Ethiopian Israelis celebrate Sigd in Jerusalem.

Ethiopian Israelis, also known as Beta Israel, celebrated Sigd, which celebrates their longing for the return to Israel. It is celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur. Although its origin is Ethiopia, Sigd is also celebrated in Jerusalem. It became an official holiday in Israel in 2008. This year’s celebration included prayers for unity, rebuilding of the temple, and the release of Avraham Mengistu and the other 100 hostages held in Gaza. https://www.jns.org/ethiopian-jews-mark-sigd-in-jerusalem-with-prayers-for-peace-and-freedom/

Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Indigenous Leaders in Solidarity with Historical Jewish Connection to the Land of Israel

This news article took me by surprise.  A group of indigenous leaders gathered in Jerusalem from around the world to support the historical basis of Israel’s connection with the land.  They marched from the Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall to show their solidarity.  According to Sheree Trotter, co-director of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem,

There is a false narrative that has taken hold of the Western world, including the country where I live, that paints the Jews as the foreign colonizers who have dispossessed the indigenous Palestinians. We want to change that narrative.

There are those who try to nullify the existence of the State of Israel with the argument that Israelis are settlers and colonizers that should be replaced with a Palestinian state "from the river to the sea.”  So, it is encouraging to see a group that stands in solidarity with Israel.

Online Source: Indigenous Leaders Rally in Jerusalem, https://www.timesofisrael.com/indigenous-leaders-rally-in-jerusalem-to-affirm-historical-jewish-ties-to-the-land/.  November 3, 2024.

An international delegation of indigenous leaders at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, 

October 28, 2024 (Gianluca Pacchiani/Times of Israel)