Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Ethiopian Jewry and World Hunger
Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1985
Whereas
“Operation Moses” has served to heighten our awareness of the dire situation of our
Ethiopian co-religionists remaining in Ethiopia and in refugee areas. and
Whereas
even before the establishment of the State of Israel, the Jewish people’s priority
has been to return Diaspora Jews in peril to the Jewish homeland,
Therefore be it resolved
that the CCAR urge its members, UAHC constituent congregations, and all other Jewish
organizations to continue to support all rescue efforts aimed at saving these Jews
from starvation and persecution by bringing them to Israel. These efforts include
the Joint Distribution Committee’s food station at Gondar Province and the mitzvah
projects of the UAHC and the congregational or family reunification program of the
AAEJ. We further urge all congregations and Jewish organizations to give priority
to this effort in the coming months.
Be it further resolved
that we look to Israel to continue to facilitate its urgent and noble rescue of all
Ethiopian Jews. We commend Israel, Prime Minister Peres, and former Prime Minister
Begin for their efforts to fulfill the mitzvah
of “redeeming captives,” a matter of tzedaka
.
Be it further resolved
that we urge support of the long and difficult task of resettlement and acculturation
of this “saving remnant.”