Two proposals to create a parliamentary commission of inquiry to examine allegations of discrimination, racism, and violence against Israel’s Ethiopian community were defeated by a coalition plurality in a session of the Knesset on Wednesday, June 24. This despite continuing protests which first erupted nearly two months ago after a video surfaced documenting a violent encounter between a police officer and an Ethiopian soldier in uniform.

Israeli Ethiopians and leftist activists protest against police violence and racism in central Tel Aviv, June 22, 2015. Protesters blocked roads near Rabin square. Police violently arrested at least 15 activists. (Photo: Activestills)

The first proposal, submitted by former justice minister MK Tzipi Livni (Zionist Union), was defeated in a 48-46 vote; the second, raised by MK Dov Khenin (Hadash – Joint List), was rejected 48-44. “The voice of Ethiopian immigrants must be heard in the Knesset, not just in the streets,” Khenin said. “The objective is to invite the public, to hear experts, to invite ministers, officials, and police commanders to provide answers and get a comprehensive picture… Our goal is to give these people hope that someone is listening to them,” he added.

Yaiyo Avraham, an activist in the Ethiopian community, told the Ynet website that, “The Knesset’s decisions prove once again the disconnect between elected officials and reality. These decisions mean that discrimination and institutional racism against Ethiopians will continue.” MK Avraham Nagosa (Likud) a member of the Ethiopian community and chairman of the Knesset Immigration and Absorption Committee was known to support the idea of an inquiry committee in principle but was forced to vote against the bills due to the government’s position. The coalition was able to win the first vote by relying on an opposition MK, Sharon Gal, of the extreme-right Yisrael Beytenu, who as a rule does not support initiatives against racism.

Hundreds of Israeli Ethiopians returned to the streets of Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon, June 22, to continue their protest against discrimination after the attorney-general decided not to prosecute a police officer documented beating an Ethiopian soldier. Clashes broke out at the protest at Rabin Square and dozens were arrested. Thousands attended the first protest organized by the movement in Tel Aviv several weeks ago, when dozens were injured in full-blown riots.

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