More Falash Mora will be allowed

Israel will allow additional Ethiopians to petition for aliyah under special circumstances. Without specifying a number, the cabinet decided that the petitioners must meet three key criteria: they must be listed on a 1999 census of the Falash Mora in Ethiopia; have been living for at least a year in the Ethiopian city of Gondar, where Jewish aid groups have provided services; and have relatives in Israel who can submit formal petitions on their behalf. At least 1,400 Ethiopians are expected to meet those criteria, and possibly as many as 8,700. The move follows months of pressure on the Israeli government by advocates of Ethiopian aliyah, including North American Jewish federation executives. The Falash Mora are Ethiopians who claim links to Ethiopians whose Jewish ancestors converted to Christianity a century ago to escape economic and social pressures, but who now are returning to Judaism and petitioning to immigrate to Israel. Immigrants found eligible will be brought at a rate of up to 100 per month. A total of 16,095 Ethiopians have immigrated to Israel since Israel decided in February 2003 to bring additional Ethiopian olim.

Gaza infighting kills 11

Hamas forces in Gaza raided the compound of a powerful Palestinian clan, killing at least 11 people. Several clan members, including an infant, a Hamas police officer and a young boy caught in the crossfire were killed in the clashes last week. The Hamas police raided the family compound of the Doghmush clan, which is connected to both terrorist and criminal organizations, including Al Qaeda. Clan members also have connections with both Hamas and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah. Some clan members were involved in the March 2007 kidnapping of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was held for four months, Reuters reported.

Iraqi lawmaker punished

Iraq’s parliament has punished a Sunni lawmaker who visited Israel. The parliamentary immunity of Mithal al-Alousi was lifted, making him subject to prosecution. He also has been banned from traveling outside of Iraq and from attending parliamentary sessions. Speaking Sept. 10 at a conference on terror in Herzliya, Alousi called for stronger co-operation between Iraq and Israel in fighting terror. The Iraqi legislator visited Israel in 2004 to participate in a counterterrorism conference, after which his two grown sons were murdered by extremists as apparent payback.