Operation Moses: Ethiopian Jews transported to Israel

In 1984, amidst a devastating famine in Ethiopia, a significant humanitarian operation known as Operation Moses was initiated by Israel. This covert operation aimed to rescue and transport approximately 8,000 Ethiopian Jews, also known as Beta Israel, to Israel. The famine, which was exacerbated by civil unrest and political instability, posed a dire threat to the lives of many Ethiopian Jews. Operation Moses was conducted in secrecy, with the first flights taking off in November 1984 and continuing until January 1985. The operation not only highlighted Israel's commitment to the Jewish diaspora but also marked a pivotal moment in the history of Ethiopian Jewry, as it facilitated the migration of a community that had faced persecution and hardship for centuries. The successful execution of Operation Moses laid the groundwork for subsequent operations, such as Operation Solomon in 1991, which further solidified the connection between Israel and Ethiopian Jews. This operation remains a testament to the humanitarian efforts undertaken during one of the most challenging periods in Ethiopian history.