(CNN) -- One of the unintended consequences of the Arab revolutions has become evident in Israel, where a surge in the number of refugees from Africa has created new tensions in a country with no shortage of practical and ethical dilemmas. In the face of the new challenge, a number of Israeli politicians have sunk to the occasion, exploiting raw emotions and fueling a display of violence that should shame Israelis. To be sure, Israel is not the first nation whose handling of illegal immigration deserves criticism. But the anti-immigrant riot that took place in a Tel Aviv neighborhood on May 23 should rise as a rallying cry for Israelis who believe their country should shine as a "light unto the nations."
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Frida Ghitis: A demonstration against immigrants turned violent in Israel
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She says members of parliament added to the inflamed rhetoric
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Israel, of all places, should avoid intolerance of those seeking asylum, she says
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Ghitis: Israelis condemned the rioting, and Israel is not alone in its immigration problem
Government figures say about 60,000 @placeholder migrants now reside in Israel, double the figure from 2010, with between 2,000 and 3,000 more arriving each month.