Ethiopian Jews in Israel face structural and racial discrimination in employment, education, and social services; their protests demand reforms and social equality.
Discrimination against Black Jews, especially Ethiopian Jews in Israel, has been one of the social and political challenges attracting significant attention in recent decades. This community, mostly comprised of Ethiopian immigrants who began arriving in Israel during the 1980s, continues to face serious economic, social, and cultural hardships. Structural and racial biases have affected the opportunities available to this group, resulting in many living under adverse conditions. The Ethiopian Jewish community migrated to Israel in hopes of a better life and full integration into Israeli society. Rescue operations—such as Operation Moses in 1984 and Operation Solomon in 1991—enabled thousands of Ethiopian Jews to come to Israel. However, after settling in the occupied territories, they encountered numerous obstacles that have hindered their full participation in society. These discriminatory practices are evident in various sectors, including employment, education, healthcare, and everyday social interactions. In the employment sector, Black Jews in the occupied territories face significant disparities. Reports indicate that the unemployment rate among Black Jews is higher than that of other Jewish groups in Israel. Many are forced into low-income, non-professional jobs, with few opportunities available for economic advancement. This situation stems from a combination of factors, including racial discrimination, limited access to higher education, and a lack of equal economic opportunities.
The field of education also reveals multiple challenges. Many Black Jews in schools and universities in Israel face obstacles that impede their academic progress. Studies show that only a small percentage of Ethiopian students manage to advance to university, highlighting a significant educational gap between them and other sectors of society. Furthermore, some schools have demonstrated discriminatory behaviors toward Ethiopian students, negatively impacting their academic development. Socially, Black Jews confront both institutional and interpersonal racism. Research shows that many experience discrimination in public spaces, face unjust treatment by the police, and are targeted by racist portrayals in Israeli media. Numerous protests organized by the Ethiopian Jewish community against racism underscore widespread public dissatisfaction with these discriminatory practices. Some protestors have stated that, despite several decades since their migration, they still have not been fully accepted into Israeli society and continually face daily obstacles. Additionally, government policies play a significant role in shaping discrimination against Black Jews. Certain governmental decisions in Israel have imposed further restrictions on this community.
For instance, reports indicate that some government institutions systematically delay the hiring of Ethiopian Jewish employees or relegate them to insignificant positions. Moreover, inadequate access to proper healthcare services has contributed to growing discontent among them. Social protests by Ethiopian Jews have raised public awareness about the existing discrimination. These protest movements insist on the need for structural changes in government policies to ensure that Black Jews receive equal rights. The struggle for social equality continues, marking this issue as one of the major human rights challenges in the occupied territories.
