Published: August 8, 2026 · Tedros Editorial
Historical novel exploring Beta Israel heritage launched in Addis Ababa
The novel
The novel "Behind the Synagogue" (Kemukrabu Bestjerba) by Eyosias Esundale launched on August 8, 2026 at the Stay Easy Plus Hotel in Addis Ababa. The book is based on the author's doctoral research.
What it's about
The novel follows the fictional character Abate, a finance doctoral student, across Addis Ababa neighborhoods (Kechene, Gulele) and towns like Merhabete and Debre Berhan. It explores identity, belonging, and the psychological effects of historical discrimination, alongside ancient origin narratives and the destruction of the Second Temple. The story is set against the backdrop of Operation Moses (1984) and Operation Solomon (1991) — the major waves of Ethiopian Jewish immigration to Israel. A central subplot follows a decades-long marriage as an expression of family commitment, alongside a romance between Abate and Selam, a clinical nurse.
Who attended
Attendees at the book launch included researchers, religious leaders and community activists, among them Dr. Pastor Seleshi Kebede, Aba Eshetu, W/ro Zenebech, Solomon Assefa, Pastor Demis Mamo, Kebelew Zelelew and Mikiyas Legesse. The book's language consultant, Zelalem Girma, noted the work "helps explain terms such as 'Falasha' and 'Kayla,' which were historically used as derogatory labels."
Why it matters to the community
The novel adds a literary voice to documenting the history and identity of the Beta Israel community — including the period before immigration to Israel, a subject that gets less literary attention than the post-arrival experience.