The group asks to remain in Israel until Canada decides whether to comply with their request for asylum.

The Ethiopians arrived in Israel in 2004. Some had tourist visas, some infiltrated from Egypt. Their appeal says that they were politically active students in Ethiopia, which is why they are endangered. In Israel, they appealed to the United Nations Commission for Refugees, asking for recognition as asylum-seekers, but were turned down. Expulsion orders were issued, and they were jailed.

Aided by humanitarian organizations, the Association for Advancement of African Refugees in Israel, prison authorities and the Interior Ministry, the 63 individuals sought asylum in Canada, with the Orthodox Ethiopian Church in Canada supporting their request and saying it would provide for their needs during their first year in Canada.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Israel has issued travel documents for them, which makes their exit from Israel possible, even against their will, precipitating the urgent appeal.