According to a Somali historian currently resident in Etobicoke, Ontario, Yuhuud is a Somali term for Jewish (17 Mar. 1995). The historian has recently published a book on the political situation in Somalia. In a telephone interview the historian stated that Yuhuud refers to the old Jewish community, which settled in northeastern Somalia thousands of years ago. While some members of this old community still call themselves Yuhuud, the majority hide this identity given that it is a pejorative term in Somalia (ibid.). The historian was unable to provide further information on the Yuhuud community.

A professor of political economy at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, corroborated all the information provided by the Somali historian (17 Mar. 1995). The professor was unable to provide further information on the Yuhuud community.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Professor of political economy specializing in development, conflict and refugee issues, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. 17 March 1995. Telephone interview.

Somali historian currently living in Etobicoke, Ont. 17 March 1995. Telephone interview.