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In Ethiopia they were called “Falashas”, a derogatory term meaning outsiders/exiles. In the United States they were referred to as “Black Jews”. In Israel, they are simply Ethiopian Jews. They call themselves “Beta Israel” (House of Israel). Decedents of an ancient Jewish tribe, for over 2500 years they managed to uphold the laws of Judaism, all the while believing they were the last Jews on earth.

The ties between Beta Israel and their fellow Jews were renewed only at the turn of the 20th century, thanks to the determination of a few individuals, and the exodus of Ethiopian Jews began. YERUSALEM is the story of this exodus and the heroic actions by individuals and communities; of daring covert operations by the Mossad and IDF’s elite combat units; of a worldwide effort which called on Jewish communities everywhere to help save this Jewish tribe from extinction.

It was only towards the end of the 20th century after a long and tumultuous journey that the community of Beta Israel finally arrived in Israel, the land of the Jews. The loving embrace that was extended to the newcomers quickly faded and the new immigrants were now facing difficulties from religious factions and Israeli society. The validity of their religious practices was scrutinized and questioned. Like many other immigrants from different countries during different eras, the Ethiopian Jews were asked to give up their “unique” traditions in order to blend in and be fully accepted.

The struggle to adapt to a modern Israel is still very much an ongoing process.

For more information about the Ethiopian Jewish community, go to:  http://www.santafejff.org/ethiopian-jewry-resources/

YERUSALEM has been generously sponsored by Audrey Goldings and Barry Schrager