Ethiopian Jews gather in Jerusalem for Sigd holiday

Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gathered in Jerusalem, Israel, on Monday to observe the holy day of Sigd.

Religious leaders known as Kessim lead the community in this holiday, which originally served as a day of prayer and introspection for those seeking to return to Israel. Because most members of the community now live in Israel, they use the day to celebrate their culture and reflect on their history.

Michael Maharat, a Kes religious leader, stated that the current generation has achieved success and good integration into the country. The community traces its history back to Operation Solomon in 1991, when Israel airlifted 14,500 Ethiopian Jews during a civil war in Ethiopia. While the community in Israel now numbers 180,000, some members remain in Ethiopia. These individuals face bureaucratic obstacles that prevent them from immigrating, despite efforts by their relatives in Israel to bring them over.