Ethiopian Absorption Safed
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− | + | ('''Hebrew''': ביתא ישראל / '''Pronunciation''': Be’eta Yisra’al / '''Definition''': Ethiopian Jewish community / '''Description''': Immigration and Absorption of Ethiopian Jews in Tzfat) | |
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Beginning in 1984 Israel began to absorb “Beta Yisrael” -- Ethiopian Jews -- on a massive scale. [[Safed|Tzfat]] has served as a successful center of absorption for the new immigrants since the first waves of Ethiopian Jews began to arrive. Today the immigrants come in smaller groups but new immigrants continue to arrive in Safed almost monthly. They receive a basic package of services, education and assistance which allows them to begin their new lives as Jewish citizens in Israel. | Beginning in 1984 Israel began to absorb “Beta Yisrael” -- Ethiopian Jews -- on a massive scale. [[Safed|Tzfat]] has served as a successful center of absorption for the new immigrants since the first waves of Ethiopian Jews began to arrive. Today the immigrants come in smaller groups but new immigrants continue to arrive in Safed almost monthly. They receive a basic package of services, education and assistance which allows them to begin their new lives as Jewish citizens in Israel. | ||
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== Tzfat Reception == | == Tzfat Reception == | ||
− | The first Ethiopian Absorption Centers were established in Tzfat during Operation Moses. Hundreds of apartments were provided to the new Ethiopian immigrants in the | + | The first Ethiopian Absorption Centers were established in Tzfat during Operation Moses. Hundreds of apartments were provided to the new Ethiopian immigrants in the southern area of the city, in the Ganai Hadar and Tzahal neighborhoods. The city operated Hebrew ulpan classes for the adults and absorbed the children into the Tzfat school system. Local citizens and non-profits joined together to help on a non-governmental level. At this point, many immigration professionals noted the success of Beta Yisrael immigrants who began their absorption process in Tzfat. They cited the supportive local community and professionals as providing an accepting environment for Ethiopian immigrants. |
== Operation Solomon == | == Operation Solomon == | ||
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=== New Safed Absorption Centers === | === New Safed Absorption Centers === | ||
− | Upon arrival several thousand new immigrants were brought to Tzfat. They were housed in the existing absorption center on Tzahal Street as well as in two addition locations in the Cana’an neighborhoods which later became permanent absorption centers. Other temporary absorption centers were established in the | + | Upon arrival several thousand new immigrants were brought to Tzfat. They were housed in the existing absorption center on Tzahal Street as well as in two addition locations in the Cana’an neighborhoods which later became permanent absorption centers. Other temporary absorption centers were established in the Mercazi and Yair hotels, two centrally-located hotels which had been standing empty since the 1991 Gulf War. |
== Falash Mura == | == Falash Mura == | ||
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=== Advantages of Safed === | === Advantages of Safed === | ||
− | Absorption officials, government workers and Ethiopian activists encourage the use of the Tzfat absorption centers whenever possible. The community warmly accepts the immigrants and integration into Israeli society runs smoothly. The schools and health care system employ staff who have extensive experience in working with the new immigrants. Veteran Ethiopian immigrants in the community assist the new arrivals. There is an active | + | Absorption officials, government workers and Ethiopian activists encourage the use of the Tzfat absorption centers whenever possible. The community warmly accepts the immigrants and integration into Israeli society runs smoothly. The schools and health care system employ staff who have extensive experience in working with the new immigrants. Veteran Ethiopian immigrants in the community assist the new arrivals. There is an active Committee for Ethiopian Jews in Safed which provides assistance for the new immigrants with translations, transactions and other bureaucratic needs. Charity organizations also offer limited assistance to the new families and the religious institutions, including the synagogues, rabbinute and rabbinical court of Safed welcome and support the new arrivals. |
== Moving On == | == Moving On == | ||
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=== Studying === | === Studying === | ||
− | There is a large percentage of Ethiopian students at the local | + | There is a large percentage of Ethiopian students at the local Safed College and College-Preparatory program. There are special scholarships through the college for Ethiopian students and many young people take advantage of these opportunities following their army services. |
− | The nursing program at the | + | The nursing program at the Tzfat Rivka Ziv hospital offers scholarships to Ethiopian students who wish to study for a four-year nursing degree. |
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[[Category:Safed]] | [[Category:Safed]] | ||
[[Category:Jewish History]] | [[Category:Jewish History]] |