By: David Parsons, ICEJ VP & Senior Int. Spokesman

Due to the civil war and worsening famine conditions in Ethiopia, it has become difficult for the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel to obtain a daily staple of their diet – teff flour for baking their traditional flat bread. The special grain is only grown in the Horn of Africa, but exports from Ethiopia to the community in Israel have recently stopped. Yet this week, the ICEJ had the chance through a key contact to purchase a ton of teff flour and distribute it among 200 Ethiopian immigrant families at a gathering arranged by Israeli social workers in Netanya. The flour is so popular among the Ethiopian community here in Israel that the event turned into a very festive gathering, with a musical performance, a clown for the children, and a large communal meal featuring everyone’s favourite – teff bread!

The ICEJ is continuing to assist with the historic return of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel by sponsoring Aliyah flights, as well as supporting new Ethiopian immigrants during their often long and difficult integration process into the country. Please help with our Ethiopian Aliyah and Absorption efforts by giving at: on.icej.org/aliyah