ISRAEL-ETHIOPIA: FALASHA AIRLIFT BEGINNING

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06746643
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: July 13, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 8, 2022
• Case Number: F-2017-01488
• Publication Date: May 24, 1991

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CPAS MD 91-121JX
TCS 2821/91
24 May 1991
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, Approved for Release: 2022/01/31 C06746643
pproved for Release. 2022/01/31 C06746643
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Contents
Ethiopia: Rebels Close In on Capital
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�Ma-Secret�
Israel Faces Challenge of Absorbing Falashas
Although usually referred to as Falashas or "outsiders" in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Jews call
themselves Beta Esrael or "House of Israel." They practice a distinctive form of Judaism
based on the Bible and post-Biblical scripture, resulting in their oppression in Ethiopia. The
religious status of the Ethiopian Jews was disputed until 1973, when one of Israel's chief
Rabbis decided they were part of the 10 lost tribes; the Israeli Government then declared
them eligible for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.
Many Ethiopian Jews have had difficulty adjusting to life in Israel even though the
government offers a comprehensive assimilation program. Their adjustment has been
hampered by their traditional rural occupations, illiteracy, and religious practices that differ
from Orthodox Judaism. About one-third of the Falasha families who came to Israel during
the 1985 Ethiopian drought reportedly still live in converted absorption centers. Some
Israelis also are wary of the Ethiopian Jews because of their darker skin color, according to
press reports.
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--"Tiorgecret--
ISRAEL-ETHIOPIA: Falasha Airlift Beginning
Acting President Tesfaye yesterday told he
would let all Ethiopian Jews�Falashas--leave, paving the way for
Israeli aircraft to begin carrying them out last night
he operation will take 45 to 55 hours. Earlier this week Israel
offered $35 million for permission to start the airlift.
Comment: Almost all of the 17,000 Falashas in Ethiopia probably will
be evacuated. A few may not reach Addis Ababa in time, but Tel Aviv
almost certainly will seek a followup operation to bring them to
Israel. The new Ethiopian Government probably hopes its quick
action on the Falashas will gain it US good will and Israeli money.
Israel*., sense of urgency almost certainly results from Tel Aviv's
perception that former Ethiopian President Mengistu's departure and
continuing rebel gains jeopardize the Falashas' long-term
emigration prospects.
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