November 1996 Falash Mura
The Falash Mura are descendents of Ethiopian Jews who converted to Christianity, and are therefore not eligible for immigration to Israel under the Law of Return, although some may be eligible on the basis of family reunification. In consideration of humanitarian concerns regarding their living conditions in the Addis Abbaba compound, and upon recommendation of the NJCRAC, the JCRC voted, with 2 opposed and 2 abstentions, to:
• urge the Israeli government to take all necessary measure, including more intensive discussions with the Ethiopian government, to accelerate the movement to Israel of those Falash Mura near the Addis Ababa compound who are eligible for Israeli citizenship; and to expedite its pending investigations of the remaining Falash Mura near the compound;
• seek to assure that the humanitarian needs of those Falash Mura found not eligible to go to Israel also are addressed in an appropriate manner; and explore with U.S. government officials, if appropriate, how this country might provide diplomatic and other assistance in order to resolve this issue.
