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Ethiopian Jews

Ayanawo Ferada Senebato and his wife Mare read a copy of the Orit, Ethiopian Jewry's version of the Hebrew Bible, at their home in Rishon Letzion, Israel, on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo by Canaan Lidor.

40 years on, Israeli Ethiopians fete identity forged by hardship

Community members whose families risked everything to reach Jerusalem are reconnecting to rich traditions following a challenging integration process.

Canaan Lidor

Dec. 26, 2024

Ethiopian Jews take part in prayers on the Sigd holiday at the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Nov. 28, 2024. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Ethiopian Jews mark Sigd in Jerusalem with prayers for peace and freedom

The Beta Israel community came together to celebrate the ancient holiday with prayers for Avraham Mengitsu and the other hostages held in Gaza.

Nov. 29, 2024

Liqa Kahenat Chief Kes Berko Tegegne reads from The Orit at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. Photo by Michael Zekri.

Ethiopian Jewish holy books digitized in Jerusalem

The high-resolution scans will be made available to the public via the National Library of Israel website.

JNS Staff

Oct. 9, 2024

As part of “Operation Tzur Israel” (“Operation Rock of Israel”), Ethiopian Jews arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport on June 1, 2022. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90.

Jewish Federations help bring 3,170 Ethiopian Jews to new home in Israel

David Heller, national campaign chair for the organization, stated being “inspired” by their “courageous journey.”

July 2, 2024

Yahaloma Zechut (center), CEO of the Ofakim Resilience Center, receiving the Presidential Volunteer Medal at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, June 19, 2024. Credit: Courtesy.

Herzog honors CAM-supported volunteers for post-Oct. 7 response

The war "turned into our finest hour, thanks to the spirit of volunteerism of the people of Israel," President Isaac Herzog said.

June 21, 2024

Israeli police seen during a search for 9-years-old Hymanut Kasau, at a forest in the northern Israeli city of Safed, March 10, 2024. Photo by David Cohen/Flash90.

Jewish Agency offers $27.5k reward in case of missing Israeli girl

Ethiopian immigrant Haymanut Kasau, 9, was last seen in Safed on Feb. 25.

March 14, 2024

Ethiopian Israelis and their spiritual leaders gather in Jerusalem to celebrate the holiday of Sigd, Nov. 13, 2023. Photo by Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS.

Despite war, Ethiopian Israelis celebrate Sigd holiday

The holiday celebrates the Ethiopian Jewish community's yearning to return to Israel and affirm their connection to Jerusalem.

Nov. 13, 2023

Ethiopian Jews put up a sukkah for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Credit: Courtesy of Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jews.

Sukkot’s added meaning in Gondar

For most Ethiopian Jews, the one sukkah available to them becomes a symbol of unity among families that is shared and celebrated each year.

Jan Lee

Sept. 28, 2023

Protesters clash with police in Tel Aviv over the handling of a hit-and-run case involving the death of 4-year-old Rafael Adana, Aug. 23, 2023. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90.

Police officer stabbed at Tel Aviv protest over hit-and-run case

The incident occurred during a protest by hundreds of people, mostly members of Israel's Ethiopian community, over the handling of a hit-and-run case involving the death of 4-year-old Ethiopian Israeli Rafael Adana.

Aug. 24, 2023