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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