A touching initiative will take place next Sunday (May 25) in Kiryat Malachi. Local youth will recreate the journey made by Ethiopian Jews during their Aliyah to Israel. The march is held in memory of those who perished on their way, with participation from public officials and community representatives.
Retracing the Difficult Path Taken by Ethiopian Jews
This will be the fifth year in a row the event is held, during which participants will take part in a seven-kilometer experiential march, culminating in a memorial ceremony for the fallen. The marchers will seek to recreate the challenging path Ethiopian Jews took across the deserts of Sudan. This unique project is led by Adisa Tamse Yaso, director of the municipal youth unit, who works tirelessly to connect the younger generation with the roots of the Beta Israel (Jewish Ethiopian) community.
The Aliyah (immigration) of the Beta Israel community to Israel was a long, multi-stage process fueled by a deep, longstanding yearning for Zion and Jerusalem. It began in the 19th century with early efforts such as the 1862 Aliyah led by Abba Mahari, which ultimately failed due to the high number of casualties. Decades later, during the major immigration operations — Operation Moses, Operation Joshua, and Operation Solomon — tens of thousands of community members made their way through Sudan. Sadly, approximately 4,000 lives were lost during these courageous journeys to Israel.
