Israel in Africa
The Spectator, which has so often and so eloquently called for the destruction of closely-knit mining communities, and the dispersal of their inhabitants, can hardly object to the physical removal of the Falasha community from Ethiopia. But it is remarkable how unpopular this move has been. Some observers dismiss it as a, publicity stunt by the Jewish Agency. (which is dependent on voluntary contribu- tions), and express what are quite obvious- ly widespread and well-grounded fears about the Falashas' ability to play any useful role in Israel when they speak no Hebrew and the country is suffering an economic recession. Apparently the orien- tal Jews there were already known as 'blacks', and there is now a crop of jokes about the need for new names about Israel's real black population. Compare this with Israel's last, well-publicised ven- ture into Black African politics: the rescue of the hostages at Entebbe. That led to a genuine resurgence of popular enthusiasm for Israel in the West. But that was before the invasion of Lebanon. Not that the British are in a happy position to preach. We may have treated the Falklanders almost as though they were hostages at Entebbe, but neither this Government nor any other party shows any inclination to treat the Hong Kong Chinese as though they were Falashas.
Previous page
