Ethiopian Aliyah Memorial Day
National memorial day for the aliyah from Ethiopia and those who fell along the way — 28 Iyyar (Jerusalem Day + 1).
When
28 Iyyar (the day after Jerusalem Day, late May / early June)
Next observance
2027-05-15
What is Ethiopian Aliyah Memorial Day
A national memorial day established in 2017 to mark the historic journey of Ethiopian Jewry to Israel — through Sudan, in Operation Moses (1984) and Operation Solomon (1991), and to the present. The day also commemorates the thousands of community members who fell during the journey.
Where it's observed
- State ceremony at Mount Herzl — at the section for those who fell on the way; the names of the fallen are read out
- Schools — special curricula, meetings with veteran olim
- Local communities — ceremonies in every absorption city
Why it matters
Operations Moses and Solomon saved ~16,000 community members. About 4,000 fell during the journey (hunger, disease, attacks). The memorial day acknowledges the historic price of the aliyah.
See also
Ethiopian Aliyah Memorial Day in cities
Related rights
- Direct Absorption — Falash Mura 2026 Pilot2026 pilot — Falash Mura olim placed directly into housing rather than absorption centers. Rolling out in cities with established community support frameworks. First direct-absorption deployment for the community.
- Klita Basket — Absorption Aid for New ImmigrantsMonthly cash payment to new immigrants during the first year post-aliyah. Amount varies by family status and age.
Related organizations
- Israeli Association for Ethiopian Jews (IAEJ)Community umbrella and primary advocacy organization. Leads the Falash Mura family-reunification campaign and runs senior centers.
- Beta Israel of North America (BINA)Umbrella organization of the Ethiopian-Jewish community in North America. Funds Israeli projects and builds inter-community bridges.
Related terms
- Aliyah from EthiopiaApproximately 95,000 Ethiopian Jews made aliyah in three waves: Sudan (1984-1985), Solomon (1991), and Falash Mura (2003-ongoing).
- Operation SolomonMay 24-25, 1991: 14,325 Ethiopian Jews flown to Israel in 36 hours via 35 aircraft from Addis Ababa.
- Operation MosesCovert November 1984 - January 1985 operation: ~8,000 Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel. Climax of the Sudan journey.
