Speech #980230536

I would like to express my deep and continuing concern about the grave situation of Ethiopian Jews and to pay tribute to their culture and to recognize their long. difficult struggle for freedom. I appreciate the opportunity provided by this special order to pay tribute to their successful 2.000 year struggle to preserve their Jewish heritage. The lives of the 20.000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia and several thousand in refugee camps of neighboring African countries are now in danger of extinction through either persecution or starvation and disease. The aspirations of many Ethiopian Jews to reach Israel and to live with religious liberty have been met. but the majority of this African Jewish community is fighting for survival. As a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 107. legislation expressing the concern of the Congress for the plight of Ethiopian Jews. I believe that every appropriate means must be pursued to help move those who wish to emigrate and to alleviate their suffering. Both private and responsible public initiative must be employed if these efforts are to succeed. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation which seeks to press for these goals in every appropriate forum.*