Ethiopia

The United Ethiopian Jewish Organization, a non-profit organization, is the umbrella organization of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel.

The UJEO is the only national Ethiopian organization, which is led entirely by members of the community. In August 1990, seven Ethiopian-Jewish organizations joined and formed the UEJO in order to work together as one on behalf of the community. Eventually, in 1995 the UEJO became a personal membership organization.

The organization is run by a fifteen members board. The chairman of the board is Addisu Messele, former Knesset member. The treasurer is Abraham Yardai, and the secretary is Tsaga Malaku who is one of the five women-members of the board. The recent board was elected on 20.2.2001 by members of the organization who came from all over the country. Various committees design and oversee the activities of the organization, while the day to day work is done by the central office in Tel Aviv and three field workers in the south, north and central regions. The Jewish Agency has appointed an organization counselor to accompany and assist the organization.

The UJEO is recognized as the representative of the community by the Jewish Agency, the Ministry of Absorption and all other government offices and agencies and volunteer organizations.

The UJEO is the mouthpiece of the community: It advocates and pleads its causes and lobbies continuously on its behalf. Within the community, the UJEO has a significant leadership and

ACTIVITIES:

Organizing the two annual main events of the community: The Sigd , the unique Beta Israel holiday in November and the Memorial Ceremony for those who died on the way to Israel in May.

Publishing the only newspaper for the community, Fana-the torch, a monthly magazine in Amharic, Tigre and Hebrew.

We encourage the preservation of our culture and traditions by contributing to traditional dance groups, artisans and writers.

We provide a large range of personal services for all members of the community: Information and consultation, writing letters to the authorities, translations of documents, professional legal advice and modest financial assistance in extreme cases.

We guide and counsel in matters concerning the education of the children, promote parents involvement in the schools and encourage the youngsters to excel and persist in their studies.

Our field workers provide assistance by accompanying the immigrants to offices and doctors.

Our representatives educate the new immigrants about their rights and obligations as citizens. They prepare them to leave the Absorption Centers by providing them information and guidance about mortgages and life in Israel.

We strive to promote tolerance, understanding and mutual respect between the veteran Israelis and the community.

PROJECTS:

Annual distributions of grants to community university and college students.

A Workshop for Volunteers to learn how to teach the immigrants to become independent and self-reliant.

Trips for immigrants in order to acquaint them with country and its history

The United Ethiopian Jewish Organization Office: 2 HaShfela st. 3rd floor, Tel-Aviv.

Phone: 972-3-5377493,

Fax: 972-3-6884453

Mail: POB 37221 Tel-Aviv 61372

Email:uejo@zahav.net.il

Information Source: The United Ethiopian Jewish Organization