Students at the Bialik-Rogozin school in a rundown Tel Aviv neighborhood have survived genocide, war and famine. But they were all smiles Feb. 28 after learning that a documentary about their plight had won an Academy Award.
“Strangers No More” puts a human face on Israel’s absorption of African migrants — an issue that has divided the country as the government plans to deport hundreds of children, including students at the school.
When news of the Oscar for best short documentary arrived early that morning, the school jumped into action, festooning the building with balloons and banners and hosting a visit by the mayor.
Both students and faculty said they hoped the sudden attention would persuade the government to cancel its deportation plan.
“Hopefully, thanks to the Oscar, people will see that these are children with dreams like all other children,” said vice principal Mirit Shapiro.
Israel is a magnet for asylum seekers and migrants desperate for jobs in the industrialized world, and has been grappling with how to handle an influx of migrants since they began arriving in 2005.
Tens of thousands of Africans, most from Sudan and Eritrea, have infiltrated Israel’s long desert border with Egypt. Many found their way to the impoverished neighborhoods of south Tel Aviv, home to Bialik-Rogozin.
The Interior Ministry, which oversees immigration, now says it is poised to begin implementing a Cabinet decision to deport thousands of those deemed to be in the country illegally, including hundreds of children.
The plight of the children has especially resonated among Israelis, since the kids speak Hebrew, consider themselves Israeli and many have known no other life.
For migrant advocates, the Oscar could not have come at a more opportune moment.
“If they are good enough to represent Israel at the Oscars, they are good enough to remain part of the country,” said Yonathan Shaham of the “Israeli Children” foundation.
The movie follows the story of three children at the school: Mohammed Adam, a refugee who escaped the genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region; Johannes Mulugeta, whose first day at school is captured in the film; and Esther Aikpehae, a girl who fled South Africa with her father after her mother was killed under unclear circumstances.
The 40-minute documentary by American filmmakers Kirk Simon and his Jewish wife, Karen Goodman, details the children’s struggle to acclimate to life in Israel, slowly unveils their stories of hardship and interviews the dedicated teachers guiding them.
The movie already appears to be making an impact, with some of Israel’s most powerful figures rallying in support of the school.
Education Minister Gideon Saar sent his congratulations, saying the school represented “education at its finest.”
And President Shimon Peres called the school to send his best wishes.
“You have brought us a double dose of happiness,” Peres said, noting the achievements of the school and the favorable depiction of Israel.