JEWS BEGIN MOVE TO SANA'A AFTER STONINGS IN REYDA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000009


FOR NEA/ARP AMACDONALD
FOR SEAS S/E GRICKMAN
FOR PRM/A TRUSCH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/05/2019
TAGS: PHUM PREF KIRF YM
SUBJECT: JEWS BEGIN MOVE TO SANA'A AFTER STONINGS IN REYDA

REF: A. 08 SANAA 2057

B. 08 STATE 110175

Classified By: CDA Angie Bryan for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (SBU) SUMMARY. After anti-Israel demonstrations turned
into a violent episode of stone-throwing on January 4, the
Reyda Jews began moving to government housing in Sana'a on
January 5. Several people were injured as a result of the
violence and at least one man was hospitalized for his
injuries. Post initiated the P-1 process for several Jewish
families who applied for refugee admission to the U.S. END
SUMMARY.


2. (C) On January 4, sporadic stone-throwing targeted at
Yemeni Jews and their property occurred in connection with
the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Several Jews were
injured, and at least one, Zaher al-Kafri, was hospitalized.
Rashousha al-Garadi, a Jewish woman living in Reyda, told
PolOff on January 4, "The children are sent to throw stones,
and they say we deserve to die." Rabbi Yahya Yaish told
PolOff on January 4 that the Jews again felt too scared to
leave their homes. According to community leader Haim Yaish,
the community called Reyda's security director, who
immediately sent security personnel to protect Jewish homes.
Yaish said that the situation in Reyda was calm as of 6 PM
local time, and added that at least four men had been
arrested in connection to the stone-throwing.


3. (C) On January 4, ruling party Member of Parliament (MP)
and prominent tribal sheikh Mohamed Naji al-Shaif told PolOff
that President Saleh had signed an order to rent apartments
in Sana'a for the Reyda Jews (reftel A). Al-Shaif said the
housing would be in "Labor City," a development located in
northern Sana'a between the U.S. Embassy and Sana'a
International Airport. The ROYG plans to build a wall around
the compound for security. A delegation of community leaders
from Reyda was scheduled to inspect the houses on January 5.
(Note: PolOff will accompany them. End note.) Multiple
contacts confirmed that the entire community was packed and
ready to move to Sana'a. The CDA requested a meeting with
Minister of Human Rights Huda al-Ban to stress the need for
the ROYG to provide protection for the Jews currently moving
to Sana'a. Pointing out recent press reports detailing where
the community will be housed in the capital, the CDA
requested the Minister's assistance in pressing for immediate
and additional security for the Jews in order to avoid more
violence. Al-Ban agreed to telephone Minister of Interior
Rashad al-Masri immediately to "ensure that this threatened
community is protected."


4. (SBU) Several Reyda families indicated their desire to be
resettled in the U.S. via the P-1 process (reftel B). Two
obstacles have slowed this process: a lack of passports and
difficulty in obtaining the necessary biographic information
from the Reyda Jews. Minister of Human Rights al-Ban assured
the CDA on January 5 that the ROYG would ensure passport
issuance for any individual who applies. PolOff will gather
the necessary biographic information in person at the
earliest possible date in order to expedite the P-1 process.
(Note: Post is awaiting approval from the ROYG to travel to
Reyda on January 10 if needed. End note.)

COMMENT
--------------


5. (C) Yesterday's violent stoning episode serves as
additional evidence that the situation of the Reyda Jews has
become untenable. Post believes the move from Reyda to Sana'a
is a necessary first step in increasing their security.
However, the move to Sana'a is not enough to guarantee
protection for the Reyda Jews; the ROYG must also provide
adequate security in the capital. For at least some of the
Reyda families, resettlement to a third country (such as the
U.S. or Israel) might prove the only option. Post will
continue to monitor this rapidly developing situation closely
and report details soonest. END COMMENT.


BRYAN