Dozens of children of migrant workers in Israel have formally petitioned the government for citizenship and the opportunity to serve in the IDF. The teens, who feel deeply connected to Israel, argue that they should be granted citizenship under a legal clause that provides residency for those who contribute to the country.
The appeal, directed to Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and the Prime Minister’s Office, follows the advocacy of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants. The organization has called for citizenship for 120 teenagers in similar situations. Some of these teens have already individually sought to enlist in the IDF, though their requests have been denied, according to Kan public broadcaster.
One teenager shared, “I feel like this is my home. Israel has given me a lot, and I want to give back to the country.” The petition highlights a longstanding debate about the rights of children of foreign workers, many of whom have lived in Israel for years.
The issue gained further attention when Minister Arbel granted permanent residency to Enrico Basilio, the father of Cedrick Garin, a slain IDF reservist. Basilio, who had been deported to the Philippines 22 years ago, returned to Israel to attend his son’s funeral. Cedrick, who had obtained Israeli citizenship after completing his IDF service, was killed during a deadly RPG attack in Gaza. Basilio’s return spotlighted the struggles of migrant families seeking permanent status in Israel.
