Hot Off the Press!
February 28, 2021
The Ethiopian National Project is proud to announce the publication of the second Ti'ud Book – a Hebrew-language compilation of Ethiopian-Israelis' never-before recorded Aliyah stories as documented by the teen participants of ENP's Project Ti'ud. As part of the program, high school Project Ti’ud participants from across Israel learn about life in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Jewish heroes and leaders and the various Aliyah operations, and acquire interviewing skills, before interviewing family members and other members of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel. These unique Aliyah stories are then compiled into a nationwide book telling the story of Ethiopian Jews' harrowing journey to Israel, to be shared with the broader Israeli community and communities around the world. This is the second Hebrew-language volume of the Ti'ud Book to be published following the 2019 publication of the first installment (in both Hebrew and English).
The launch of the Hebrew-language book was celebrated in a special online ceremony paying homage to all program staff and ENP partners who took part in the implementation of Project Ti'ud. Program participants, professionals from implementer bodies and representatives of local municipalities shared their feedback, insights and experience from the program. The message was unanimous and unequivocal: Project Ti'ud is a resounding success whose importance cannot be overstated. All speakers agreed the program must continue. ENP Co-Chair Itzick Sharir said: "Project Ti'ud is an immense badge of honor for all members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community… We must spare no effort in ensuring that the story and heroism of Ethiopian Jewry's Aliyah is shared across every circle and is relayed to all Israeli schoolchildren, local municipalities, the IDF, Israel Police and Israel's elected leaders. Sharing this remarkable story of courage is of utmost importance." Takele Mekonen, chairman of the Representatives of Ethiopian Jewish Community Organizations in Israel (HaNetzigut) added: "Project Ti'ud and the sharing of Aliyah stories between parents and their children reinforces the Ethiopian-Israeli community's fortitude, narrative and identity."
The Project Ti'ud book, and the project which led to its publication, was made possible thanks to the generous support of Rosalee and Richard Davison and the Ben and Zelda Cohen Foundation through the Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Philanthropy and the Government of Israel.