Ethiopian Community Activist Warns of Missionary Activity Exploiting Immigration Law in Israel
Eynao Fereda Senbeto, a social activist and media figure, has raised alarms about increasing missionary efforts targeting Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. Speaking to Channel 7, Senbeto claimed that some Christian priests have entered Israel disguised as immigrants and established churches in cities with significant Ethiopian populations, such as Petah Tikva, Ashdod, and Lod, aiming to convert community members. He attributes this phenomenon to a loophole in Israeli immigration law that allows these individuals to gain citizenship after undergoing conversion processes, after which they freely engage in missionary work.
Senbeto emphasized that Israel admits immigrants without thorough checks or involvement from the community's spiritual leaders, who traditionally understand genealogical lineages. This lack of oversight has enabled disguised missionaries to operate openly, including on social media, posing what he calls an existential threat to the Ethiopian Jewish community. He noted that while the state welcomes Ethiopian immigrants warmly, once they receive citizenship, they can revert to Christianity or act as missionaries without legal repercussions unless minors or conversions involve inducements.
The issue recently gained public attention following a protest by hundreds of Ethiopian community members outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. Influential community elders and activists participated, expressing frustration that the community’s struggles and sacrifices have been undermined by missionary activities reminiscent of those experienced in Ethiopia. Senbeto also criticized the Chief Rabbinate for neglecting this issue, focusing instead on ultra-Orthodox communities, and highlighted the need for legislative changes to prevent missionary work within the Ethiopian immigrant population.
Senbeto praised Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer for his efforts to address the problem but pointed out that the Interior Ministry controls immigrant identity under the Entry Law, which was specifically designed for Ethiopian and Menashe immigrants. He accused the Shas party of facilitating the immigration of non-Jews contrary to the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s views. Additionally, Senbeto mentioned concerns about a messianic sect led by an immigrant claiming to be a Jewish messiah and attempting to alter Jewish holidays, comparing it to historical false messianic movements.
He called on the government to implement stricter vetting procedures for new immigrants and to enact laws allowing the removal of those engaged in missionary activities. Senbeto warned that if unchecked, this missionary threat could spread to other communities in Israel.
