Operation Solomon: 14,000 Jews Return from Ethiopia

The Jews of Ethiopia Return Home

And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries. – Ezekiel 12:15

On May 25, 1991, a lost people were transported back to their ancient home. More than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews were returned to the Holy Land in less than two days during Operation Solomon.

The Jews of Beta Israel, also known as Ethiopian Jews, are a people whose history remains unknown even today. The influence of Israeli-Jewish tradition is evident in the country of Ethiopia and is believed to have had its origins all the way back in the days of King Solomon, when the Queen of Sheba visited Jerusalem. Experts believe that the practices of the Ethiopia Jews come from the First Temple period, before 622BC and that the Ethiopian Jews may come from the lost tribe of Dan.

Scripture is full of references to the scattering and returning of the Jewish people, and while Jews from all over the world have been returning to Israel since it was declared an independent state, the pilgrimage of the Ethiopian Jews is a milestone.

The Ethiopian Jews traveled over 1500 miles to be with their Israeli brothers and after thousands of years of being separated from the rest of the Jewish faith, they finally returned to the Promised Land.

For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days.

Hosea 3:4-5

The beautiful story is that there is a way for you to see the key remnants and artifacts of Solomon’s Temple today. You can witness the time-honored worship practices with music, song and instruments. You can leave a footprint of love and care for the children you meet and serve through our visit.

Our Ethiopian expeditions and Biblical tours will highlight the history of the Jews in Ethiopia. You will see the airfield and amazing artifacts this tribe of Jewish people left behind.