THE PROBLEM AND OUR TARGET AUDIENCE

In 2003, a conflict in the western region of Darfur, Sudan, began when rebel groups accused the central government of neglecting the area.  In response, a government-backed militia known as the Janjaweed has been engaging in a genocidal campaign to wipe out communities of Muslim African tribal farmers in Darfur.  To date, at least 400,000 people have been killed, and 2.2 million have been displaced in clashes between indigenous rebel groups and the government. 

Refugees from Darfur and survivors of a long-standing civil war in South Sudan have been fleeing to big cities and neighboring countries such as Chad and Egypt, seeking safety.  In Egypt, the situation of Sudanese refugees is dire; they lack basic rights, are on the verge of starvation, and suffer from frequent harassment by the authorities.  During a protest in December 2005, 27 were killed by the Egyptian police, while many others were injured, detained and deported back to Sudan.

Consequently, out of desperation, some have fled to Israel seeking refuge.  Recent efforts by non-governmental organizations have led to the release refugees from detention centers where they were originally placed, and now attempts are being made to help the community establish itself in Israel.