THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF ETHIOPIAN JEWS AND THEIR JOURNEY TO ISRAEL

BY HOWARD FLOWER, ICEJ ALIYAH DIRECTOR

This year around 1,500 Ethiopian Jews are expected to immigrate to Israel, many with the help of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). For over two millennia, Ethiopian Jews, known as Beta Israel, have faced immense challenges, including religious persecution, discrimination, oppression, and violence. Yet despite these hardships, they have maintained their Jewish identity and community.

According to Ethiopian tradition, the Queen of Sheba’s son, Menelik, was born in Ethiopia. He later visited his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem, who told him to spread the Jewish faith in God to the Ethiopians. King Solomon gave Menelik a Torah scroll to teach the Ethiopian people about biblical Judaism. Around 500 BC, a group of ancient Israelites also migrated to Ethiopia to escape religious persecution. Over the centuries, they became known as the “Beta Israel” and developed a unique culture influenced by Judaism and Ethiopian traditions in isolation from other Jewish groups. Yet despite immense hardships, they remained devoted to their faith and community.

In 1973 Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the chief Sephardi rabbi of Israel, ruled that the Ethiopian Jewish community was Bnei Israel or “Sons of Israel,” according to Jewish law. This has allowed them to immigrate to Israel in large numbers. The Beta Israel practice their own form of Judaism, distinct from the Jewish mainstream. They follow the laws of the Torah but not the Talmud. Their religious practices uniquely blend Jewish and Ethiopian traditions after centuries of relative isolation.

Israel officially recognizes the Beta Israel as a distinct Jewish ethnic group and supports efforts to preserve their traditions and identity. Organizations worldwide also promote awareness of the Beta Israel’s rich history, faith, and perseverance. The Beta Israel’s remarkable story should be celebrated as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of identity, faith, and community.

Today the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel numbers around 150,000 people. Thankfully, the last remnant of this proud, ancient people is coming to Israel under humanitarian provisions of the Law of Entry. Help us make dreams a reality for the remaining Ethiopian Jews waiting to make Aliyah! You can be a part of bringing them home and planting them in the Land of Israel. Make your best gift today to support the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts.