The Aliyah of Jewish Ethiopians to Israel was a major event in Israel's rich and complex history of immigration. The Ethiopian Aliyah began in the mid-1970's, in the midst of Ethiopia's mass hunger. Thousands of Jewish Ethiopians made their way on foot to Sudan, where they were picked up by the IAF and flown to Israel. This stage of the Ethiopian Aliyah culminated in Operation Moses, which brought 8,000 Ethiopians to Israel in 1985. The 1990's saw an even greater immigration, when 14,400 Jews were brought from Ethiopia to Israel within 34 hours in the daring and dramatic Operation Soloman.

Since these historic immigrations, Israel's Ethiopian community has struggled to find its footing. Questions of economics, prejudice, and culture have made it difficult for many to integrate into Israeli society. In spite of the many obstacles facing Ethiopian Olim, however, there are many tremendous stories of success, transformation, and rejuvenation.

Read about the dramatic history of the Ethiopian Aliyah, and the varied and colorful experiences of Ethiopian immigrants as they continue to build their lives and community in Israel today.