About 1,000 residents belonging to Israel’s Ethiopian community protested in Jerusalem on Sunday, accusing the government of failing to carry out decision regarding the aliyah of additional members of their community still stuck in Ethiopia. “Stop racism” and “We don’t stop aliyah due to color” were among the signs displayed by the crowd.

Protests took place outside the Har Nof home of Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, but they were halted quickly by police. Protests then moved to outside Knesset and other government buildings.

The protesters explain the government back in 2015 decided to bring additional immigrants from Ethiopia, towards reuniting families, but this is yet to occur. During a meeting of the ministerial committee dealing with the issue, which was held a month ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu pushed off the cabinet decision for a third time, sending an unwanted message to the community Ethiopian Israelis.

Last week, MK (Likud) Avraham Neguise, who is a member of the Ethiopian community and chairs the Knesset Aliyah Committee, sent a letter on the matter to Mr. Netanyahu. Seventy MKs signed the letter demanding the immediate implementation of the 2015 cabinet decision, but it appears, it will not be taking place any day soon.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem / Photo Credit: Media Resource Group)