The story of the exodus of Ethiopian Jews to Israel is one of the most moving historical events of the Jewish people. Although it happened recently, most Israelis and Diaspora Jewry are not aware of the difficulties and challenges encountered by Ethiopian Jews in their trek to reach Israel. Upon arrival they faced various problems and challenges. This program will focus on the history, culture and traditions of Ethiopian Jewry, sharing its unique narrative and cultural treasures. The story of Ethiopian Jewry in Israel is a unique tale of suffering, perseverance, and fulfillment. Part of the Partners in Jewish Programming Travel Series.

Naftali Aklum was born in Ethiopia in 1979. The following year, in 1980, he and his parents were among the first groups to make Aliya to Israel via Sudan in what later became known as “Operation Moses.” He is the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters; his late brother Ferede Aklum was the first Ethiopian Jew to make the journey to Jerusalem via Sudan, with Ferede then setting the stage for others to follow: after reaching Sudan in 1978, the letter Ferede wrote requesting assistance to make Aliya found its way to Menachem Begin, who then set in motion the remarkable, secret operation in which North America Jewry played such a vital role. In his footsteps, literally, over 8,000- of 12,000- successfully reached Jerusalem after 2,500 years of yearning. He was raised and educated in Beersheba. In the army he served as a firefighter. Naftali graduated from Ben Gurion University in 2008 with a concentration in politics, government, history and Middle Eastern Studies.

Note: this program takes place on Zoom; details provided upon registration below.