back to index15 Years Later: JDC Celebrates Operation Solomon
May 24 marks the 15th anniversary of Operation Solomon — the historical 36-hour airlift of 15,000 Ethiopians from Addis Ababa to Israel. The government of Israel, together with American Jewish organizations, achieved a breathtaking victory that stunned the world. As someone who was involved in this landmark event, Steve Schwager, JDC Executive Vice President, reflects that “It was a success against all odds, defying political and military obstacles.” Nations and leaders paused to admire the power of global Jewish unity. The sky, in this case, was indeed the limit — and it was reached.
JDC not only played a role in this heroic effort, but has also always understood that its responsibility to these individuals did not end when the planes touched down at Ben-Gurion airport.
Today the Ethiopian-Israeli community numbers some 105,000 members. For many, who over the course of one flight were essentially thrust 2,000 years into “modernity,” their life in Israel is riddled with challenges on a daily basis — challenges of language, employment, cultural differences, and educational gaps. Among its work in Israel, JDC is helping Ethiopian-Israelis to overcome these obstacles and give them the opportunity to be successful and fully integrate into Israeli society.
To this end, JDC operates a continuum of impactful programs that address the unique needs and challenges of this population. The following are a few examples: PACT (Parents and Children together) works towards educational and developmental advancement for Ethiopian-Israeli children throughout their early childhood years; Ofek-Bagrut offers preparation for high school matriculation, and Mila Tova focuses on adult literacy; Springboard provides support to Ethiopian-Israelis throughout their army service; Eshet Chayil and Avi Chayil ensure readiness for employment, while the Reshet program provides vocational training and on-the-job support.
These and other initiatives are helping to secure a strong future for the Ethiopian-Israeli community — those who arrived years ago, those who are coming today, and those who will come in the future.
JDC-Israel commemorated the 15th anniversary of Operation Solomon with a festive celebration that included vocal and dance performances, as well as an artwork contest involving more than 250 participants in programs serving Ethiopian-Israeli youngsters.
“At this time, when Jews in Israel and worldwide are concerned with so many things, including threats in the Middle East, it is gratifying to remember the miracle that we can perform when we act in a united way,” observes Mr. Schwager.
Read more about JDC's involvement in the lives of those who participated in Operation Solomon:
JDC Proudly Celebrates a Bar Mitzvah for Operation Solomon
May 2006
