MKS already working to enact anti-racist legislation,

Immediately following Wednesday’s stormy session of the Knesset Committee for Aliya, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, Chairman MK Danny Danon (Likud) issued a statement saying he would spearhead a package of legislation that would address discriminatory practices against members of the Ethiopian community.

Danon announced that he would seek partners in the Ministries of Education, Immigrant Absorption and Internal Security to create legislation in all areas where racism exists.

“Anyone found being racist against Ethiopians will go to jail,” he declared.

Among the penalties Danon hopes to institute if this package of laws is approved is to criminalize racism with a fine of NIS 100,000, and jail time for up to six months.

Danon also called on the various government ministers to institute stronger policies against racism and to promote equality.

“It is up to us to fight this dangerous phenomenon in Israeli society,” said the MK.

In addition, Meretz MK Ilan Gilon, who was one of few politicians to attend Tuesday’s protest against racism in Kiryat Malachi, called on the government Wednesday to support his bill aimed at tackling discriminatory practices in the housing market.

The bill will be brought for discussion on Sunday in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation.