The Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land

The dramatic and inspiring stories of Ethiopian Jews struggling to become Ethiopian Israelis. In 1977 there were about one hundred Ethiopian Jews in Israel; now there are more than one hundred thousand. Their exodus from their native land and their mass immigration to Israel is a unique historical event. This beautiful and touching book recounts the profound challenges and inspiring accomplishments of Ethiopian Jews struggling to become Ethiopian Israelis in captivating photographs and candid interviews. Featuring more than fifty men and women―religious leaders, soldiers, lawyers, students, actors, musicians, a member of the Knesset, and more―this fascinating book reveals their personal stories. It follows a historical narrative that traces how some Ethiopians became Jewish, how they got to Israel and how they experience Israel as a member of its most impoverished and culturally different minority. In their own words, they reveal their dreams, goals and struggles to become accepted and integrated without losing their own character, identity and values. They declare their devotion to their religious homeland and to freeing themselves from the illiteracy, unemployment, crime and alienation that plague their community. An outstanding Passover gift book.