• Published 00:00 13.05.07
  • Latest update 00:00 13.05.07

Gov't okays affirmative action plan aimed at Ethiopian immigrants

Civil service to employ 15 Israelis of Ethiopian descent with academic degrees in various gov't ministries.

By Ayanawo Farada Sanbatu

The government on Sunday approved a plan securing employment for 15 Ethiopian immigrants with academic degrees within the civil service.

The decision was part of implementing a law drawn up by MK Michael Eitan (Likud) advocating affirmative action for Israel's Ethiopian community, estimated by some to be number about 100,000.

NIS 3 million was allocated to fund the 15 yet to be defined positions that will be offered to Israelis of Ethiopian descent in various governmental offices.

The Civil Service Commission plans to offer Israelis of Ethiopian descent a broad range of positions, not necessarily dealing with their community. The new employees are expected to work for the foreign and finance ministries, among others.

Every governmental office to hire an Ethiopian immigrant will receive funding to hire another in order to reach a target of employing 30 Israelis of Ethiopian descent by 2007.

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    This story is by: Ayanawo Farada Sanbatu
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  • 3. 0 0
    Is this a joke?
    • Chaim
    • 13.05.07
    • 22:52

    The likud, after promoting the education of ethiopians in separated schools stabbing the very basis of the right of return's concept, now pretends to care about them by using the government as a job agency (like they are used to) for giving 30!!!! jobs. That is not better than nothing, that IS NOTHING. It reminds me of the solutions given by Chavez, in Venezuela, to the health problems, by giving free treatment to a few poor people. Are we already that much of a banana republic??? The ethiopians immigrants need laws that will make a positive discrimination towards them, specially in job and educational related matters, like minorities in the US are granted with. Also there should be a general campaign to fight against the discrimination they suffer.

  • 2. 0 0
    This is phenomenal
    • Michelle
    • 13.05.07
    • 21:47

    It's amazing how much younger Israel is and still they're doing more to increase diversity and be respectful of other cultures than the US. Now, if only the US would follow in Israel's footsteps....

  • 1. 0 0
    Better than nothing
    • Polybios
    • 13.05.07
    • 18:53

    Still not enough, but a step in the right direction. And more evidence of Israel's effort to be a diverse pluralistic society. If only PA and Arab leaders would share the sentiment...