After so many months of demonstrations across Israel, efforts solely revolved around judicial reform, PM Netanyahu and his cabinet, and the so-called delicacy of Israeli democracy, this week Israel is facing protests of a much, much greater meaning than the months preceding. But so far only 200 of the nearly 4500 Ethiopian applicants for aliyah have been rescued, and approximately 100 of those rescued were Israeli citizens. Protesters in Israel, many of Ethiopian descent, are comparing the swiftness of rescue afforded Ukranian Jews during the recent Russian invasion, and decrying the difference in Israel’s response to Jews of Ethiopia. Any question as to the specific heritage of newcomers to Israel can be addressed after everyone has safely arrived. The comprehensive rescue of Ethiopian Jews will also increase trust, compassion and hope amongst the millions of disheartened Israelis looking for examples and actions of hopefulness and progress in Israel.

Source: Ethiopian News August 16, 2023 13:10 UTC