How are Ethiopian Israelis Doing in The Corona-Virus Crisis?

We hope you and your families are staying well and safe during this unprecedented crisis.

It is a difficult time, full of uncertainty and anxiety.

Please take care and stay safe.

Many nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat and keep their programs open, especially those serving vulnerable populations such as Ethiopian Jews.

We thought you might like an update on how various Ethiopian Israeli groups are coping, and how you might help:

  • Tech Career has moved its classes entirely online. “We’re high tech! No problem.” But several major fund raising events had to be canceled and funds are tight. A terrific new Tech Career video was made just before the crisis – check it out, here!
  • Olim Beyahad has laid off some staff and programs such as the Graduates Forum and seminars have been cancelled. Programs for Ethiopian Israeli university graduates and high school students in the Ariella program have moved online, with remaining staff working from home.
  • Association for Ethiopian Jews (AEJ) staff are also working from home, planning new advocacy and membership initiatives, improving their digital platforms and running a widely popular Facebook page. They’ve helped start an Amharic Call Center for information about unemployment benefits, health and safety issues and other virus-related information.
  • Friends by Nature (FBN) has moved most programs online, and staff are working at reduced salaries. The gardening program spontaneously continues as participants show up on their own, keeping at least 6 ft apart in the large fields outside Gedera. FBN is creating a new internet English learning program for Ethiopian Israeli youth, and are seeking online volunteers from the U.S. Expect an email about this, soon!
  • Tebeka is having a difficult time as courts are closed, their offices are closed and staff laid off. Remaining staff are on reduced salaries. Fund raising events are cancelled. It’s a grim time. Many Ethiopian Israelis need legal assistance when dealing with employers and landlords, so Tebeka struggles to stay open by phone and internet.
  • Keren Hanan Aynor (KHA) always worked from home offices and participants always applied via the internet, so work at KHA continues uninterrupted. All KHA recipients now take classes online, and KHA provides support, counseling and guidance by phone and internet.
  • Forum Yerusalem will postpone its May 19th Conference on Heroic Kessim – Changing the Narrative on Ethiopian Jews. Organizers are working on a video, a podcast, book and website. Their website will provide updates.
  • Hinneni and the Beta Israel Village. The Village and programs are closed, with staff on unpaid leave. Leaders are trying to make the most of the shut-down by improving infrastructures and curriculum. And they are busy supporting the elderly by purchasing and delivering food and medicines.  But Hinneni, like all programs, are in dire need of funds.f

As you can see, Ethiopian Israeli organizations are in dire straits.
Please donate to help programs serving Ethiopian Jews in Israel.
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Thank you.