Ethiopia
While many associate Ethiopian Jewry with the dramatic airlifts of the 1980s and 1990s, a rich tapestry of Jewish life continues in Ethiopia today. Communities such as the Beta Avraham in North Shewa and the Zera Israel in Gondar and Addis Ababa maintain Jewish traditions amidst challenges. The Beta Avraham, often considered a “hidden” Jewish group, have preserved unique customs blending ancient Judaism with local practices. Meanwhile, the Zera Israel, descendants of Jews who were compelled to convert to Christianity generations ago, are now reconnecting with their Jewish roots. Despite facing social and economic hardships, these communities strive to sustain their heritage, practicing rituals, observing holidays, and fostering a sense of identity that has endured through centuries.
A young girl peeks through a window of a synagogue undergoing construction
Community members gather outside the Giso hidden synagogue
Baking matzah for Pesah
Location
North and North-West Ethiopia
Local industries
Subsistence farming, coffee, crafts
Community size
8,000 in Ethiopia
Languages
Amharic, Ge’ez, Tigrinya, Hebrew
Kulanu Support Since
1999
Discover Ethiopia
Ancient Traditions, Living Faith
The Beta Israel tradition is rooted in a pre-Talmudic Judaism, meaning it is based solely on the Torah without influence from the Rabbinic or Talmudic texts that shaped most of global Jewry. Today, many Ethiopian Jews have adopted normative Orthodox practices through increased connection with the wider Jewish world, but they continue to preserve unique elements of their heritage. These include the kessim (priests) and falasyan (monks) as religious authorities, additional sacred texts, strict customs regarding the preparation and consumption of meat, and special holidays such as Sigd.
Stories of Rescue and Return
The remarkable modern history of Ethiopian Jewry includes daring airlift operations that brought tens of thousands of Jews to Israel—Operation Moses in 1984 and Operation Solomon in 1991. These missions were made possible through courageous coordination by Jewish leaders, Israeli officials, and volunteers. Among them was Sandy Leeder z”l, a Kulanu board member who played a pivotal role in Operation Moses. His dedication helped open the door for thousands of Ethiopian Jews to reach safety and reunite with the global Jewish community.
Kulanu’s Presence on the Ground
Kulanu has been an active partner in Ethiopia since 1999, working with both the Beta Israel and Zera Israel communities. In recent years, it has contributed to the creation of a Jewish cemetery on government-designated land while continually providing funding for schools, Jewish learning programs, and basic needs like food and clothing, particularly for those still awaiting aliyah. Kulanu has also helped document Ethiopian Jewish life through film, partnering with filmmakers to amplify their voices and visibility. Board member Dr. Ari Greenspan continues to travel regularly to Ethiopia, assisting with community needs and sharing their story with Jews around the world.