Absorption of Ethiopians Through the Israeli Defense Forces Available to Purchase

The Ethiopian Jewish population of Israel numbers about 45,000. Their immigration into the country took place primarily in two Israeli-organized, rescue operations carried out mainly by the army: "Operation Moses" in 1984-85 and "Operation Solomon" in 1990. These immigrants are currently undergoing a prolonged and difficult period of transition. Many fundamental aspects of their lives are changing, including religious practices (a mainstay of the community's traditional culture and identity), gender relationships, family dynamics, communal leadership patterns, health practices, educational and vocational opportunities, and much more. Their transition is aided, however, by "veteran" immigrants who arrived sporadically and in small numbers during the 1970s and 1980s and have assumed positions of leadership in the community. These veteran immigrants mediate with the larger society both as employees of government agencies dealing with the immigrants and as community and family members.