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Our Partners

Friends of Ethiopian Jews is proud to support the following 11 extraordinary organizations, each working to empower the Ethiopian-Israeli community in creative, effective, and important ways. Click on any organization to learn more about them.

Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ)

The Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ) is a leading organization advocating for the full integration and equal rights of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel. Through political advocacy, research, community activism, and public awareness efforts, AEJ influences national and municipal policies to address socio-economic challenges. Its achievements include amending the Affirmative Action Law, establishing Sigd as a national holiday, eliminating segregation in the IDF, exposing discriminatory policing, and ensuring governmental responsibility shifts from immigration to appropriate government offices.

Tebeka

Tebeka is a free legal aid organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Ethiopian-Israelis and ensuring their access to justice. Through impact litigation, legal representation, and advocacy, Tebeka addresses discrimination, civil rights violations, and socio-economic challenges while also empowering future Ethiopian-Israeli legal professionals. Its initiatives include providing legal aid to over 1,000 clients annually, operating a Center for Children’s Rights, supporting law students, and advancing policies for equal protection under Israeli law.

Keren Hanan Aynor

Keren Hanan Aynor (KHA) provides scholarships to Ethiopian-Israelis pursuing higher education, empowering them to succeed in Israeli society. Since its founding in 1994 in memory of Ambassador Hanan Aynor, KHA has awarded over 5,000 scholarships to 3,000 students across more than 90 disciplines. Led by Pnina Agenhayu, the organization fosters academic and professional growth, helping to create a new generation of Ethiopian-Israeli leaders.

Tech-Career

Tech-Career equips Ethiopian-Israeli young adults with professional technological training, personal development workshops, and job placement services to help them thrive in Israel's high-tech industry. Since its founding in 2003, 83% of its graduates have secured employment in various tech roles, transitioning from economic dependence to independence. Through courses in software development, quality assurance, and university preparation programs, Tech-Career provides the skills and support needed for long-term career success.

Wuste Tzega

Wuste Tzega, the Center for Culturally Adapted Psychotherapy, provides Ethiopian-Israelis with culturally sensitive therapy that integrates Ethiopian healing traditions with Western psychiatry. Founded in 2017 by social worker Yeshitu Shmuel, the center offers individual and group therapy, therapist training, research, and annual conferences to advance culturally adapted mental health care in Israel. With clinics in Haifa, Hadera, and Lod, Wuste Tzega continues to expand its services, incorporating Ethiopian arts, music, and traditional ceremonies to support holistic healing.

Forum Yerusalem

Forum Yerusalem works to enrich Israel’s national narrative by integrating the 2,500-year-old story of Ethiopian Jewry into the broader Zionist experience. Founded in 2017 by Shmuel Yilma, the organization promotes education, public awareness, and leadership initiatives to foster a more inclusive and united Israeli society. Its key activities include an annual conference highlighting Ethiopian-Israeli leaders, identity journeys to Ethiopia for influential figures, and the promotion of educational and tourism sites showcasing the community’s contributions to Israel.

Beta Israel Business Community

BIBC is a business community of 300+ Ethiopian-Israeli entrepreneurs working together to strengthen and grow their businesses through collaboration and mentorship. Founded in 2018 by award-winning tech educator Asher Elias, BIBC provides training, networking opportunities, and business development support to foster economic success within the Ethiopian-Israeli community. Through workshops, webinars, and peer engagement, BIBC empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and contribute to the community’s prosperity.

Olim Beyahad

Olim Beyahad helps Ethiopian-Israelis secure professional employment and integrate into Israel’s workforce by providing mentorship, training, and career development opportunities. Since its founding, the organization has supported over 1,200 Ethiopian-Israelis, focusing on university students and graduates with leadership potential. Through partnerships with industry leaders, corporations, and social organizations, Olim Beyahad fosters a diverse network committed to advancing Ethiopian-Israeli inclusion in Israel’s economic and social leadership.

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Friends by Nature

Friends by Nature (FBN) is a transformative nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Ethiopian-Israeli youth and building resilient communities through education, leadership, and civic engagement. Founded in 2005, FBN uses a unique “Community Garin” model where successful Ethiopian-Israelis return to at-risk neighborhoods to mentor and uplift their communities. Through programs like agricultural initiatives, women’s gatherings, youth leadership, and home-based learning, FBN has fostered a sense of pride and community among Ethiopian-Israelis across multiple regions in Israel.

Shavu Banim

Shavu Banim is a vibrant, independent nonprofit education, cultural, and community center dedicated to serving the 15,000-strong Ethiopian-Israeli population of Be'er Sheva, Israel. Nestled in an architecturally stunning complex, the center offers a diverse range of services, including enriching after-school programs, a welcoming synagogue, a modern computer center, a thought-provoking museum, elder care, a cultural heritage hub, and an event hall—creating a dynamic space for growth, connection, and celebration.

Anya Banya

Anya Banya is a youth movement dedicated to empowering Ethiopian-Israeli and non-Ethiopian-Israeli children and youth by fostering a sense of belonging and leadership through a “youth leading youth” model. The movement focuses on developing leadership skills and promoting values such as equality, responsibility, and community involvement through experiential activities like hiking and outdoor challenges. Founded by Barak Avraham in 2017, Anya Banya has expanded to four branches across Israel and aims to equip youth with the tools and skills to become active civic leaders, contributing to a unified and resilient Israeli society.

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