History was made in 33 hours. Working to help bring about this fascinating event was the congressional caucus for Ethiopian Jewry. It was created after Operations Moses and Joshuasecret efforts which evacuated thousands of Ethiopian Jews from refugee camps in the Sudan In 1984 and 1985suspended flights due to public disclosure. Our cochairman in the other body is the gentleman from California. Senator CRANSTON. who until recently was Joined in that effort by the gentleman from Minnesota. former Senator Rudy Boschwitz. Indeed. the caucus goal was to quietly work for the complete emigration of Ethiopias Jewish community to Israel. Knowing that many thousands more of the Beta Israel remained behind in Ethiopias Gondar province. subject to discrimination and Mengistus villagization program. the caucus. bipartisan and bicameral in nature. has initiated letters and meetings with various government officials on their behalf. Working with the American Association for Ethiopian Jews. as well as other private Jewish organizations. every opportunity was exploited to increase the paltry monthly emigration rate and to ensure the safety of this fragile community. The Government of Israel. the Agency for International Development. and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee cared diligently for the Beta Israel both during and after so many thousands streamed down to Addis Ababa from Gondar province last summer. Providing essential medical and social services. the lives of so many were in their hands.
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emigration refugee