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The history of the Jews in Ethiopia refers to people in Ethiopia who practice Judaism or have Jewish ancestry. This history goes back millennia. The largest Jewish group in Ethiopia is the Beta Israel, also known as Ethiopian Jews.
- Ethiopian Jews in Israel
2023: On March 25, 2023 it was reported that 1,500 Ethiopian...
- Beta Israel
The Beta Israel, or Ethiopian Jews, are an African community...
- Ethiopian Jews in Israel
The Bible refers to Jews living in the region now known as Ethiopia. The prophet Isaiah, for example, spoke of the return of the Jews who had been exiled to a variety of lands, including Cush, which is now part of Ethiopia and the Sudan. Isaiah 18 is devoted to a description of Cush and the people living there.
Beta Israel, Jews of Ethiopian origin who claim descent from Menilek I, the son of the Queen of Sheba (Makeda) and King Solomon according to Ethiopian tradition. In the late 20th century, during a period of adverse conditions in Ethiopia, most of the Beta Israel emigrated to Israel.
The Jews of Ethiopia—known as the Beta Israel—have experienced a long history of famine, religious oppression, and civil war. But in the 20th century the community went through some major changes as it was transplanted into Israel.
A Jewish community in Ethiopia — the Beta Israel (House of Israel) — has existed for at least 15 centuries. Because of low literacy levels, a tendency to rely on oral traditions, and nomadic lifestyles among most Ethiopians prior to the 20th century, historic material about this community is scant and unreliable.
