Looking back at Ethiopia as more countrymen arrive in Israel

DANNY ADENO ABEBE

As Jews, it is engraved deep within us to reminisce and reflect on our past. This is what makes us rich in culture and tradition.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to visit my country of birth, Ethiopia. I stood at the entrance to my family home, my heart full of emotion. I remember so clearly the sounds of chattering, barefoot children, the cows, sheep, and most importantly, the smell of my mother’s cooking.

This is not the first time I have returned home as a visitor, but each time I visit, the experience is unique. Interestingly enough, each time I return, I feel more Israeli and Jewish than the time before.

After living in Israel for the past 34 years, I have dealt with my past. I have even written an autobiography detailing my journey from Ethiopia to Sudan, and finally returning home to Israel.

Writing my story was an emotional experience. It took me back to the struggle, the obstacles, and finally the relief of freedom. During my visit to Ethiopia, I met my parents’ neighbours, who expressed how much they missed us all. The connection I felt with them is something I cannot put into words.

I continued my visit to Gonder, the camp which has been set up for the Falash Mura community to settle until they make aliyah. The Falash Mura are members of the Beta Israel community in Ethiopia who converted to Christianity in the 19th and 20th centuries, even before. They have since reverted back to Judaism, but they are not eligible to make aliyah under the Israeli Law of Return.

About two years ago, a group of 1 300 Falash Mura arrived in Israel, and an additional 82 are expected to arrive on Monday on a flight funded in part by the Jewish Agency.

I don’t believe that this aliyah is legitimate, as the majority of those waiting to make aliyah are not Jewish. They chose to give up their Judaism, and once they had done so, many of them turned against us Jews in Ethiopia. They persecuted us for being Jewish.

I don’t have a problem with people leaving our religion, but then don’t say that you are Jewish because it means that you will have a better life. That is what these people are doing.

Their aliyah is not about wanting to live in the Jewish homeland, it is simply being made for economic reasons. It’s really hard for those of us who know what these people are like to watch our government accept them with open arms. It’s wrong!

However, if the Israeli government has decided to assist them, it should act immediately. Giving hope without taking any action is not the correct route.

In conclusion, I have since arrived in South Africa, and found a second home… Pick n Pay!

I spend many hours there. That’s what happens when you have four children. My children shout in Hebrew, like quintessential Israelis. The locals ask me what language my children are speaking. It does not sound like Xhosa, Zulu, or Sotho. I explain that my children speak Hebrew, and they are surprised. The response is, ‘’What? There are black children in Israel. Are you Jewish?’’ When I reply that we are, they laugh in disbelief!

Sometimes I feel like I am one person with three very real problems: I am Jewish, I am black, and I am Israeli!

I feel very fortunate to have experienced my past, and to live in my present. I cannot wait to see what my future holds.

• Danny Adeno Abebe is the Habonim Dror Olami and World Zionist Organisation shaliach to South Africa. He was one of the approximately 8 000 Ethiopian Jews who were brought to Israel with Operation Moses in 1984.