The Consulate General of Israel to New England invites you to the 2021 Sigd event, dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Ethiopian Jewry, also known as the Beta Israel community. We will explore the remarkable story of the community’s journey to Israel and their integration process, through the ancient holiday of Sigd. The State of Israel recognized Sigd as a national holiday in 2008.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Operation Solomon, the largest covert Israeli military operation to airlift 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. The program will feature remarks from the Minister of Immigrant Absorption Pnina Tamano-Shata, the first Ethiopian-born woman to enter the Knesset in 2013; and Ambassador Meron Reuben, Consul General of Israel to New England.
How has this geographical shift affected the Ethiopian Jewry’s ancient, rich culture? What has their experience of integrating into Israeli society been like? And what can the entire Jewish community learn from their experience?
Co-sponsored by Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Get Konnected, and Hebrew College.
Watch last year's Sigd event here