Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Ethiopian Jewry
Adopted by the CCAR at the 98th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1987
WHEREAS our tradition places the greatest of importance on the mitzvah
of Pidyon shevuyim
–redemption of the captives–and
WHEREAS eight to ten thousand Ethiopian Jews still remain in Ethiopia, cut off from
family and dear ones, and
WHEREAS many of these people are the most vulnerable and demoralized remnant of the
Ethiopian community–women, children, and the elderly who have suffered persecution,
hunger, and disease–and
WHEREAS neighboring countries have closed their borders to Ethiopian Jews, preventing
exit routes to the remaining thousands,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that at this 1986 Conference of the Central Conference of
American Rabbis, we urge our Executive Board, colleagues, and the institutions of
Reform Judaism to assign the highest of social action priorities to the rescue and
relief of those Jews who remain in Ethiopia and whose pride in their Jewish heritage and love
of Israel is an inspiration to Jews everywhere.