Hillel Aids Africans

AMHERST--As part of a continuing effort to educate the public about the persecution of Black Ethiopian Jews. Hillel at the University of Massachusetts is organizing a used clothing drive to aid those who succeed in immigrating to Israel.

Piles of Levis, corduroys, sweaters, and sneakers collected in the Hillel office are destined for the Ethiopian Jews who make it to Israel free but penniless, the Massachusetts Daily Collegian reported last month.

The Ethiopian Jews, called "Falashas" which means strangers in their language, claim descent from the ancient Jewish tribes. Although the Ethiopian Jews are forbidden to leave their villages, about 1400 Jews have managed to escape to Israel since 1977. Another 3000 Jews are estimated to have died trying.