Hello Dehai;
The following is an interview with the Ambassador of Israel to
Ethiopia. In one of his answers to a question about the Ethiopian Jews note
how keeping feelings inside could sometimes hinder grogress. I found the
whole interview to be interesting.
Bye for now,
Solomon Paulos
Addis Tribune approached the Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Mr. Avi Granot with a
list of questions. The following is Mr. Granot's reply
Addis Tribune
Mr. Ambassador, most of us agree that there is an historical link between
Ethiopia and Israel. How are relations between the two countries at present?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
The history of relationship between Israel and Ethiopia has ups and downs
throughout history. There is no doubt thatnow we can define our relationship as
moving in the up-swing.Israel and Ethiopia have common goals and desires. We
both would like to live in a region of peace. Much is also developing in
the economic and commercial fields and more Israeli businesspeople as well as
companies are looking towards Ethiopiaas a target for business opportunities and
investment possibilities.
Addis Tribune
Can you comment on the recent legal accusations against Israeli prime
minister Benjamin Netanyahu?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
One of the gratest things in Israel, like in all other democracies, is that no
one can assume a position above the law. That to me is the important message in
the last crisis in Israel. Once the Attorney General has decided that neither
the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Justice were involved in any illegal
affair the issue for the public is finished.
Addis Tribune
We hear that Ethiopian Israelis have a hard time in Israel. We also hear
that they are discriminated against, as in the incident of Ethiopian blood
being thrown out because it was considered to be HIV positive. We also hear of
some Ethiopian Jews in the army committing suicide because of difficulties they
face due to their skin colour. Please comment.
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
While the story of the absorption of Ethiopian Jews in Israel is a story of
great success and the presence of 62,000 Ethiopians in Israel is a testimony to
that, one cannot deny the dramatic change that such a community had to go
through. One can just look at the difficulty that farmers from rural areas
have to encounter when moving to Addis Ababa. The transition to a new society
and a new environment is not an easy one. In talking to some Ethiopians who
live in Israel, I have found out that a major difference in out-look and
social behaviour exist between the two societies. Israelis are very open,
likely to complain and to discuss any personal problems out in public.
Ethiopians tend to invert all problems, keep them inside and are unwilling to
discuss them with others. That gap creates quite a series of misunderstandings.
Addis Tribune
We don't want to dwell only on the hardship of Ethiopian Jews. Please feel
welcome to tell us of success stories about Ethiopian Jews.
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
You can find today, Ethiopians in all aspects of the Israeli society. They are
in the military, as officers in universities, in the business sectors, in
politics as well as in Israel's diplomatic corps.
Addis Tribune
Is Ethiopia in any way important to Israel?
H.E. Mr. Avi Grano
As I have already stated both countries have similar goals and ideas and
both desire to live in a peaceful region. Ethiopia has always been seen by
Israel as one of its neighbours. Although not an immediate one, the closeness
of the two countries as well as its common historical roots make our bonds very
strong.
Addis Tribune
In the past, specifically during the Emperor's time--and even during the
earlier period of the socialist regime--there was a reasonable amount of trade
between Ethiopia and Israel. How is the trade relationship? Is it possible to
see Israeli investors coming to Ethiopia in the near future?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
While it is true that during the Emperor's times trade between the two
countries has been significant, it reached a complete halt during the previous
socialist regime in Ethiopia. Now it is my task to build new trade and business
ties. The beginning is very promising and the future undoubtedly will see a
return to past figures.
Addis Tribune
What are the areas that Israel is helping Ethiopia?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
Israel can participate, although modestly, in the development of a modern
agriculture system. We are involved as well in the development through training
of irrigation, various aspects of management, health services and so on.
Addis Tribune
The world is looking at how Israel is dealing with the Palestinians. The
recent move by Israel to build settlements in Arab East Jerusalem has faced
opposition from most countries and led to violence between Palestinians and
Israeli soldiers. We have read in one of the major magazines that a US$600
million natural gas project could run afoul of the new Arab League boycott of
Israel imposed on March 31. Overall trade between Israel and Arab neighbors has
been small but grew last year when peace hopes rose. Israel's export to Egypt,
for example doubled to $57 million. Israeli executives now fear that future
growth will suffer even if the boycott is lifted. Under all these circumstances
is it worth building settlements in Arab East Jerusalem?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
The basic concept of any peace process should be twofold:- a.that any
disagreement should be negotiated directly between the parties concerned.
b.that negotiations cannot take place under the threat of violence and
terrorism. Israel's desire for peace is known and repeated again and again, but
one cannot assume that this by itself dissolves all problems. The purpose of
the process namely of direct negotiation is to find answers to all the
disagreements. We live in a democratic environment and therefore no one can
accept imposition or violence to determine the outcome of any concern or any
disagreement. I should remind my Palestinian friends that
rather than move the discussion to external fields, it will be wiser and more
profitable to continue the negotiations with us in the Middle East. As the
saying goes "it takees two to tango." More becomes an unnecessary crowd while
less does not make a dance.
Addis Tribune
Are there still Ethiopian Jews remaining in Ethiopia? If so, do you plan
to take them to Israel?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
There are still but few Jews in Ethiopia and those who desire to go to
Israel are free to do so at any time.
Addis Tribune
In the past, Israel trained the Ethiopian military and security personnel.
Is this still going on?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
Our emphasis in Ethiopia is on those aspects where we can be of greater
help namely: agricultural development and modern irrigation systems. As stated
before we are trying to assist in the fields of health and education as well.
Addis Tribune
Under what conditions are the land and monasteries owned by the Ethiopian
Orthodox Church in Israel at present? Is the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia
settled? What is the position of your government?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
As I have stated earlier regarding your question on the peace process,
Israel will never be in a position to impose a solution to the dispute between
the Church of Ethiopia and that of Egypt regarding Dir El Sultan. We will
continue to maintain the "status quo" of all holy sites in Jerusalem and will
not intervene in any dispute among the various churches. Israel will accept a
resolution of the dispute as it will be found by the two churches.
Addis Tribune
Ethiopians making their way to Israel on pilgrimages are finding it
increasingly hard to do so because of tighter regulations by the embassy here.
Is the embassy trying to curb the number of Ethiopians traveling to its
country? If so why?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
The Embassy of Israel would like very much to promote pilgrimage from
Ethiopia. Regrettably, too often, may of them chose to remain illegally in
Israel. Therefore, we are trying to curb those who are trying to take advantage
of pilgrimages rather than the "bona fide" pilgrim.
Addis Tribune
Are there Ethiopians studying in Israel?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
We do have throughout the year about 100 Ethiopians training in Israel in
various fields as I have mentioned earlier.
Addis Tribune
Will Ethiopia and Israel start co-operation in the area of air transport?
H.E. Mr. Avi Granot
As someone who travels often between Ethiopia and Israel I can appreciate
and understand the need for direct flights between the two countries. We know
that such operation will enhance business and trade between our two countries.
We at the Embassy of Israel in Addis Ababa are doing our best to ensure
that direct flights whether by EthiopianAirlines or EL-AL or by both take place
soon.
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