Likewise. the administration has placed no restrictions on dualuse technology for Iran. the Middle Easts most radical military power whose opposition to any sort of peace negotiations between Arab States and Israel is well noted. Even Saddam Hussein received unconditional U.S. loan guarantees in the months leading up to the Persian Gulf War. In adopting a totally inflexible position on Israels request for guarantees. the administration has undermined a longstanding United States policy to help Soviet and Ethiopian refugees who have finally fled danger in their homelands to seek a safe haven in Israel. This decision represents a tragic abandonment of our longstanding commitment to protect people everywhere fleeing persecution. It also threatens the ability of Jews facing harassment and intimidation today in some regions of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to find safety and security in Israel. I was in Israel during the historic Operation Solomon in which 14.000 Ethiopian refugees were airlifted to safety. I remember looking into their eyes. full of excitement and anticipation. as they embarked on a life they hoped would be tree from persecution. starvation. and civil war. At the time. I told them with confidence that the United States would assist In making this miracle a reality. This weeks news will no doubt hit them. and all refugees in Israel. extremely hard. Their eyes must reflect a sense of betrayal. I remember well the Mevasseret Zion Absorption Centerone of 46 absorption centers around Israelwhere immigrant children from around the would practiced Hebrew together and learned about their new homeland. In that center. there were beautiful Ethiopian children. side by side with children from the Soviet Union and other nations of the world. This image conveyed the importance and the meaning of Israel.
Keywords matched
immigrant refugees