We greatly appreciate all our supporters this year. FEJ was able to “Hire Moshe Full-Time”, i.e. provide the funds necessary to Tebeka Legal Aid to hire a second full-time attorney to defend the legal and civil rights of Ethiopian Israelis. We were able to sponsor a national conference in Tel Aviv honoring the Ethiopian Jewish heroes and activists of the Beta Israel Aliyah, strengthening the community’s presence, history and resolve in Israel today. Additionally, FEJ assisted every organization by providing a platform for them in the U.S. to advocate for and educate about the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel today and the challenges still facing this heroic community.
However, several of the programs that FEJ assists are still working hard to meet their budgets for 2022. The AEJ, Friends by Nature, Keren Hanan Aynor, BIBC – all need YOUR help!
If you haven’t already made a donation this year, please do so now before midnight on December 31st.
Our secure online DONATE Page lets you choose which of the following terrific programs to support:
(to view in your browser, click here)
The Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ)
AEJ CEO Rina Ayelin-Gorelik (left) meeting with father of slain teenager Solomon Teka
The Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ) is an indomitable voice for the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel. Through advocacy, research, community engagement and a strong media presence, AEJ works tirelessly to break down barriers. This year, AEJ worked with government ministries to push for police reform and increased integration in Israeli society.
They are an essential voice within the Knesset and in the public sphere!
Support the Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ)
Beta Israel Business Center (BIBC)
Interview with entrepreneurs Tamar Desse and Mazal Yitzhak Aytegev
The Beta Israel Business Center (BIBC), created by Asher Elias – founder of Tech Career – in 2018, is a business network of Ethiopian-Israeli business owners and entrepreneurs who collaborate to strengthen the economy and share knowledge and business development skills. One successful venture is a manufacturing company by Tamar Desse and Mazal Yitzhak Aytegev that designs Amharic-Hebrew flashcards. Check out their products here!
Friends by Nature (FBN) Community Empowerment
Friends by Nature’s Organic Garden
Since 2005, Friends by Nature (FBN) creates and guides local community groups of Ethiopian-Israelis, who run programs that connect and empower the community.
The English Online program pairs students of Ethiopian descent with volunteer teachers from North America to teach and improve English, which is needed for many fields of study. Initially established during the pandemic, the program has flourished exponentially!
The FBN organic gardening program is also a huge success- creating income, retaining culture and providing healthy food.
The English Online program pairs up Ethiopian Israelis and North Americans to chat in English
Support Friends By Nature’s Innovative Programs Here
Wuste Tzega
FEJ President Susan Pollack (center) with Wuste Tzega Founder and CEO Yeshitu Shmuel (left) and Board Chair Avraham Leader (right)
The Wuste Tzega Center for Culturally Adapted Psychotherapy provides Ethiopian Israeli clients with diagnoses and therapy tailored to their culture, life circumstances, beliefs and values. This center was founded in 2017 by Yeshitu Shmuel, an Ethiopian-Israeli social worker who immigrated to Israel in 1983. Her understanding of traditional Ethiopian approaches to mental health, combined with western psychotherapy, allows for a unique approach to combating the mental health crisis in the Ethiopian Jewish community.
Help Wuste Tzega Provide Culturally-Adapted Mental Health Care
Thank you
and a happy 2023 to you and your family!