Operation Solomon and Operation Moses: The Great Aliyah Story

Operation Moses (1984-1985)

A covert operation bringing ~8,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel via Sudan between November 1984 and January 1985. It was abruptly halted after leaking to the press, leaving hundreds of families separated.

Operation Solomon (1991)

On 24-25 May 1991, as the Mengistu regime collapsed, 14,325 Jews were airlifted to Israel in just 36 hours — 40 El Al and IAF planes, 40 flights. Still a world record for the fastest large-scale airlifting of people.

Legacy

~160,000 Ethiopian-Israeli Jews live in Israel today, continuing the journey begun in these operations. The 28th of Iyar marks the Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews who perished en route.

📅 Memorial Day: 28 Iyar | 🌐 iaej.co.il