Blue and White Courts Ethiopian Vote with Tamano-Shata in Key Position

Hundreds of activists and supporters, including members of the Ethiopian community, attended a Blue and White party event in Rehovot on Wednesday. The central focus of the gathering was the prominent placement of Member of Knesset Pnina Tamano-Shata, who is ranked second on the party's list for the upcoming elections. The event featured Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz, Tamano-Shata, and Aliza Bloch, former mayor of Beit Shemesh and also a candidate on the party's slate. Among the attendees were also Qesim (religious leaders), former Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Elali Adamso, and other public figures.

The conference highlighted Tamano-Shata's recent work on issues concerning the Ethiopian community, such as combating discrimination and racism, facilitating immigration from Ethiopia, and promoting the community's integration into positions of influence. Participants also raised the need for continued immigration from Ethiopia, the placement of community members in key roles, and the ongoing investigation into the case of Haimanut Kassau.

Gantz addressed the need, in his words, for a broad government and a reduction in political polarization. "To deal with all these challenges, we need political power that connects," he stated. "We must not return to indecisive elections or another round of voting." He added, "Our problems are not only with our enemies but also here at home. I commit that your dream from decades ago to reach the Holy Land will continue to be realized through a more equitable and better reality for the community, and part of that is reaching positions of influence in the Knesset and the government."

Tamano-Shata thanked the attendees, saying, "You are my backbone from the moment I entered public life. Seeing people who came from all over the country to stand by us and express support for our continued path is moving and obligates me greatly to continue fighting for you in every way."

The event occurs against a backdrop of shifts in the political representation of Ethiopians ahead of the elections. MK Tsega Malko announced she would not run in the Likud primaries, and MK Moshe Solomon stated he would not compete in the Religious Zionism primaries. Blue and White aims, among other things, to solidify Tamano-Shata's position as the senior representative of Ethiopians on their list and to attract support from the community for the elections.