Appeal of Black Hebrews Rejected

The Supreme Court yesterday turned down the appeal of 28 Black Hebrews from Dimona who wish to remain in Israel as immigrants. They had asked the court to order the Interior Minister to grant them immigrant status, saying they arrived in Israel before the Law of Return was amended at the beginning of 1970. The original law stated that anyone who sincerely held himself to be a Jew and professed no other religion, was a Jew, and hence, was entitled to enter Israel as an immigrant. The Black Hebrews said in their appeal that they adhere to the law of Moses and Israel and considered themselves to be of Jewish origin.

In turning down their appeal the court said they had only applied for immigrant status in 1972 and were therefore subject to the amended Law of Return. It did, however, issue an interim injunction forbidding their expulsion for one month while their application for permanent residence, as opposed to immigrant status, is being considered.

A deportation order was issued last week by the Interior Ministry against 17 of the Black Hebrews, among them leaders of the Dimona community. The group was held by police until the court decision was made.

The Ministry’s order was made on the grounds that all members of the group are staying in Israel illegally. Some 230 Black Hebrews arrived in Israel two years ago, most of them with tourist visas. Some of these visas expired and were not renewed. The group was asked by the government to leave. Some members left; others rejected the government appeals.

During the last year 20 left the country either on their own or following government orders. At present there are still some 200 Black Hebrews in Dimona. Some of them have acquired temporary citizen status, which has to be reapproved after three years in Israel.