The Raanana Municipality enlisted to help the initiative of the “Gay Youth Organization”, a volunteer organization that works on behalf of gay youth across the country and the “Israeli Children Organization”, which leads activities to help children of work immigrants remain in Israel.

The families were invited by the Culture, Youth and Leisure Division’s Youth and Young Adult Department for a unique day of camp in the afternoon hours.  Youth from the “Gay Youth Organization” set up and ran stations and social and sports activities at the park, with the help of 30 representatives from Raanana’s Mahane Ha’olim Youth Movement.  Dinner prepared by the children’s mothers was also served at the park, and it included Philippine specialties.

In attendance was Mayor Nahum Hofree who said:  “As the holidays of Tishrei approach, the importance and significance of the love of one’s fellow man and the love of Israel are highlighted.  Raanana embraces these children who were born in Israel, this is their home.”

Deputy Mayor Ronit Weintraub, Director of the Culture, Youth and Leisure Division:  “Human health is based on the human dignity of each person.  Our guiding principles are equality and compassion, which light our path as Jews and as human beings.”

Gay Youth Organization Director, Avner Dafni:  “These young children live in Israel and are familiar with Israeli society, are Hebrew speakers and they now face possible deportation and a change to their natural environment – this is illogical and incongruous with the reality in which I live.  Raanana was specifically selected to provide a platform for this activity.  The Raanana Municipality has cooperated due to their connection to these children, including all the children and youth taking part in this initiative.”

Photography: Children of foreign workers at Raanana Park.  Courtesy of the Raanana Municipality.