Speaker. I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 107. a measure expressing concern for the plight of the Ethiopian Jewish community. These beleaguered people have clung tenaciously to their faith despite the most adverse conditions. both in Ethiopia and in the neighboring countries where they eke out an existence in squalid refugee camps. The community. which once numbered 250.000 at its peak has been reduced to less than 25.000 today. and the grim conditions the valiant Ethiopian Jews must endure create an almost insurmountable challenge to their survival. As this Congress is well aware. the Horn of Africa has been plagued by a severe drought and famine over the past several years. This factor. combined with the political instability within Ethiopia. has caused a large flow of people over the Ethiopian border. Naturally. this includes a significant number of Ethiopian Jews who now need assistance in leaving the refugee camps. Mr. Speaker. the resolution we are passing today calls on the President to utilize his office to make certain that the United States. in cooperation with other governments. takes every necessary step to assist the Ethiopian Jews in securing their dream of reaching Israel. The passage of this resolution should be taken as a clear signal that the people of the United States are firmly committed to the rescue of all Ethiopian Jews. Mr. Speaker. these brave individuals have cried out for help to reunify their families which remain tragically divided among Ethiopia. the refugee camps and Israel. By passing this resolution today. we can focus greater attention on the imperative of resolving this critical situation. We cannot afford to ignore the pleas of these courageous people.