By Robin Dishman
SAN DIEGO — Michal Avera Samuel was the speaker at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Wednesday, March 11. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and is an Ethiopian Jewish woman. Her lecture was incredible and revealed her miraculous journey.
As a six-year-old child, Samuel went from an agrarian religious life in Ethiopia to urban Israel of 1984. She reviewed the culture shock that she and her family experienced upon arrival to Israel and the prejudice that still exists towards Ethiopian Jews.
She told her extraordinary story of being an 8th generation daughter of a long line of Rabbis, the learned Jews of Ethiopia. Her compelling lecture delved into the rich tapestry of faith, culture, and resilience that defines this unique community.
Through powerful personal narratives, historical insights, and cultural reflections, Samuel communicated the untold story of Ethiopian Jewry. Illuminating their unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity, and the remarkable journey toward integration and belonging in Israeli society.
For more information regarding the heroic efforts of the Ethiopian Jews and Mossad rescue efforts see: Red Sea Spies: The True Story of Mossad’s Fake Diving Resort by Raffi Berg. There is also a Netflix film: The Red Sea Diving Resort.
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Robin Dishman is a freelance writer based in San Diego.