Opinion
They’re not Jewish
Danny Adino Ababa
Published: 11.12.07, 00:16
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1. Conversos finding their heritage - Falash Mura
Galut   (12.11.07)
So I left off stating that it is better that the roots be discovered even a while after than being lost to oblivion. Now, as to the Falash Mura, I believe there is a list of some 8 000 who are waiting to go to Israel. Take those in . The rest of the 17 000 will need to prove their case under Law of Return like the others. No proof, no go.
2. There were ethiopian jews, but I thought they all came over.
jack bauer   (12.11.07)
they had a massive airlift through sudan. There were a few hundred left in ethiopia, but the number now claiming to be jews is not mathmatically possible. The door should be open to all jews no matter where they hail from. But the right of return should not apply to any that are not jews. That includes russians & ethiopians that simply want a better economic future. Let them apply for a work permit and a temporary visa to work for a few years and then return home with some cash
3. This writer may have a point
Steve ,   Fla.   (12.11.07)
Christians are Christians. Jews are Jews. Would Israel work to help a messianic 'Jewish' community immigrate? I think not.
4. Falash Mura
Sidney Raphael ,   New York US   (12.11.07)
Mr Ababa creates a fantasy and calls it American History. He writes about the Civil Rights movement in America in the 1960s: "The blacks had expected the Jews, as a persecuted people, to stand by them, but only few did." He has his history 100% backwards. When we Freedom Rode from the North to the South in the early 1960s, almost 100% of the demonstrators were white (and mostly Jewish). We were very dismayed that Blacks didn't participate in the early Civil Rights movement. Almost all those murdered in demonstrations were white -- Jewish to boot, such as Goodman and Schwerner. Many Blacks were killed too, although they were not killed as part of demonstrations. It was not until Freedom Rides and such were going on for a few years that Martin Luther King Jr aroused Blacks to join us. Ask Rabbi Herschel, who was there when Black participation in demonstrations was minor. Mr QAbaba is making up at least part of his story -- which reflects poorly on the remainder of his article.
5. Isn't this like with the Conversos? Part I
(12.11.07)
At the very least, they should have a hearing. Like the Conversos, it was not their fault that their forebears under pressure decided to convert so as to preserve their lives. Even if it takes several centuries, it's better that they reconnect at some point than to forever be lost.
6. american jews were at the forefront....
joseph ,   nyc   (12.11.07)
of civil rights activism! otherwise, without knowing Rav Amar's halachic decision, it's an interesting article.
7. U.S. Jews and the Civil Rights Momement
Nina ,   Tel Avi   (12.11.07)
Whether or not the Falash Mura are Jews and whether or not they should be brought to Israel is not something I know enough about to comment on. But the writer certainly does not know much about Jewish involvement in the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 60's. Jews were at the forefront of this movement (some even died as a result of their involvement. And progressive Jewish movements (reform and conservative) were very active in support. Also, I very much doubt that the African American community cares much or even knows about the issues surrounding Ethiopian Jewry and/or the Falash Mura. For better or worse, it is a non-issue in the U.S. media. The idea that U.S. Jews are supporting this immigration in order to appease or improve their relationship with the African American community is absolutely absurd.
8. what a complicated people you are .
(12.11.07)
9. Falash Mura
Mark ,   westfield USA   (12.11.07)
I disagree with the author in that if someone, anyone wants to become Jewish, let them! Our problem is that we are too small a group to be of much significance. I know individual Jews have made a large and significant contribution to the world, but we have become so reliant upon the United States due to our lack of size! I say that if ANYONE wants to become Jewish, and will convert to Judaism by a recognized rabbi, let them make Aliyah to Israel! Just because someone hasn't been Jewish for, as the author says, 600 years, doesn't mean that they don't want to be Jewish!
10. Falaha Mura
Bart ,   L A US   (12.11.07)
I defer to the writers better knowledge regarding the topic and found it instructive. I take exception that American Jews were not largely involved in the Civil Rights movement, a topic on which I have much more personal experience than the writer. , US Jews need have no guilt -as a group -about a misperceived lack of interest and great influence for rights nor have need of accepting any wrongly misplaced mantle of guilt. Blacks here who do not like Jews are anti-Semites.
11. Ethiopian Rabbis Should Decide.
Terry ,   Eilat, Israel   (12.11.07)
I think the Ethiopians themselves know who is or is not Jewish. This is obviously one of those issues where political correctness is as usual obscuring rational decision-making. Some kind of committee composed of Ethiopian rabbis & community elders as well as a representative of the Chief Rabbis should be in charge.
12. Falash Mura
Sheila ,   Jerusalem   (12.11.07)
Danny, Since we always hear the views of those outside the Ethiopian community it is refreshing to hear the views of a highly successful member of that community. However - I have two questions - Will they die if left in Ethiopia? How easy would it be to convert them if that will save a life?
13. disgusting
peter ,   france   (12.11.07)
Just the opinion of somebody who made it in the society and does not want more of his brothers to enter : very classical He would rather use his energy to fight the racism against ethiopians in the israeli society, than trying to proove he is a "pure jew" ,
14. Bums on seats
Chalanau, Tova ,   London, UK   (12.11.07)
That's what these people are in show biz language; in cobol we used to call them 'filler'. In other words, what they are is not important; their sole purpose is to fill a space, in the zionist project this means stuffing the occupied territories with humanoids labelled 'Jewish' in order to displace the rightful inhabitants of Palestine. That's why it is the bringing of them that is the priority, not what happens to them once they are dumped at the required location.
15. DANNY ADINO IS 100% RIGHT. DON'T BRING THEM HERE !
(12.11.07)
16. Hey French guy!
Shir ,   Finland   (12.11.07)
Your country hasn´t succeeded in integrating the Arabs or Africans. Constant riots there are a good demonstration of that. And so are the horrible appartement complexes in Paris du Nord. Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi and Yemenite Jews all have Israelite genotype in them (there are differences between individuals, of cource), but Ethiopian Jews are ethnically Africans. This is a known fact. But Israelis still treat them better than French people treat people of African origin.
17. anyone can convert, but they should because they want....
jack bauer   (12.11.07)
to be part of and follow the religion and traditions. Wanting to convert "fake" just to get a passport, or a job is not a good enough reason. I think there is a segment of the society that thinks they are all fake, but this is not true. I'm sure there are many that want to return to the traditions of old. They should be helped to do so. But they should be certified as such and should not simply get a free pass based on what they "might" of "will" do at some point. They are not in fear of their lives...and are not asking for temporary asylum...but to come into Israel under the right of return. Why not allow a temporary worker program and if they want to convert there is enough help and time for them to do so...If they don't, well then fine they can work for a year or two and save up some cash for when they go home. I have seen Ethiopian Jews serving in the IDF with honor, and think they are a respectable people that should be treated well, but hey should be treated just like everyone else is, and not with kid gloves or given special treatment But I doubt the real ones are asking for any of that
18. Writer Shows An Ignorance For American History
Seth ,   Washington, DC   (12.11.07)
I'm very surprised at this writer's lack of knowledge of American History. Perhaps this group should not get a blanket approval to move to Israel but his point linking American Jewish guilt is simply science fiction. American Jews are the one group that stood by African Americans financially, morally, and in person in their quest for equality. American Jews started and financed the NAACP and the early lawyers at the NAACP were Jews. Jews in the 60s and 70s were over-represented in all the important movements defending African-American rights and two Jews - Schwerner and Goodman were murdered by the KKK in Mississippi in the 60s.
19. Americans here show ignorance of their racist past!
(12.11.07)
20. If we aren't absorbing them w/o racism y bring more of them?
(12.11.07)
21. #19 More Amateur Hour
Seth ,   Washington, DC   (12.11.07)
The point the writer made (are you Danny Adino Ababa?) is related to American Jewish racism in particular - NOT American racism overall. This is as flawed an analyis that I've ever read in YNET.
22. Israel will bitterly regret if it keeps bringing non Jews.
Keren ,   Israel-SP   (12.11.07)
These falashas will end up in the side of arabs,or as stated by the article,in the hands of christians.Many ,probably are already. Israel should stop gambling with its future.It is overdue the time to start thinking more consciently about Israel's healthy future.It is overdue the time ,I repeat.A qualitative revolution should start urgently. Israel should improve the quality of its Jewish population,by bringing economic,social and RELIGIOUS quality to them.They must feel happy and proud again to be part of the precious Jewish People and its precious country,so longed for so many centuries.The Jewishness of Israel's population must be awaked.It is easy,it takes just a start to touch their Jewish Souls. No more foreign workers should be brought;no more non Jews should be brought;and those who don't belong to us should be incentiveted to leave. A qualitative Jewish population will make up an excelent army;an excelent economy;a population with excelent intelectual level . Israel is becoming too porous,and that's dangerous.
23. Hey Finish Guy!
Yishai ,   Denver   (12.11.07)
Don't forget about the Lemba and other Black Africans who have the same halotype/genotype-Y aka the Cohain Gene. Even though most Africans are removed from the "religion", they are infact what most people call Jews by blood. If you want to check me check out the PBS special dealing with the DNA. Chag Hanukkah Sameah!!!!
24. Answer to #18, Soviets, etc
John ,   Chicago   (12.11.07)
This American guy is wrong. The Jews in US hated by African-Americans more than anybody less because some Jews used blacks. I repeat used blacks to advance their liberal ideas. Nothing more, nothing less and blacks know it very well. For the same reason, Russians that were brought to Israel by Burg and others hate Jews in Israel. Hey, #18, people are not so stupid or naive. Now the Jews (real Jews from Russia) suffer in Israel because of the non-Jews brought to Israel for political reason.
25. War of the Jews...
Eli Freedman ,   Toronto, Canada   (12.11.07)
We are are own worse enemy!! Whats the problem here exactly??!! The question goes back to the time of Abraham, the first Jew, who was born an Iraqi idol-maker, and BECAME A JEW!!..These questions of "Who's a Jew", is so nonsensical and ridiculous...The fact that someone WANTS, BELIEVES and ASPIRES to become part of the tribe, is what matters, is what is important. This labeling, this division, of what it is to be a Jew, is destroying us from within. I served in the Israeli army, put my life on the line in 2 wars, yet, I dont go to synagouge, dont keep kosher and dont wear a kippah..Does this make me LESS of a Jew.....!!?? I am a simple man and believe in our peoples destiny and abide by the ten commandments, all else is interpetations, and this constant war amongst us will be our downfall...If these people BELIEVE and want to EMBRACE our traditions, we should welcome them and ALL others with open arms....Enough with this politicising and self-rightousness!!
26. Amazing indeed
Shir ,   Finland   (12.12.07)
Apparently ynet once again censored my references to Jewish genetics.. Amazing that information that can be found in science books, can be censored here. Being a Jew is belonging to a certain ethnic group. Finns don´t accept just anyone as a Finn, why should Jews accept people who are not related to them? People with self-respect and love for their people don´t just accept anyone as a part of their group. Amazing how all other people are entitled to be proud of their ethnicity, but Jews aren´t. It´s almost like we have to deny being an ethnic group, descendents of Israelites, who by the way were a nation living in Israel 2000 years ago, not just according to the Bible, but historical researches.
27. Well lets do something about it
Andrew ,   Philadelphia   (12.12.07)
I agree with you that thier not real Jews. Although, I see Jews as an ethnic group then a religion. And they haven't found any genetics that are related to any of the Jewish community. So i do believe that they are converts pure and simple. But how can we send these fakes back to thier country?
28. #1 - Galut
tma   (12.12.07)
What chutzpa! Why don't YOU take them in? Why the heck should we?
29. a few comments
tma   (12.12.07)
#2, Well put. I agree. #4, #7, #18 Right on! You are so right and I noticed right away when I got to that part in the article, regarding the Jews' lack of support to the blacks, that is a LIE. #11, I wouldn't trust the judgement of an Ethiopian rabbi, if there are any. #13, I disagree. The author is not a success. This is the second article he wrote that I read and he is a LIAR and a MORON. See his miserable article in the Singles column, where he laments that the Israeli girls are racist because of their lack of interest to date him. He's dated Ethiopian girls, but he doesn't want those, he wants WHITE Israeli girls. The Israelis he's interested in probably recognized him as the moron. I can tell from his article, I'm sure it's more obvious in person. #14, F you! Why doesn'to the UK absorb these people? #17, 22Well said. #21 – What American Jewish racism are you referring to? The American Jews have done nothing but reach out and help the ungrateful blacks who in return, hate Jews. #24 – You are obviously a representative of the anti-semitic blacks. You can't change history no matter how hard you try. #25 – kol ha kavod to you. Of course, you're a Jew, a Zionist too, why don't you make aliya? However, as an Israeli citizen, I disagree that Israel should absorb all the tribes of the world who decide to come live in Israel to escape their misery. I feel sorry for these people, but there are very many nations in the world who are more economically sound and have the space and resources to accept and absorb these people.
30. To Finnish guys
Galut   (12.12.07)
There's no way you can compare being Finnish to being Jewish. Now way. Finnish stayed in Finland. So one has to be of Finnish origin to be Finnish-or married to one. Finns look mostly alike, talk alike, pray alike, and sneeze alike. You get the idea. Jews in their period of exile, moved to all parts of the world. So Jews don't look alike, don't talk alike, don't dress alike, (though when they pray in Hebrew, they will do it more or less alike). Jews went to Europe (yes, even Finland), North Africa, India, the Americas, even China. One can be born into it, or become a Jew by choice. I'm very happy being Jewish, and am glad that we're a diverse group. You can go ahead and be and stay Finnish. Regardless of citizenship, I am Jewish first..
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