After 10 long years as a hostage in Gaza, Avera Mengistu was freed on Saturday, February 22nd as part of a hostage deal releasing 5 other Israeli hostages in Gaza.   Avera, along with one other hostage, had been kept captive for over 10 years.  As part of the Phase 1 Israel-Hamas agreement, they were included with hostages from October 7th in the negotiations.    After being paraded across a stage and forced to wave at the assembled crowds and gunmen, Avera was handed to Red Cross representatives who escorted him to IDF helicopters which quictly airlifted him to hospital in Israel.

Avera suffered mental illness, which was thought to be the reason he wandered in Gaza over 10 years ago, and then was held as a captive.   After years of advocacy by the Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ) and dedicated other activists – most notably educator and human rights activist Dr. Shula Mola – the government of Israel began looking into his case.   After October 7th when over 250 Israelis were taken hostage, the plight of Avera Mengistu became part of the focus on the cruel, inhumane acts perpetrated by Hamas from their base in Gaza.

The Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ) is the oldest advocacy organization in Israel that has defended the civil and human rights of Ethiopian Jews and other minorities in Israel for more than 30 years.      It has been their continual efforts that has brought public and government concern to focus on Avera, along with the other hostages.

FEJ wishes Avera and his family well, and prays for the swift return of the remaining hostages and healing for those who have returned.

To support the AEJ in their outstanding advocacy work, please click here.