Heritage Events
Sigd, Genna, and Ethiopian Aliyah Memorial Day — the three main heritage events of the Ethiopian-Israeli community. Next observance dates, where they're celebrated, and how to participate.
Sigd
The Ethiopian Jewish community's headline holiday, recognized as a national holiday in 2008 — main observance in Jerusalem with parallel events in 36 cities.
29 Cheshvan (late October / early November)
Next observance: November 19, 2026
Genna — Ethiopian Christmas
Christmas for the Ethiopian Christian community in Israel — January 7, observed at Theotokos churches in Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba.
January 7 (per the Julian calendar used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church)
Next observance: January 7, 2027
Ethiopian Aliyah Memorial Day
National memorial day for the aliyah from Ethiopia and those who fell along the way — 28 Iyyar (Jerusalem Day + 1).
28 Iyyar (the day after Jerusalem Day, late May / early June)
Next observance: May 15, 2027
Beta Israel
The Ethiopian Jewish community — history, culture, and their aliyah in Operations Moses and Solomon.
No fixed holiday date — Beta Israel refers to the community identity, not a single observance.
Next observance: November 19, 2026