There is little difference as regards emigration between the policy of the revolutionary government and that of its imperial predecessor. Tight control is exercised now, as it was then, over the rights of citizens to cross the frontiers. In former times it might have been possible to strike a bargain with the government. Today it is more difficult. The State of Israel has no diplomatic representation in Ethiopia and no leverage. The Ethiopians, on the other hand, have no incentive to let their people go, more especially if, like the Falashas, they represent an economically valuable, though small, element in the population. Moreover, the present regime has to be cautious not to offend the Russians and Cubans who play a vital role in the defence of the country. Neither of these partners would view with favour any arrangement which they thought would benefit Israel. In addition, Ethiopia must be circumspect in her relations with the Muslim states which practically surround her and who would oppose any encouragement of aliyah. The best that can be hoped for at present, and even that seems far off, is an agreement, negotiated perhaps by a neutral party such as the Red Cross, for the reunification of separated families or an appeal under the Declaration of Human Rights for freedom to emigrate.

Meanwhile, benefiting from the good will of the authorities, ORT is bringing as much assistance and moral support as it can. Since the revolution Falashas may own land where previously they were almost serfs, their skills as craftsmen are honoured where formerly they were despised, they are free to exercise their religion and to benefit from foreign aid and instruction. No one can tell how long this will continue but every school or synagogue or clinic which is built or rehabilitated is an asset to the community. Of course, the Government, presided over by Lieutenant-Colonel Mengistu Haile-Mariam, is an avowedly Marxist regime which severely limits the freedom of the individual, but, for a people as impoverished and depressed as the Falashas, freedom is a relative concept. Since the Falashas, like the serfs in Tsarist Russia, had at best a nominal freedom before the revolution the majority had little to lose under the new dispensation and, indeed, quite a lot to gain.

Whether the revolution will hasten or arrest the decline of the community remains to be seen, though doubtless there are dangers ahead. The catastrophic fall in their numbers since the Falashas lost their independence three hundred years ago is a