Ethiopian Jewish Community Seeks Closure After Decades of Waiting for Israeli Visas

Ethiopia is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities, reportedly descended from the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon since 950 BC. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the Beta Israel community faced persecution under the Communist regime, prompting Israel to conduct dramatic airlifts known as Operation Solomon and Operation Moses, which evacuated over 20,000 Ethiopian Jews. However, a significant number were left behind.

Decades later, thousands of Ethiopian Jews remain stranded, awaiting reunification with family in Israel and an escape from the severe hardships their community endures today.

Many have sold their property to relocate closer to Israeli consulates or the embassy, yet remain without certainty about their futures.

Correspondent Tom Canetti reports.

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