Speech #980252527

The Governments policy of "Ethiopia First" has spurred attempts of forceful assimilation of the Falasha community. and allowed the local authorities in the Gondar region inhabited by the Falashas to pursue discriminatory policies against the Jewish population there. The 1983 State Department Country Reports on Human Rights observes: "it is not possible to speak with assurance about the condition of the Ethiopian Jews because access to them is so restricted and carefully monitored by the authorities .... Friction between the Ethiopian Jewish community and the authorities continues owing to government efforts to prevent their emigration to Israel. the lack of Hebrew instruction and the evident resistance of the Ethiopian Jews to MarxistLeninist indoctrination." Mr. Speaker. the Falasha community has demonstrated a courageous will to maintain its faith and tradition. House Congressional Resolution 107 provides us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ending their persecution because of their religious beliefs.