State Medal - From Ethiopia to Jerusalem

This Official Medal, marking the 20th Anniversary of “Operation Moses”, honors the miraculous story of Ethiopian Jewry and their journey to Eretz Israel. The “Beta Israel”, as they call themselves, is one of the most ancient Jewish communities in the world. Their origins are shrouded in legend; one 9th Century Jewish traveler, Eldad Hedni, believed them to be descendents of the Tribe of Dan. Despite total isolation from the rest of the Jewish world, oppression, and hardships, the community maintained its Jewish identity. From the 19th century until World War II, the community benefited from educational assistance and material aid extended by Alliance. After the establishment of the State of Israel the Jewish Agency began educational activities including construction or schools and training of Hebrew teachers . By the early 1980’s serious threats to the Beta Israel – religious and political harrassment, famine, horrendous health conditions, and forced conscription of young boys – made rescue efforts imperative. Illegal immigration through Sudan culminated in “Operation Moses” which from November 18, 1984 until January 5, 1985 brought 8,000 Jews to Israel. The difficulties of the journey – a long trek by foot, hunger, thirst, disease, and attacks by thieves – meant that only the most fit survived. Thousand died en route and many more were left in terrible conditions in Sudan. Finally, in May 1991 Operation Solomon – a modern exodus of truly epic proportions – brought over 14,000 people home to Israel in a 36 hour period. Today most of the Beta Israel live in Israel.