A total of 46 Bosnian Muslim refugees received permanent status in Israel this week at a ceremony at Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, south of Haifa.
In February 1993, the refugees were among a group of about 85 that Israel took in as part of a humanitarian effort in the midst of a full-fledged war in Bosnia. The conflict in that region of the world remains unresolved.
The endeavor was initiated by Yossi Sarid, a Knesset member at the time. He now is the Israel environment minister.
The 46 refugees who remained in Israel moved to Kubbutz Beit Oren on Mount Carmel, where they live and work.
Until now, they have held temporary resident status. When they received permanent status this week, they were issued identity cards.
Israel Radio reported that some have asked permission to bring relatives, some of whom fled to Croatia, to Israel.
The Israeli government will consider the request.
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