In 1984, some 7,500 immigrants from Ethiopia arrived in Israel with the help of Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Mossad and El Al. Only in January 1985 was permission given to publish the details of this secret and complex mission, which was named Operation Moses. It was one of the lengthiest, most difficult and most dangerous aliyah journeys up to that point. After waiting days or even months in Ethiopia, the courageous and determined Ethiopian Jews set out on foot on a long and perilous trek from Ethiopia to Sudan. Many did not survive. They walked at night in order to avoid the burning sun, highway robbers along the way and the Ethiopian authorities who intercepted them and forbade them to leave. The route was difficult; they had to avoid populous places. Water sources were few. After spending several weeks or months in a camp in Sudan, the immigrants were taken by plane to Europe, and from there to Israel. The success of Operation Moses lay in its absolute secrecy, and in the courage of the immigrants and those who helped them. At the same time, thousands were left behind, waiting for the next opportunity to come to Israel. This opportunity came in May 1991, in Operation Solomon, also a highly complex aliyah operation, which took place against the backdrop of a sensitive political and security situation in Ethiopia. In two days, some 14,000 Ethiopian Jews were flown to Israel in an air convoy of El Al and other planes. The seats were removed on some of the flights to allow more room for passengers. One flight broke a record and more than 1,000 people boarded. Keren Hayesod has continued to help aliyah operations from Ethiopia and to support the integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society.
Photo: Olim from Ethiopia arriving in Israel, Operation Solomon, 1991