The Secret History of Ethiopian Jews

The story of the Beta Israel’s return to the Land of Israel is one of broken promises, secret agreements, and the tenacity of an ancient community in the face of unimaginable danger. While the origin story of Ethiopian Jews remains unclear, their courage, faith, and love for the Jewish homeland, along with the daring of the Mossad and the activism of Diaspora Jews, resulted in the return of thousands of Jews to Israel.

Big Ideas

1. Jewish identity is complex and multi-faceted.
2. The desire for self-determination is a key component of communal aliyah to Israel.
3. The Ethiopian Jewish community has a rich and valuable history.

Essential Questions

1. What does Jewish identity look like?
2. What role does self-determination play in moving communities of people to Israel?
3. What can we learn from the story of Ethiopian Jewry?