Israel honors Ethiopian Jews who died on their way to the Holy Land
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute on Jerusalem Day to the Ethiopian Jewish community, honoring the sacrifices made during the journey from Ethiopia to Israel and mourning the recent deaths of Yemano Benjamin Zalka and Destau Chekol.
At a state memorial ceremony, Netanyahu underscored the growing integration of Ethiopian Israelis into society, noting that matriculation eligibility rates among its youth reached the national average and announcing additional government funding and a new heritage site initiative in Jerusalem.
He also praised the legacy of Ethiopian-Israeli contributions, highlighting the late Maj. Gadi Marsha, the IDF’s first Jewish tracker officer, who later fell in service at the Gaza border.
The memorial day for Ethiopian Jews who died on the perilous journey to Israel coincides with Jerusalem Day, in recognition of the connection that inspired them.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
