U.S. Not Aware of Mistreatment of Black Hebrews in Israel

The State Department said that it was not aware of “any mistreatment” of the Black Hebrews living in Israel. Department spokesman John Trattner, replying to questions about the allegation by syndicated columnist William Raspberry that the Black Hebrews are being harassed by the Israeli government, said “We are very much aware of the Black Hebrews living in Israel. We have taken steps to remain in close contact with them and to see that their situation remains reasonably safe and secure, not because there is any threat but simply because they are American citizens who are living in that country and we look out for them as we look out for any American citizens who are residents that we know about.”