Ethiopian Jews mark Sigd holy day in Jerusalem
Thousands gathered in Jerusalem to mark the holy day of Sigd, a tradition of introspection and prayer.
Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gathered in Jerusalem on Monday to mark the holy day of Sigd. Religious leaders, known as Kessim, led the community in the day of introspection and prayer. The holiday traditionally pleaded for a return to Israel.
Now that most Ethiopian Jews live in Israel, the community gathers in Jerusalem to commemorate the day and celebrate their culture. "Our people are successful this generation made progress," said religious leader Michael Maharat. He expressed hope that Ethiopian Jews still in Ethiopia would be able to immigrate.
In 1991, Israel airlifted approximately 14,500 Ethiopian Jews to Israel during Operation Solomon. The Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel now numbers 180,000 people. Ethiopian Jews were historically called "Falashas," a derogatory term meaning "strangers."