Berhanu Benti, President of Ethiopia, had booked the call to the Israeli Prime Minister two days ago, and he was now waiting for the call to be connected through the secure network. Since the demise of the archaeological team the situation had gone from bad to worse and a string of volcanic eruptions had burst out all the way south to Lake Malawi from the inlet at Dahlak Island: Dessie, in Eritrea. Addis Ababa itself was under threat and already thousands were homeless. As Benti waited, he watched the latest news on the one national channel, the current picture showed a tented city, then molten lava started to fall, setting fire to the tents and many of the dwellers themselves. Tears started to form in Benti's eyes as he watched the appalling loss of Ethiopian life, his distress was broken by the COM chirping, Benti tapped the accept button. “Good afternoon Sir, this is the intergovernmental secure network, I have your call,” said a detached voice, “can I have your pass-code please?”
Benti gave the password and his screen briefly showed the Star of David, before switching to the image of Prime Minister Heidi Goldbloom. “Good afternoon Prime Minister, thank you for sparing the time,” he said immediately.
“May I offer my sorrow for your situation Mr. Benti and for the huge losses in human life that you have suffered,” expressed Prime Minister Goldbloom. “Now how can we help?”
Prime Minister we are in need of a safe haven for a number of our citizens, our country is being devastated by volcanoes, the volcanic ash lies deep over much of the populated areas of our country. We have asked for help with our refugee problem from our neighbours, but they are either in a similar situation or have just refused outright, because they regard us a Jews. Is there any way that Israel can help us in our hour of need?”
“I confess Prime Minister Berhanu, that I had expected your request when you requested a talk with me,” admitted PM Glodbloom, “and I have already consulted with my colleagues in the government, we are prepared to accept one-hundred and forty-four thousand people, will that be of help?”
“It most certainly would madam Prime Minister,” Berhanu replied.
“It is possible that we may take many more Mr. Berhanu, once we see how the the first re-settlement goes,” continued the PM, “you are our cousins after all.” Thank you madam, we are in your debt.”
“Welcome back to the the family.”