An African migrant peers from an olive tree during a protest in Rabin's square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said about 10,000 migrants marched through Tel Aviv Sunday. Protestors said they are on a three-day strike to protest a crackdown on migrants that can lead to incarceration in a newly built detention facility. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
January 06, 2014 - 12:56 AM
JERUSALEM - Thousands of African migrants in Israel are marching to the embassies of the United States and European countries to demand work rights and better treatment from the government.
The protesters in Monday's march in Tel Aviv say they seek asylum in Israel and demand the government end a crackdown that could result in their incarceration.
The migrants, some of whom are menial labourers in Israel, have been on a three-day strike. More than 10,000 migrants rallied on Sunday.
Tens of thousands of Africans have trekked through neighbouring countries to reach Israel in recent years.
The influx sparked tensions with locals who blame them for rising crime and a change of the Jewish identity in some neighbourhoods.
Many migrants fled oppression at home, hoping for a better life in Israel.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014