World Immigration News

Protesters gather at Knesset to demand government facilitate Ethiopian immigration

Release Date: 2026-02-02
Media: The Times of Israel
Summary: Protesters gathered outside the Knesset demanding that the Israeli government resume immigration for about 10,000 relatives of Israelis of Ethiopian descent, citing ongoing violence and hardship in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Demonstrators said the government has effectively halted immigration from Ethiopia and cut funding, calling for immediate budget reallocations to restart family reunification.

The protest, attended by an estimated 2,000 people—mostly from the Ethiopian community—focused on descendants of Ethiopian Jews often referred to as Falash Mura, many of whom converted to Christianity under historical pressure and are not eligible under the Law of Return. While tens of thousands have immigrated since the 2000s through special government decisions—often conditioned on Orthodox conversion—immigration stalled after 2023, leaving an estimated 10,000 people waiting in Ethiopia.

Supporters argue the delay endangers families amid lingering instability following Ethiopia’s civil war and accuse the government of discriminatory policy, especially compared with the absorption of other non-Jewish migrants in recent years. Critics say funding for approved family reunification cases has been withheld.

The government denies discrimination. The immigration minister said Israel encourages Jewish immigration worldwide and plans to send a professional delegation to assess eligibility under current law, pledging to advance immigration promptly if eligible individuals are identified. Advocacy groups say protests will continue until immigration resumes and families are reunited.
Tags: Israel

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