A Jewish humanitarian organization, Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry (SSEJ), recently completed an airlift of medical supplies to enclaves of Ethiopian Jews. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has complicated established aid in the region, making it difficult for the Ethiopian Jewish community to receive support. The medical supplies were airlifted from the U.S. to Gondar over the course of a few weeks. SSEJ partnered with the Afya Foundation and Airlink to facilitate the transport of 10 pallets of supplies to help support the community.
SSEJ President Jeremy Feit explained that much of the support that Ethiopian Jews receive comes from their relatives in Israel. However, due to the war causing large sections of the Israeli economy to shut down, many Israeli relatives are unable to send funds to support their loved ones in Ethiopia. The medical supplies delivered to the community will be used at the SSEJ medical clinic, as well as redistributed to other care facilities in the region. The conditions in local health clinics in Gondar are in dire need of improvement, as they often lack electricity and backup generators.
Ethiopian Jewry is made up of approximately 13,500 people, with the majority residing in Gondar and Addis Ababa. Over the years, many Ethiopian Jews have been airlifted to Israel through covert evacuations conducted by Israeli forces and U.S. intelligence agencies. The community is further subdivided into different demographics based on geography and religious practices. The Beta Israel group consists of those that were airlifted to Israel in the 20th century, while the Falash Mura group includes those who converted to Christianity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused a halt in Israeli aid and political attention to Ethiopian Jews living in Gondar and Addis Ababa. While the government of Israel has appointed people to examine the issue of bringing more Jews to Israel, little progress has been made. Many Ethiopian Jews continue to live in poor conditions without basic amenities like running water, kitchens, bathrooms, or electricity. The safety of their relatives living in Israel is also a concern, as they are facing threats from terrorists and constant rocket fire from Hezbollah and Hamas.
While the war does not directly impact Ethiopian Jews, it has diverted the attention of the Israeli government from addressing the needs of the community. The political and religious debate over who has a legitimate claim to Jewish identity and Israeli emigration continues to complicate decision-making. Although significant progress has been made in terms of airlifting Ethiopian Jews to Israel in the past, there are still many challenges to overcome in providing support and assistance to those who remain in Africa. The Jewish community in Ethiopia remains hopeful and resilient, praying for the safety and well-being of their loved ones in Israel.
