The Long Journey Home

 

Dear JCCP/CBT family,

On Thursday, December 4, after several years of efforts, the first of several thousand Ethiopian Jews arrived in Israel, joining the 140,000 Ethiopian Jews who now call Israel their home. I want the members of our community to be aware of this wonderful event.

Israel faces tremendous challenges at this time. As in our own nation, COVID-19 cases have spiked recently, challenging Israel’s healthcare system. While we rejoice in Israel’s amazing diplomatic achievements, establishing diplomatic relations with the UAE and Bahrain, Israel continues to face great challenges on its northern border. The political situation is similarly challenging, and there is talk about the possibility of new elections as confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu declines.

Which makes yesterday’s event so important. Amidst the myriad of challenges and even potential danger Israel faces, the work of bringing Jews from distressed communities around the world continues. For this we should be grateful, and put aside our differences to support the state of Israel in any way we can.

For a video of the ceremony welcoming these new immigrants to Israel at Ben-Gurion airport, please click here.  

For more news about this event, please click here.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Arthur Weiner

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