Absorption Minister Yair Tsaban has suspended a planned trip to Ethiopia, after the African government requested that a low profile be given to efforts to bring the Falash Mora to Israel.
The Israeli government recently approved a plan to allow limited numbers of the Falash Mora, Ethiopians whose ancestors converted to Christianity from Judaism, to immigrate to Israel.
Many Jewish Ethiopian immigrants in Israel have relatives among the Falash Mora, and Israel has decided to allow immigration of the Falash Mora based primarily on family reunification.
A ministerial committee set up to study the issue urged this week that the government take prompt action on reunification cases deserving immediate attention.
The Jewish Agency has been charged with the responsibility of flying these Falash Mora to Israel. The number of people involved has not been disclosed.
The Ethiopian government has often been sensitive about condoning the emigration of its citizens. Ethiopia’s prime minister is due to visit Israel later this month, and the issue of the Falash Mora is expected to be a topic of discussion.
The number of Falash Mora has been variously estimated at being between 20,000 and 40,000.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has also sent an emissary to Eritrea, Ethiopia’s rebellious northern province.
Israel intends to establish diplomatic relations with Eritrea once the country gains independence from Ethiopia, expected to happen after an April 23 referendum on the issue.
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