Speech #980230530

I would like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to the Jews of Ethiopia during International Week of Solidarity with Ethiopian Jews. This is a time both to celebrate and reflect. We can celebrate the fact that over 7.000 Ethiopian Jews have been able to emigrate to Israel. We can also celebrate the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 107. which expresses the grave concern of the Congress regarding the plight of Ethiopian Jews. These are accomplishments to be proud of. but we cannot let these accomplishments overshadow the work that needs to be done. There are still many Ethiopian Jews trapped in the Horn of Africa who long to reach their "promised land"Israel. These courageous people have stubbornly retained their belief and traditions despite centuries of persecution. poverty. and disease. It is imperative that we continue to do everything within our means to ensure that every single Ethiopian Jew be given the chance to emigrate to Israel. Although giant strides toward achieving this goal have been made. and I applaud the efforts of all those who have assiduously labored toward this end. we cannot forget that there is still much work to be done. That is something for us to reflect upon during the International Week of Solidarity with Ethiopian Jews.*