Resolution
Adopted by the CCAR
Absorption of Ethiopian Immigrants
Adopted by the 104th Annual Convention of
the
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Montreal, Quebec, June
1993
BE IT RESOLVED, that the
Central Conference of American Rabbis sees the process of
absorption of Ethiopian Jews, and their
integration into Israeli society as of utmost
significance, and notes that this process is far
from complete. Although Ethiopian
Jewish expression may differ greatly from Reform in context and
history, the struggle
of African
Jews for recognition and dignity speaks to us
all.
Moreover, many aspects of their plight
resonate particularly for us: Orthodox intransigence
and double standards, the dual specters of
discrimination and disinterest, and the
claims of an alternative approach to legitimacy and
tolerance.
The Central Conference notes that
this issue extends further than Operations Moses
and Solomon. It reflects on our dialogue with
African Americans in the United States,
and on our passionate concern for the integration of all
Olim
from the four
corners of the earth in the State of
Israel.
The Central Conference salutes the work of
many in Israel who strive to make the mass
immigration of the Beta Israel
of Ethiopia into a true Aliyah
. We note in particular the efforts
of Reform institutions such as the Israel Religious
Action Center in the areas of national advocacy and
individual legal assistance,
and
the Leo Baeck Education Center, which has worked intensively with
Ethiopians
in Israel for over a
decade, often in the face of Orthodox
opposition.
The Central Conference resolves to
develop closer ties with the Jews of Ethiopia.
Their fate is our fate. Their struggle for
legitimacy and respect is ours. We extend
to our brothers and sisters our words and our hearts.