Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Ethiopian Immigration Policy in Israel
2/2/2026, 2:51:56 AM
Demonstrators Demand Action for Ethiopian Relatives
On Sunday, a significant demonstration took place outside the Knesset in Israel, where approximately 2,000 protesters, primarily from the Ethiopian community, gathered to demand the government facilitate the immigration of around 10,000 relatives of Israelis of Ethiopian descent. The protesters, organized by the group Power for Aliyah, expressed concerns over the ongoing violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which has led to a humanitarian crisis. They called for the immediate reallocation of funds to resume immigration processes that have been halted, emphasizing the deteriorating conditions for their family members still in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian community in Israel has a complex history, particularly concerning the Falash Mura, descendants of Ethiopian Jews who converted to Christianity in the 19th century. Many of these individuals have been left behind as Israel previously facilitated the immigration of the Beta Israel community during the 1980s and 1990s. Since the early 2000s, about 25,000 Falash Mura have immigrated under specific government decrees, contingent upon undergoing Orthodox conversion to Judaism.
Government Response and Criticism
The protests highlight a broader issue regarding the Israeli government's immigration policies. Critics, including Labor MK Gilad Kariv, argue that the government has effectively halted family reunification processes for those eligible to immigrate, citing a lack of allocated funding. Kariv characterized the government's actions as discriminatory, contrasting the treatment of Ethiopian immigrants with that of other groups, such as former Soviet and recent Ukrainian immigrants.
Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer responded to these criticisms by asserting that his office encourages immigration from all Jewish communities worldwide. He announced plans for a professional delegation to assess the eligibility of individuals from Ethiopia under the Law of Return, promising to act promptly if eligible individuals are identified.
Voices from the Community
Pnina Tamano-Shata, the former immigration minister and a member of the Ethiopian community, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The government has halted immigration for three years, thereby putting the lives of those waiting — and of their families in Israel — on hold.” She described the ongoing situation as mistreatment of Ethiopian immigrants, highlighting the emotional toll on families separated by borders.
Gabi Warko, chair of Power for Aliyah, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the government for neglecting the plight of those waiting in Ethiopia. He stated, “The government of Israel is leaving them to continue waiting in Ethiopia and ignoring their terrible pain.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the government maintains that it supports immigration for eligible Jews, critics argue that the current policies reflect systemic discrimination against the Ethiopian community. The lack of immigration for three years has raised concerns about the government's commitment to addressing the needs of this population, with no clear plans announced for the remaining individuals awaiting immigration.
As the protests continue, the Ethiopian community remains resolute in their demands for action, seeking to reunite with their families and ensure their safety amid ongoing turmoil in Ethiopia.
