Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
On Ethiopian Jewry
Adopted by the CCAR at the 95th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Grossingers, New York, June 18-21, 1984
Whereas
there are presently more than 7,000 Ethiopian Jews who have fled Ethiopia because
of famine and religious oppression, and are in refugee camp areas awaiting rescue
to Israel; and
Whereas
reports continue to be received from those refugee camps of death due to disease
and malnutrition; and
Whereas
18,000 Ethiopian Jews still remain in Ethiopia with little chance to survive as a
Jewish community; and
Whereas
there are nearly 7,000 Ethiopian Jews presently living in Israel with 6,500 having
been rescued by Israel since 1979, after considerable debate concerning this rescue
effort; and
Whereas
there are conflicting viewpoints within the Jewish community as to what is being
done and what can be done by Israel and the American Jewish community to save Ethiopian
Jewry,
Therefore be it resolved
that the Overseas Jewry Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis be
directed to disseminate to the membership at least quarterly all relevant and diverse
information from all parties who are working on behalf of Ethiopian Jewry rescue
and resettlement, and to urge the membership to utilize this information for the purpose
of Pikuach Nefesh
and Pidyon Shevuyim.