A resolution of concern for Ethiopian Jews, urging the United States government to seek ways to help them emigrate, was approved unanimously yesterday by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights. The non-binding resolution was introduced by Rep. Stephen Solarz (D. N.Y.). The resolution now goes to the full committee for action.
The resolution called on the government to “express to relevant foreign governments the United States concern for the welfare of Ethiopian Jews, in particular their right to emigrate.” The resolution stated that the Ethiopian Jewish community is one of the oldest in existence, with a history of 3,000 years.
It said the community once numbered several hundred thousand persons but has been reduced to 25,000 because of “wars, pestilence, persecution and famine.” The resolution said the U.S. government “should seek ways to assist Ethiopian Jews through every available means so they may be able to emigrate freely. “
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