportation system, but renting a car can be convenient for remote areas.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect religious customs, especially in sacred sites.

From the spiritual aura of Jerusalem to the modern vibe of Tel Aviv, and from the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea to the adventures of the Negev Desert, Israel is a land of contrasts and wonders. Each destination offers unique experiences that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Plan your trip today and embark on an unforgettable journey!

We are dedicated to assisting Indian travelers with visa applications for Israel. It provides detailed guidelines on necessary documents, application procedures, and visa fees. The platform also offers services like appointment scheduling, form filling, and SMS alerts for tracking the application process. Visa decisions are handled by the Israeli Embassy, not the application centers.

Visit our website :-

[gotravellerz]

https://gotravellerz.co.uk/israel-visa

[groupraizing]

Israel Visa Application Centre Holiday List

[allthecanadianpolitics]

As Palestinians in Gaza seeking to escape the Israel-Hamas war begin applying to come here through a special immigration program, immigration lawyers say Ottawa is asking for an unprecedented level of personal information from prospective migrants. "It's strikingly different than what is ordinarily required for a visitor visa application," said immigration lawyer Pantea Jafari. "[The federal government] is asking for significantly more information than any of those applications, and even more than any permanent resident's application." This week, the federal government launched a new program to permit up to 1,000 Palestinians who are extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to apply to come to Canada and stay for three years if their families can support them financially.

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[log6]

In a letter to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the State Department confirmed that Hamas is a designated foreign terrorist organization and that the State Dept. has the power to revoke visas.

"The Department of State also has broad authority under the [Immigration and Nationality Act] to revoke visas," the agency said. "We exercise the authority when there is information or evidence indicating a visa holder may be ineligible for a U.S. visa."

Additionally, it said that when it receives "derogatory information" indicating ineligibility, it takes "immediate action" which can include revocation of visas.

"Even after issuance of a visa, the Department of State works closely with the Department of Homeland Security and other partner agencies to ensure every visa applicant is continuously screened to ensure they remain eligible for travel to the United States," it told Rubio.

The department also said it "shares your outrage regarding Hamas’ brutal attack against the State of Israel and its citizens."

[archive.org mirror]

[allthegeopolitics]

Two Israeli soldiers have been denied entry into Australia after being required to fill out a document regarding their role in war crimes, amid growing international awareness of the Israeli occupation army’s genocide in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli newspaper Ynet News, two Israeli siblings – 24-year-old Omer Berger and 22-year-old Ella Berger – applied for visas to Australia two months ago along with their family members. While the other family members had their visa applications swiftly approved, Omar and Ella were required to complete a 13-page form demanded of military personnel fighting in a conflict, as they both currently serve in Israel’s occupation military. The form reportedly includes questions regarding their involvement in physical or psychological abuse, their roles as guards or officials in detention facilities, and whether they had participated in war crimes or genocide.

Continue Reading.

[xclowniex]

Hey have you heard of this?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-zealand-requires-israelis-to-disclose-idf-service-details-as-condition-for-entry/

I hadn't heard of this.

Any denial due to service is likely due to a security risk, and has applied to other countries with mandatory military service.

"An analysis of INZ statistical data indicates that the rejection rate for Israeli visa applications to New Zealand during the war has been approximately four percent. This is not unusually high compared to previous years or the rejection rates for citizens of other developed countries." - from the article

So i wouldn't say it's because they're Israeli.

New Zealand has decent relations with Israel. Both our militaries have gotten along before at training events. The current government has no plans of sanctioning Israel.

The NZDF cannot buy Israeli weapons, but we can (and do) use an Israeli company as the middle man for purchasing weapons.

Tbf we can't really afford to cut ties with any country which has good military capabilities. Our military is sooo fucking shit. We would not be able to defend ourselves against an invasion. We literally rely on Australia if that ever happens lol. Literally we had a massive navy ship sink last year because someone forgot to turn off auto pilot 😭. And we cannot afford to the replace the ship either.

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By Josh Christenson

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik called Monday for Congress to sanction the International Criminal Court following prosecutors’ announcement they will seek an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The ICC is an illegitimate court that equivocates a peaceful nation protecting its right to exist with radical terror groups that commit genocide,” Stefanik (R-NY) told The Post.

“Congress must pass my bill with Congressman Chip Roy, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, that will punish those in the ICC that made this baseless undemocratic decision.”

7Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning as the ICC announced warrants against him for crimes against humanity.X / @EliseStefanik

ICC chief prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan announced the filing of arrest warrant applications against both Netanyahu and Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for allegedly committing crimes against humanity during the Jewish state’s seven-month-old war against Hamas in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Stefanik and Roy (R-Texas), responding to reports that the warrants would be sought, introduced the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act to revoke visas for ICC officials who investigate or prosecute US officials or American allies.

The bill also revokes visas for any other ICC employees or their immediate family members acting on behalf of such an investigation or prosecution.

Israel, like the US, does not officially recognize the ICC’s authority, giving it no jurisdiction over Netanyahu or Gallant, as South Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) pointed out.

“The decision to seek arrest warrants is not law but politics. It is not justice but rather retribution against Israel for the original sin of existing as a Jewish State and the subsequent sin of defending itself amid the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust,” Torres said on X Monday.

[beardedmrbean]

Commentator Candace Owens has been blocked from entering Australia ahead of a planned speaking tour.

Australia's Minister of Home Affairs, Tony Burke, rejected Owens' visa application, his office confirmed to Newsweek.

"From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [Nazi doctor Josef Mengele] through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction," Burke said in a statement.

"Australia's national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else."

Owens has long stoked controversy with inflammatory claims about Jewish, Muslim and transgender people. In July, she sparked a backlash after saying that accounts of the Nazi medical experiments conducted on twins by Mengele in concentration camps sound "completely absurd" and like "bizarre propaganda."

Owens has not publicly commented on being barred from entering Australia. She has been contacted for comment via an email sent through the website for Blexit, a grassroots conservative movement she co-founded.

The Anti-Defamation Commission, a pro-Jewish group that pushed to bar Owens from Australia, welcomed Burke's decision to reject her visa application.

"This is a victory for truth, for decency, and for the millions of Jewish souls and millions of others whose memory she so shamelessly desecrated," the group's chairman Dvir Abramovich said in a statement provided to Newsweek.

"The decision by the government to bar Owens sends a resounding message: Australia has no place for those who mock the suffering of genocide survivors and insult the memories of the 6 million Jews who perished. This is a line in the sand."

The Anti-Defamation League says Owens has "come to espouse explicitly antisemitic, anti-Zionist and anti-Israel views," while LGBQT+ advocacy organization GLAAD has listed several occasions when Owens has expressed allegedly transphobic views on social media.

Owens left The Daily Wire, a right-wing website, earlier this year amid reported tensions with editor emeritus Ben Shapiro over their opposing points of view on Israel's war in Gaza.

She has been increasingly critical of Israel, writing on X in November last year that "no government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever. There is no justification for a genocide. I can't believe this even needs to be said or is even considered the least bit controversial to state." Israel has denied accusations of genocide.

Her speaking tour in Australia was set to kick off in Melbourne on November 17, with tickers ranging from $95 for reserved seating to $1,500 for a VIP package that included a pre-event dinner and a meet-and-greet with Owens. The tour also included stops in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, and Auckland in New Zealand.

"Join us for an electrifying evening with Candace Owens, the outspoken and fearless American conservative social commentator, author, activist, and YouTube sensation," read a description of the show on ticketing website Ticketek.

"Known for her controversial takes and unwavering stance, Candace is set to light up stages across Australia and New Zealand with her bold and unfiltered perspectives.... this is your opportunity to experience firsthand the intellect and fearlessness that has captivated millions around the globe."

Update 10/28/24, 4:50 a.m ET: This article has been updated with a statement from Tony Burke's office and the Anti-Defamation Commission.

[workersolidarity]

🇮🇱⚔️🇺🇳 🇵🇸 🚨

ISRAELI OCCUPATION AUTHORITIES DENY VISAS TO UN HUMANITARIAN PERSONNEL OVER CRITICISM OF GENOCIDE

The occupation authorities blocked the visa applications of various United Nations humanitarian aid personnel coordinating aid into Gaza over criticisms of Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Israel is "abusing its powers" as an occupying force in Gaza to deny visas to certain United Nations staff, the UN special rapporteur to the occupied Palestinian territories told Al-Jazeera News.

Earlier, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen wrote on the social media platform X on Monday that he had instructed the occupation Foreign Ministry to deny a visa extension for a UN employee in Israel and to reject the visa application another.

Cohen accused the United Nations of cooperating with the "propaganda of the terrorist organization Hamas," an accusation now regularly used against anyone opposing the genocide of Palestinians, or even just acknowledging the horrors of what's occuring in Gaza.

#source

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[raizinggroup12]

Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Israel Once Your Visa Is Approved

Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Israel Once Your Visa Is Approved

Israel is a country of rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an adventure seeker, or someone seeking spiritual connections, Israel offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 10 destinations you must explore once your visa is approved.

1. Jerusalem: The Heart of Spirituality

No trip to Israel is complete without a visit to Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Key highlights include:

Old City: Wander through its four quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian) and visit iconic sites such as the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

Yad Vashem: The Holocaust Remembrance Center provides a poignant look at history.

Mahane Yehuda Market: Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and bustling stalls.

2. Tel Aviv: The Modern Metropolis

Known as the "city that never sleeps," Tel Aviv is a vibrant blend of innovation, nightlife, and culture:

Beaches: Relax at Gordon Beach or Banana Beach.

Neve Tzedek: Stroll through this historic neighborhood with boutique shops and art galleries.

Carmel Market: Experience the colorful local market offering fresh produce, spices, and street food.

Nightlife: From rooftop bars to underground clubs, Tel Aviv’s party scene is legendary.

3. The Dead Sea: A Natural Wonder

Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Known for its therapeutic properties, this area offers:

Mud Baths: Rejuvenate your skin with natural black mud.

Masada: Visit the ancient fortress for stunning sunrise views and historical insights.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Hike through lush oases and waterfalls.

4. Haifa: A City of Harmony

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is a city where different cultures coexist peacefully. Must-visit attractions include:

Bahá’í Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site, these meticulously manicured gardens offer breathtaking views.

German Colony: Explore its charming streets filled with restaurants and shops.

Stella Maris Monastery: A serene spot offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

5. Nazareth: The Childhood Home of Jesus

A hub of Christian pilgrimage, Nazareth is steeped in religious significance:

Basilica of the Annunciation: One of the most important Christian sites in the world.

Nazareth Village: A recreated first-century village providing insights into life during Jesus’ time.

Local Markets: Discover spices, textiles, and local crafts.

6. Eilat: The Red Sea Paradise

Eilat is a haven for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts:

Coral Beach Nature Reserve: Snorkel or dive to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Timna Park: Marvel at unique rock formations and ancient copper mines.

Dolphin Reef: Swim with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat.

7. The Sea of Galilee: Tranquility and History

This freshwater lake is surrounded by historical and spiritual landmarks:

Capernaum: Explore the ancient ruins of a fishing village.

Mount of Beatitudes: Visit the site where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Tiberias: Relax in hot springs or take a boat ride on the serene waters.

8. Acre (Akko): A Crusader City

Acre offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history:

Old City: Wander through narrow alleys and explore ancient walls and tunnels.

Templars’ Tunnel: A hidden passage used by the Crusaders.

Local Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood and authentic Middle Eastern dishes.

9. The Negev Desert: Adventure Awaits

Covering over half of Israel’s land area, the Negev Desert is a place of stark beauty:

Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon): Discover this natural geological wonder.

Bedouin Hospitality: Experience traditional Bedouin culture and cuisine.

Star Gazing: The clear desert skies offer unparalleled views of the stars.

10. Caesarea: Ancient Meets Modern

This ancient port city combines archaeological wonders with modern amenities:

Caesarea National Park: Explore Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and aqueduct.

Golf Course: Play a round at Israel’s only 18-hole golf course.

Marina: Enjoy waterfront dining and luxurious yachts.

Practical Tips for Travelers:

Seasonal Travel: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are ideal for comfortable weather.

Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and fresh pita bread.

Language: While Hebrew and Arabic are official languages, English is widely spoken.

Transportation: Israel has an efficient public transportation system, but renting a car can be convenient for remote areas.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect religious customs, especially in sacred sites.

From the spiritual aura of Jerusalem to the modern vibe of Tel Aviv, and from the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea to the adventures of the Negev Desert, Israel is a land of contrasts and wonders. Each destination offers unique experiences that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Plan your trip today and embark on an unforgettable journey!

The Israel Visa Application Centre in the UAE, managed by BSR Global DMCC, offers a range of services to assist individuals applying for visas to Israel. The center provides detailed application guidelines, user-friendly online forms, and real-time application tracking. With a focus on efficiency and customer service, it ensures a seamless visa application process for purposes such as tourism, business, and more.

Visit our website :-

[hoperays-song]

Today, I went into my local community college to register for some classes. I was immediately bustled into a room with two older women, who were also filing out the online application with a state software. The one next to me, who was about my mum's age, smiled when I sat down, complemented my bag, and said something about how it was good to see young people interested in education. I thanked her and we both went back to our application. I didn't pay much attention to anything other the the application for a while but when I paused to look some stuff up on my phone for it. She saw the back of my case, which is decorated with pride flags and a "love is love" popsocket, and she immediately tapped it with a smile, proclaiming "I love that! There needs to be more of that in the world!" I had been pretty stressed up until this point due to the area I live in not being that safe for queer people, but just that simple comment made me relax and smile, thank her again, and agree to watch her stuff while she ran out of the room to talk to a counselor.

But this random lady's support to the clearly nervous queer kid at a Texan community college is not the point of this post. What happened after this is. She came back with a counselor and they began talking about her about the family history section of the application. Now, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but we were seated shoulder to shoulder so I heard the entire conversation anyways. Her parents had graduate degrees and as part of the application you have to put what schools they went to and where those schools are. Her parents' schools did not exist in the software. Wanna know why? Because they were located in Gaza. And Palestine didn't exist in the software, as a country or occupied territory. And for the next ten minutes, the counselors just kept asking her if she would be willing to put her parents' and their degrees coming from either the West Bank or Israel. She had to keep explaining to them on why she would not do that the entire time before they eventually decided to move to conversation to another room as it was becoming clear that both me and the other woman in the room, who actually was a recent Ukrainian immigrant, were clearly getting extremely mad at what they were telling this lady to do.

Because not only were they telling her to put her visa at stake by putting down different info on a government form, but they were telling her to erase her entire heritage as well just to make the admission process a bit easier for them. Fuck that. Palestinians deserve their heritage and freedom. Stop trying to erase them from history. Apply Texas, go fuck yourselves.

[catdotjpeg]

On February 19, I am going to turn 23. I’m anxious that the day will come and the war will still be ongoing, but then again, I’m not entirely sure I will live long enough to see it. Before the Israeli war on Gaza, I lived a peaceful life, going every day to Al-Aqsa University in pursuit of my studies. My school has now been bombed by the Israeli military even though it was full of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza. The bombing campaign killed a number of the displaced, turning the place I used to study, laugh, and feel joy into a horror movie. My friend and classmate, Nadia Abd El-Latif, was killed during the Israeli onslaught due to a direct Israeli airstrike on her house. The same thing happened to other friends and colleagues — Mahmoud Al-Naouq, Yousef Dawwas, and Muhammad Hammo. 

My teacher, Refaat Alareer, was killed in the same way, as was my cousin’s husband, along with her seven-year-old son. All of these deaths have left me drained. After over a hundred days, Israel’s war is still ongoing, and my soul feels worn.  These 115 days make up 2,760 hours spent living with acute fear and anxiety, with no idea whether we’ll be among the survivors or not. But since the bombing began in October, I have been trying — in vain — to think of a way out of Gaza. 

[...]

During the beginning of the war, a friend of mine helped me to file a visa application to Qatar. She was hoping that Qatar would grant me a visa, which would make leaving Gaza a bit easier. She promised to host me in her house until the end of the war. Hesitantly, I agreed, reluctant to leave my family in such dire conditions, but the point was moot, as Qatar rejected my visa. I was very disappointed, expecting Qatar to agree since it is an Arab country with strong relations with Palestine.  After the rejection, I started to look for another way to escape Gaza, especially when the Israeli army launched its ground invasion of Gaza. I witnessed the unbearably cruel treatment of Palestinian civilians by Israeli soldiers, and I saw the outside world’s cold reaction.

[...]

Egypt has closed its borders with Gaza many times during the war and has made the price of leaving Gaza unbelievably high. Since my mother is half-Egyptian and half-Palestinian, this was incredibly heartbreaking to me. Egypt is an Arab country neighboring Palestine, with which we share a common history and culture. How can they do this to us? There are many Palestinians in Gaza who have Egyptian blood and hold Egyptian nationality. Yet even those Egyptian citizens residing in Gaza are being asked to pay at least $1,500 to be let through the Rafah crossing to escape death. Over 80% of people in Gaza live below the poverty line, and many wouldn’t be able to pay even $100. What is even worse is that if you do not have an Egyptian passport, the current going rate to pass through is $10,000 — and even then, if you somehow manage to find the money, you’ll still have to wait for days or even months to leave. Recently, the Egyptians claim to have decreased the amount to $5,000 per person, yet the struggle remains the same.  A small number of wealthy, influential people in Gaza can, in fact, pay such amounts to leave. Others are resorting to seeking donations through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and LaunchGood, and I do not blame them. They have no other way to avoid the bombing and save their lives. 

Many displaced families have sought shelter in my grandparents’ house during the war, as we reside in Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians are now living in tents. Three of these families were able to legally coordinate with Egyptian authorities to leave Gaza.  Hala Ihsan Abu Ramadan, 32, was displaced from the very north of Gaza along with her family four separate times until they finally reached Rafah. After collecting money through GoFundMe, Hala reached out to the Egyptian “coordinator,” who was a friend of her sister Heba’s manager. The coordinator asked for $5,000 per person, for a total of six people — Hala, Heba, Heba’s husband Hassan, their brother Abed, and their parents. Their father is a cancer patient and has not been able to receive any medical check-ups or chemotherapy sessions since the beginning of the war due to the overcrowding of Gaza’s hospitals.  “My father has to leave Gaza,” Hala told me. “His life is on the line. If my father does not get treatment, cancer will spread throughout his entire body. He will die very soon if the situation remains the same. We contacted the Egyptian coordinator, and he confirmed that my father’s case was designated urgent.” 

Hala added that, as recently as today, her father’s name has not shown up on any of Egypt’s lists of people allowed to evacuate Gaza. “I mean, if my father’s case is urgent, and he has been waiting since December 30, how much time do urgent cases take?” Hala asks me. The Egyptian coordinators ended up raising the price required of Hala and her family several times, first to $6,000, then to $7,000, $8,000, and finally, to $10,000 per person. Appallingly, as of the time of writing, none of her family members have been allowed out of Gaza.  Hala’s cousin, Saleem Abu Hamdah, whose mother is Egyptian, has not been allowed into Egypt even though he paid $1,200. His wife and three children were allowed into Egypt, however, after paying those same so-called “coordination expenses,” along with his parents — leaving him alone in Gaza.  Another woman I spoke to, Samar, requested that her surname be withheld for her own safety. She has an Egyptian mother-in-law, and was asked to pay $4,000, whereas Samar was asked to pay $2,000. As of the time of writing, neither of them has been let out of Gaza, even though they have been in communication with coordinators since the start of the war. Only Samar’s Egyptian mother-in-law has been given permission to leave Gaza, but she refuses to leave behind her two sons, their wives and children, and her daughter, along with her daughter’s children. 

[...]

As for myself, I cannot leave Gaza. My family’s financial situation cannot cover such high “coordination” expenses. I am reluctant to launch a GoFundMe campaign due to all the stories I’ve heard — none of the people I know who paid coordination fees to travel to Egypt have truly been able to leave Gaza. Maybe if one of the families sheltering with us were given actual permission to leave, I would consider launching my own fundraising campaign. Until then, I don’t believe there is a real way out, and I don’t see the outside world pressuring Israel for a ceasefire.

-- From "Egyptian officials are charging Palestinians a massive ransom to escape the Gaza genocide" by Shahd Safi for Mondoweiss, 29 Jan 2024

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Link to Abdallah’s gofundme campaign: https://gofund.me/0b896649

[bloghrexach]

🇵🇸 … what will go down in history: IsraHell has violated the Genocide Convention: FACT!!

By: LaillaB, founder of ‘Reclaim the Narrative’ from LinkedIn …

“No matter how it concludes, South Africa's lawsuit in the ICC arguing Israel has violated the Genocide Convention will go down in history.

It will either be remembered as the first step towards finally holding an imperial rogue state accountable or as the last, dying breath of a dysfunctional, Western-led system.

For the hypocrisy of Western governments (and the Western political elite) has finally brought the so-called "rules-based world order" they purport to lead to the point of no return.

"Finish them! America ♥️ Israel. Always Nikki Haley.” Signed on a missile heading for Gaza, May 2024.

Full-throttled Western support for Israel's genocidal rampage in Gaza has truly exposed the double standards of the West.

There is no turning back, and the West has only its own arrogance to blame.

The litany of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel and it’s ironclad allies are clear as the light of day for anybody who has access to a smartphone.

According to Western leaders, the world should be up in arms about Russian aggression but should be perfectly happy with Israeli brutality and flouting of international laws.

Ukrainians who throw Molotov cocktails at Russian forces are heroes and freedom fighters, while Palestinians who dare to resist Israeli colonisation are terrorists.

Ukrainian children requiring critical life saving treatment receive fully funded treatment and visas approved almost instantly across various western nations, hats off to them, children in Gaza are still awaiting application decisions, dating back Oct 2023.

Of course, Western hypocrisy is nothing new, for years, non white refugees from war torn MENA regions (most of which the West are behind) have perished in the seas; “let them sink”, Naomi Klein

More recently, we should acknowledge and celebrate the “successful” rescue operation of 4 Israeli hostages at a ratio to 287 martyred Palestinians.

Bear in mind that hostage taking is a tactic used throughout history to draw attention to causes, reminiscent of ancient Mesopotamian practices.

Generations of Palestinians have suffered violent Israeli expulsion resulting in global dispersion (7-9 million).

The “right to return”, a law enshrined injustice that has been overlooked by the “international community” for decades.

The UN Secretary General himself said “it didn’t happen in a vacuum”.

✍🏻 — Abuses, torture, mass killing, wanton destruction, have been the daily reality for the Palestinians under Israeli rule for over half a century!! ✍️

Now everyone can see. Israel operates as a military dictatorship, committing all sorts of crimes including apartheid to the aim of removing the Palestinians from their land.

It did not start on Oct 7.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur.

Western credibility has been shredded irrevocably.

Who would’ve thought the world would divide? … 🇵🇸

G E N O C I D E … #Justice

Gaza will be the grave of the Western-led world order!! — 🍉🕊 — @hrexach

#reclaimthenarrative … #AlJazeeraEnglish … #FreePalestine … @hrexach

[ausetkmt]

Sweeping Raids, Giant Camps and Mass Deportations: Inside Trump’s 2025 Immigration Plans

Former President Donald Trump is planning an extreme expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration if he returns to power in 2025 — including preparing to round up people living in the United States without legal permission on a vast scale and detain them in sprawling camps while they wait to be expelled.

The plans would sharply restrict both legal and illegal immigration in a multitude of ways.

Trump wants to revive his first-term border policies, including banning entry by people from certain Muslim-majority nations and reimposing a COVID-19-era policy of refusing asylum claims — although this time, he would base that refusal on assertions that migrants carry other infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

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He plans to scour the country for immigrants living here without legal permission and deport people by the millions per year.

To help speed mass deportations, Trump is preparing an enormous expansion of a form of removal that does not require due-process hearings. To help Immigration and Customs Enforcement carry out sweeping raids, he plans to reassign other federal agents and deputize local police officers and National Guard soldiers voluntarily contributed by Republican-run states.

To ease the strain on ICE detention facilities, Trump wants to build huge camps to detain people while their cases are processed and they await deportation flights. And to get around any refusal by Congress to appropriate the necessary funds, Trump would redirect money in the military budget, as he did in his first term to spend more on a border wall than Congress had authorized.

In a public reference to his plans, Trump told a crowd in Iowa in September, “Following the Eisenhower model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” The reference was to a 1954 campaign to round up and expel Mexican immigrants that was named for an ethnic slur — “Operation Wetback.”

The constellation of Trump’s 2025 plans amounts to an assault on immigration on a scale unseen in modern American history. Millions of immigrants living in the country without legal permission would be banned from the U.S. or uprooted from it years or even decades after settling here.

Such a scale of planned removals would raise logistical, financial and diplomatic challenges and would be vigorously challenged in court. But there is no mistaking the breadth and ambition of the shift Trump is eyeing.

In a second Trump presidency, the visas of foreign students who participated in anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian protests would be canceled. U.S. consular officials abroad will be directed to expand ideological screening of visa applicants to block people the Trump administration considers to have undesirable attitudes. People who were granted temporary protected status because they are from certain countries deemed unsafe, allowing them to lawfully live and work in the United States, would have that status revoked.

Similarly, numerous people who have been allowed to live in the country temporarily for humanitarian reasons would also lose that status and be kicked out, including tens of thousands of the Afghans who were evacuated amid the 2021 Taliban takeover and allowed to enter the United States. Afghans holding special visas granted to people who helped U.S. forces would be revetted to see if they really did.

And Trump would try to end birthright citizenship for babies born in the United States to parents living in the country without legal permission — by proclaiming that policy to be the new position of the government and by ordering agencies to cease issuing citizenship-affirming documents like Social Security cards and passports to them. That policy’s legal legitimacy, like nearly all of Trump’s plans, would be virtually certain to end up before the Supreme Court.

In interviews with The New York Times, several Trump advisers gave the most expansive and detailed description yet of Trump’s immigration agenda in a potential second term. In particular, Trump’s campaign referred questions for this article to Stephen Miller, an architect of Trump’s first-term immigration policies who remains close to him and is expected to serve in a senior role in a second administration.

All of the steps Trump advisers are preparing, Miller contended in a wide-ranging interview, rely on existing statutes; while the Trump team would likely seek a revamp of immigration laws, the plan was crafted to need no new substantive legislation. And while acknowledging that lawsuits would arise to challenge nearly every one of them, he portrayed the Trump team’s daunting array of tactics as a “blitz” designed to overwhelm immigrant rights lawyers.

“Any activists who doubt President Trump’s resolve in the slightest are making a drastic error. Trump will unleash the vast arsenal of federal powers to implement the most spectacular migration crackdown,” Miller said, adding, “The immigration legal activists won’t know what’s happening.”

Todd Schulte, the president of FWD.us, an immigration and criminal justice advocacy group that repeatedly fought the Trump administration, said the Trump team’s plans relied on “xenophobic demagoguery” that appeals to his hardest-core political base.

“Americans should understand these policy proposals are an authoritarian, often illegal, agenda that would rip apart nearly every aspect of American life — tanking the economy, violating the basic civil rights of millions of immigrants and native-born Americans alike,” Schulte said.

The Tools to Exploit

Since Trump left office, the political environment on immigration has moved in his direction. He is also more capable now of exploiting that environment if he is reelected than he was when he first won election as an outsider.

The ebbing of the COVID-19 pandemic and resumption of travel flows have helped stir a global migrant crisis, with millions of Venezuelans and Central Americans fleeing turmoil and Africans arriving in Latin American countries before continuing their journey north. Amid the record numbers of migrants at the southern border and beyond it in cities like New York and Chicago, voters are frustrated, and even some Democrats are calling for tougher action against immigrants and pressuring the White House to better manage the crisis.

Trump and his advisers see the opening and now know better how to seize it. The aides Trump relied upon in the chaotic early days of his first term were sometimes at odds and lacked experience in how to manipulate the levers of federal power. By the end of his first term, Cabinet officials and lawyers who sought to restrain some of his actions — like his Homeland Security secretary and chief of staff, John Kelly — had been fired, and those who stuck with him had learned much.

In a second term, Trump plans to install a team that will not restrain him.

Since much of Trump’s first-term immigration crackdown was tied up in the courts, the legal environment has tilted in his favor: His four years of judicial appointments left behind federal appellate courts and a Supreme Court that are far more conservative than the courts that heard challenges to his first-term policies.

The fight over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals provides an illustration.

DACA is an Obama-era program that shields from deportation and grants work permits to people who were brought unlawfully to the United States as children. Trump tried to end it, but the Supreme Court blocked him on procedural grounds in June 2020.

Miller said Trump would try again to end DACA. And the 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court that blocked the last attempt no longer exists: A few months after the DACA ruling, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, and Trump replaced her with a sixth conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Trump’s rhetoric has more than kept up with his increasingly extreme agenda on immigration.

His stoking of fear and anger toward immigrants — pushing for a border wall and calling Mexicans rapists — fueled his 2016 takeover of the Republican Party. As president, he privately mused about developing a militarized border like Israel’s, asked whether migrants crossing the border could be shot in the legs and wanted a proposed border wall topped with flesh-piercing spikes and painted black to burn migrants’ skin.

As he has campaigned for the party’s third straight presidential nomination, his anti-immigrant tone has only grown harsher. In a recent interview with a right-wing website, Trump claimed without evidence that foreign leaders were deliberately emptying their “insane asylums” to send the patients across America’s southern border as migrants. He said migrants were “poisoning the blood of our country.” And at a rally Wednesday in Florida, he compared them to the fictional serial killer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter, saying, “That’s what’s coming into our country right now.”

Trump had similarly vowed to carry out mass deportations when running for office in 2016, but the government only managed several hundred thousand removals per year under his presidency, on par with other recent administrations. If they get another opportunity, Trump and his team are determined to achieve annual numbers in the millions.

Keeping People Out

Trump’s immigration plan is to pick up where he left off and then go much further. He would not only revive some of the policies that were criticized as draconian during his presidency, many of which the Biden White House ended, but also expand and toughen them.

One example centers on expanding first-term policies aimed at keeping people out of the country. Trump plans to suspend the nation’s refugee program and once again categorically ban visitors from troubled countries, reinstating a version of his ban on travel from several mostly Muslim-majority countries, which President Joe Biden called discriminatory and ended on his first day in office.

Trump would also use coercive diplomacy to induce other nations to help, including by making cooperation a condition of any other bilateral engagement, Miller said. For example, a second Trump administration would seek to reestablish an agreement with Mexico that asylum-seekers remain there while their claims are processed. (It is not clear that Mexico would agree; a Mexican court has said that deal violated human rights.)

Trump would also push to revive “safe third country” agreements with several nations in Central America and try to expand them to Africa, Asia and South America. Under such deals, countries agree to take would-be asylum-seekers from specific other nations and let them apply for asylum there instead.

While such arrangements have traditionally only covered migrants who had previously passed through a third country, federal law does not require that limit, and a second Trump administration would seek to make those deals without it, in part as a deterrent to migrants making what the Trump team views as illegitimate asylum claims.

At the same time, Miller said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would invoke the public health emergency powers law known as Title 42 to again refuse to hear any asylum claims by people arriving at the southern border. The Trump administration had internally discussed that idea early in Trump’s term, but some Cabinet secretaries pushed back, arguing that there was no public health emergency that would legally justify it. The administration ultimately implemented it during the coronavirus pandemic.

Saying the idea has since gained acceptance in practice — Biden initially kept the policy — Miller said Trump would invoke Title 42, citing “severe strains of the flu, tuberculosis, scabies, other respiratory illnesses like RSV and so on, or just a general issue of mass migration being a public health threat and conveying a variety of communicable diseases.”

Trump and his aides have not yet said whether they would reenact one of the most contentious deterrents to unauthorized immigration that he pursued as president: separating children from their parents, which led to trauma among migrants and difficulties in reuniting families. When pressed, Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out reviving the policy. After an outcry over the practice, Trump ended it in 2018, and a judge later blocked the government from putting it back into effect.

Mass Deportations

Soon after Trump announced his 2024 campaign for president last November, he met with Tom Homan, who ran ICE for the first year and a half of the Trump administration and was an early proponent of separating families to deter migrants.

In an interview, Homan recalled that in that meeting, he “agreed to come back” in a second term and would “help to organize and run the largest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Trump advisers’ vision of abrupt mass deportations would be a recipe for social and economic turmoil, disrupting the housing market and major industries including agriculture and the service sector.

Miller cast such disruption in a favorable light.

“Mass deportation will be a labor-market disruption celebrated by American workers, who will now be offered higher wages with better benefits to fill these jobs,” he said. “Americans will also celebrate the fact that our nation’s laws are now being applied equally and that one select group is no longer magically exempt.”

One planned step to overcome the legal and logistical hurdles would be to significantly expand a form of fast-track deportations known as “expedited removal.” It denies immigrants living in the country without legal permission the usual hearings and opportunity to file appeals, which can take months or years — especially when people are not in custody — and has led to a large backlog. A 1996 law says people can be subject to expedited removal for up to two years after arriving, but to date, the executive branch has used it more cautiously, swiftly expelling people picked up near the border soon after crossing.

The Trump administration tried to expand the use of expedited removal, but a court blocked it, and then the Biden team canceled the expansion. It remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will rule that it is constitutional to use the law against people who have been living for a significant period in the United States and express fear of persecution if sent home.

Trump has also said he would invoke an archaic law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, to expel suspected members of drug cartels and criminal gangs without due process. That law allows for summary deportation of people from countries with which the United States is at war, that have invaded the United States or that have engaged in “predatory incursions.”

The Supreme Court has upheld past uses of that law in wartime. But its text seems to require a link to the actions of a foreign government, so it is not clear whether the justices will allow a president to stretch it to encompass drug cartel activity.

More broadly, Miller said a new Trump administration would shift from the ICE practice of arresting specific people to carrying out workplace raids and other sweeps in public places aimed at arresting scores of immigrants living in the country without legal permission all at once.

To make the process of finding and deporting immigrants already living inside the country without legal permission “radically more quick and efficient,” he said, the Trump team would bring in “the right kinds of attorneys and the right kinds of policy thinkers” willing to carry out such ideas.

And because of the magnitude of arrests and deportations being contemplated, they plan to build “vast holding facilities that would function as staging centers” for immigrants as their cases progress and they wait to be flown to other countries.

Miller said the new camps would likely be built “on open land in Texas near the border.” He said the military would construct them under the authority and control of the Department of Homeland Security. While he cautioned that there were no specific blueprints yet, he said the camps would look professional and similar to other facilities for migrants that have been built near the border.

Such camps could also enable the government to speed up the pace and volume of deportations of people who have lived in the United States without legal permission for years and so are not subject to fast-track removal. If pursuing a long-shot effort to win permission to remain in the country would mean staying locked up in the interim, some may give up and voluntarily accept removal without going through the full process.

The use of these camps, he said, would likely be focused more on single adults because the government cannot indefinitely hold children under a long-standing court order known as the Flores settlement. So any families brought to the facilities would have to be moved in and out more quickly, Miller said.

The Trump administration tried to overturn the Flores settlement, but the Supreme Court did not resolve the matter before Trump’s term ended. Miller said the Trump team would try again.

To increase the number of agents available for ICE sweeps, Miller said, officials from other federal law enforcement agencies would be temporarily reassigned, and state National Guard troops and local police officers, at least from willing Republican-led states, would be deputized for immigration control efforts.

While a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally forbids the use of the armed forces for law enforcement purposes, another law called the Insurrection Act creates an exception. Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act at the border, enabling the use of federal troops to apprehend migrants, Miller said.

“Bottom line,” he said, “President Trump will do whatever it takes.”