Glossary
What is Sigd? Who are the Kessim? What's the difference between Beta Israel and Falash Mura? All essential community terms — in Hebrew, English, and Amharic.
12 terms
Aliyah from Ethiopia
Approximately 95,000 Ethiopian Jews made aliyah in three waves: Sudan (1984-1985), Solomon (1991), and Falash Mura (2003-ongoing).
Beta Israel
The traditional name of the Ethiopian-Jewish community. Today numbers approximately 160,000 in Israel.
ENP — Ethiopian National Project
A national partnership framework for advancing the Ethiopian-Israeli community, operating programs in education, youth, and excellence funding.
Falash Mura
Descendants of Ethiopian Jews who converted to Christianity in the 19th century. Government decisions in 2015, 2018, and 2024 enabled phased aliyah.
Hesegim / ISEF — Excellence
Funding programs for excellent Ethiopian-Israeli students pursuing a B.A. or M.A. Tuition coverage + monthly stipend.
Kessim
The traditional religious leaders of Beta Israel. In Israel today they are recognized as religious-cultural authorities but are not integrated into the official Chief Rabbinate.
Olim Beyahad
A career-mentorship organization for Ethiopian-Israeli university graduates. Connects students with senior mentors in industry.
Operation Moses
Covert November 1984 - January 1985 operation: ~8,000 Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel. Climax of the Sudan journey.
Operation Solomon
May 24-25, 1991: 14,325 Ethiopian Jews flown to Israel in 36 hours via 35 aircraft from Addis Ababa.
Sigd
An Ethiopian-Jewish community holiday observed on the 29th of Heshvan. Law 5774-2008 recognizes it as an official Israeli holiday.
Tebeka
Legal aid center for Ethiopian-Israelis. National leader on issues of racism, law enforcement, and civil rights.
Tene Briut
Israel's only community-health organization focused on Ethiopian-Israelis. Runs health navigators, medical translation, and prevention projects.
