Outgoing Israeli Government Accused of Neglecting Ethiopian Community
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The outgoing Israeli government is heavily criticized for its alleged neglect of the Ethiopian Jewish community, particularly concerning immigration and public safety. The article details how immigration from Ethiopia was effectively halted for four years under Minister Ofir Sofer, leaving thousands in limbo. Tragic incidents of violence and disappearance within the community are highlighted, with accusations that government policies have exacerbated safety concerns. Despite repeated warnings from community organizations and former officials, the government failed to allocate budgets for continued immigration, leading to widespread frustration and accusations of deliberate obstruction.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Outgoing Israeli government accused of severe neglect and mistreatment of Ethiopian Jewish community.
- Immigration from Ethiopia effectively halted for four years under Minister Ofir Sofer.
- Community faces rising violence and safety concerns, with rapper Yosef Yitzchak confronting Minister Ben-Gvir.
- Thousands of Ethiopian Jews remain in limbo, awaiting immigration approval with no allocated budget.
- State Comptroller launched investigation into government's delay regarding Ethiopian Jewish immigration.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized for using a tragic photo in holiday greeting.
The outgoing Israeli government is accused of severe neglect and mistreatment of the Ethiopian Jewish community, particularly regarding immigration and public safety. Despite past successes, such as MK Pnina Tamano-Shata's efforts to approve the 'Tzur Israel' immigration wave, the community has faced significant setbacks. The current, 25th Knesset, which saw a record number of MKs from the Ethiopian community, will see three of them, including Tamano-Shata, Tsega Melaku, and Rabbi Moshe Salomon, not return, with their influence on government policy deemed minimal.
The article highlights two tragic incidents: the disappearance of 960 days ago of Haymanot Kassaw from a reception center in Safed, and the murder of Yimnu Zelka in April. While the government isn't directly responsible, the institutions dealing with these cases have seen their efforts undermined. The article points to a decline in public safety, with increased violence and lawlessness, as a direct result of government policy. A video by young creator and rapper Yosef Yitzchak directly confronts the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, questioning the perceived abandonment of the community despite promises of increased police recruitment. Yitzchak criticizes Ben-Gvir's remarks about granting "amnesty" to the Ethiopian community, stating, "You hold the title of security, but I feel abandoned." He expresses a desire to live without fear, stating, "Hope is not in you."
Furthermore, the government is criticized for implementing a "white paper" policy that effectively halted immigration from Ethiopia. For four years, Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, with the government's consent, prevented immigration from Ethiopia, while prioritizing immigrants from wealthier nations with less success. Thousands of individuals remain in limbo, with families waiting years for answers. This policy began with Sofer's first budget, which allocated no funds for Ethiopian immigration. Despite assurances from the ministry that the issue was under review, organizations like the "Struggle Committee for the Aliyah of Ethiopian Jews" warned of an ideological decision. Former MK Abraham Neguise expressed shame that his party, leading the coalition, was obstructing this immigration.
By July 2023, the 5,000-person quota for the 'Tzur Israel' wave was met, but approximately 2,000 eligible individuals remained, with no budget allocated for their immigration. The situation worsened in August 2023 with escalating conflict in Ethiopia, particularly around the Gonder region. While Israel facilitated the rescue of some tourists, those awaiting immigration, including relatives of IDF soldiers, were left behind. A project manager, Harel Knafo, was appointed to address continued immigration, but his work was interrupted by the war, and subsequent budget discussions in late 2023 again failed to allocate funds. In June 2024, Knafo presented four alternatives for bringing the remaining individuals, but no government discussion on the matter is known.
The article also notes the community's continued prayers for peace and return to Israel, even while waiting in camps. Protests in Jerusalem in January 2025, held concurrently with protests for the return of hostages, failed to gain public attention due to the war and other national priorities. Reservist Dani Bezeh expressed frustration, stating, "Every time it's an excuse: no budget, doubt about their Judaism, war. Just take action, bring them and end this saga."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions have also drawn criticism. In October 2025, while promising preparations for a large wave of immigration post-war, Netanyahu used a photo from a memorial day for Sudanese victims of tragedy in his greeting for the Sigd holiday, a major Ethiopian Jewish festival. Photographer Gideon Agaza called this "chutzpah and disrespect," arguing that Netanyahu used a photo from a national tragedy to appear in a celebratory context, solely because he was present in the image.
In February 2026, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman announced an investigation into the state's handling of the delay in Ethiopian Jewish immigration. The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive picture to the Knesset and spur action. The Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration stated that the minister's position was to find a solution that would end the saga, rather than applying temporary fixes. President Isaac Herzog, during a visit to Ethiopia that same month, reportedly ignored those awaiting immigration and avoided visiting their camps, unlike previous presidents.
The article concludes by condemning the 37th government for its "disgraceful" decision to close the gates of immigration to Ethiopians while actively seeking immigrants from Western countries. It asserts that there are no excuses for this neglect, as the community and its advocates repeatedly raised alarms and presented clear data.