[Suicide by Ethiopian immigrants in Israel]

49 Ethiopian immigrants to Israel committed suicide between Jan. 1983 and Sept. 1992. First and second degree relatives and friends of 32 of the suicides were interviewed using a questionnaire ("psychological autopsy"). In 12 cases detailed reports of welfare services and also 7 summaries from mental health institutions were analyzed. Except in 1989, the suicide rate of Ethiopian Jews was considerably higher than that of the general population of Israel (19-46 vs 6-8/100,000). The profile of a high suicide risk in an Ethiopian immigrant was that of a married man up to 40 years old, usually with a marital conflict, who appears depressed but does not communicate suicidal intent, and who frequently visits his general physician. This profile differs considerably from that of immigrants from other countries and of Israelis in general. The social message of the Ethiopian suicide conveys feelings of indignation. 3 cases are presented.