Ethiopian Community Celebrates Sigd Holiday Amidst Calls for Unity and Remembrance
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Tens of thousands of Israelis, primarily from the Ethiopian Beta Israel community, gathered in Jerusalem for the Sigd holiday. Prime Minister Netanyahu was absent, while President Isaac Herzog addressed the attendees. The disappearance of Haimnot Kassaw remained a central focus, symbolizing community concerns. Physical barriers at the event drew criticism, highlighting perceived disconnects between leadership and the public, as the community celebrated its faith and connection to Jerusalem.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tens of thousands gathered in Jerusalem for the Ethiopian Sigd holiday, marking a day of fasting and prayer.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu was absent from the Sigd celebrations, drawing attention.
- The ongoing disappearance of Haimnot Kassaw served as a somber reminder and symbol of community concerns.
- President Isaac Herzog addressed the crowd, emphasizing the Beta Israel community's deep connection to Jerusalem.
- Critics voiced frustration over physical barriers separating attendees from religious leaders at the event.
- The holiday highlighted unresolved issues like immigration and family reunification for the Ethiopian community.
Tens of thousands of Israelis, primarily from the Beta Israel community, gathered in Jerusalem on Monday for the Sigd holiday, a day of fasting and prayer observed 50 days after Yom Kippur. The event, held on the Armon Hanatziv promenade, marked a significant cultural and religious observance for Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu, who had previously declared himself the "Ethiopian candidate in Likud," was notably absent from the celebrations.
The holiday's significance was underscored by the ongoing absence of Haimnot Kassaw, a young girl who disappeared nearly 1,000 days prior. Her disappearance has become a symbol of marginalization and neglect for the community. Activists present at the event expressed a loss of faith in authorities, stating, "We no longer trust anyone." Despite the somber undertones, the gathering was also a celebration of faith and connection to Jerusalem, as highlighted by poet Wubet Warko Mangisto in her new poem.
President Isaac Herzog addressed the crowd, emphasizing the deep love the Beta Israel community has for Jerusalem and how their return has enriched the city. During the ceremony, speakers, including the Kes (religious leader) of Kessim and Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar, invoked Haimnot's name, with attendees responding with "Amen." However, a recurring issue at the event was the physical separation between the attendees and the religious leaders, symbolized by numerous fences. Artist and photographer Gideon Agaze criticized this setup, calling it an attempt to disconnect people from the spiritual aspect of the day and expressing frustration over the perceived institutional barriers.
The event also saw participation from several Knesset members, including Tsega Malko and Pnina Tamano-Shata, who were concluding their terms, alongside Moshe Solomon and Roni Malachi. Yaffa Tebje is set to become the sole public representative from the community in the upcoming Knesset. Despite the high representation of Ethiopian Israelis in the previous Knesset, issues such as the continuation of immigration and family reunification, which have been halted for four years, remain unresolved. The Kes's call for a government of unity after the recent conflict was interpreted by some not just as a political statement but as a deep ethical stance.
The Sigd celebrations, particularly the first one after October 7, 2023, which was canceled, highlight the community's profound connection to Jerusalem and their enduring faith. The holiday serves as a moment for reflection, urging the nation and its leaders to re-evaluate their path, bridge the gap between the public and their representatives, and heed the people's sentiments.
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