JUNE 25 • 2020 | 15
s
subsequent rescues) by the Israeli govern-
ment and the American Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC), with financial assistance
from the Jewish Federations of North
America, including Detroit’
s federation.
Currently, 7,000 more from Gondar wait
in camps in Ethiopia for Israel to allow
them to immigrate; some have waited more
than 20 years. (See sidebar on politics.)
The Beta Israel of North Shewa were
not rescued by Israel because no one knew
about them and they did not come for-
ward until very recently. “We were hidden
for centuries; the Gondar Jews were not,
”
Moges told the JN.
“It is time now,
” Tazebku told Colman,
“to open ourselves to the world’
s brothers
[and say] where we are, who we are.
”
In 2018, Abiy Ahmed Ali became
Ethiopia’
s new prime minister, bringing
reforms as well as a desire for openness and
for reconciliation between the cultures. His
actions emboldened LOZA members to
openly practice their Judaism.
Though they would like to make aliyah,
LOZA members understand it’
s not practi-
cal because of Israel’
s current restrictions on
Ethiopian Jewish immigration. So, they are
focusing on improving their lives, becoming
self-sustainable and building community in
Ethiopia. Another group, also living openly
as Jews in Kechene, whom Colman did not
meet, want aliyah as soon as possible.
Despite some changes in Ethiopian soci-
ety, Moges and Tazebku say persecution
and prejudice continue against the Beta
Israel of North Shewa.
A centuries-old superstition persists
among some less-educated Ethiopians
who believe a look from a Jew (the evil eye
or buda) can bring illness or death. They
also believe Jews transform into hyenas at
night. Because of this superstition, some
Ethiopians believe that any misfortune that
befalls them can be avenged by killing a Jew,
burning their homes and more.
“We are the first they blame,
” Moges said.
“
And the government doesn’
t do anything
serious about it. I have seen the destruction
in the rural area, where they burned down
19 houses, farms and food stores.
”
“The Lovers of Zion
Association wants
to return our people
to the God of our
forefathers. We want
to stop assimilating
and be proud Jews.”
— MICHAEL MOGES
OF KECHENE, ETHIOPIA
PHOTOS COURTESY FRIENDS OF THE BETA ISRAEL OF NORTH SHEWA
To Learn More
Visit beta-israel.org. For a video, go to bit.ly/36tPwko.
To donate, visit temple-israel.org/funds to find the Ethiopia listing.
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