May 8, 2023

Operation Zur Israel Continues to Bring Ethiopian Jews Home

Home at last! Earlier this week, Israel welcomed the latest flight of Ethiopian olim (immigrants) as part of the continuing Operation Zur Israel. Individuals who had been waiting years — some decades — to be reunited with their family members were finally able to make aliyah, thanks to the efforts of our overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel, which will continue to support Israel’s newest citizens by facilitating their settlement with intensive Hebrew language studies, job placement and acculturation classes. Since 2005, Federation has assisted Ethiopian-Israelis through a variety of initiatives, including the Ethiopian National Project School Performance and Community Empowerment program (SPACE); Merchavim Institute, which places Ethiopian-Israeli educators in the Israeli school system; Yemin Orde Youth Village’s Educational Excellence Program; and Tech Career, training the Ethiopian-Israeli community to gain valuable skills in the field of hi-tech.