Sharon Shalom grew up with the name Zaude Tesfay in a Jewish village in Northern Ethiopia with no running water or electricity.
“It was a simple life,” he told Aish.com. ”There were no toilets, no technology and we lived in huts made of straw and mud. We knew nothing of the luxuries we have today”
“There were around twenty families and we lived together. We were disconnected from the local population who were mainly Christian.”
Jewish Life
Many historians trace the Jews of Ethiopia back around 3,000 years to the reign of King Solomon who dispatched 400 men from the tribe of Dan to accompany the Queen of Sheba back to Ethiopia after she had visited him in Jerusalem.
A Jewish village in Ethiopia dated 1964
In contrast to the majority of Diaspora Jews dispersed after the Roman conquest of Israel, Ethiopian Jews had no knowledge of the destruction of the Temple, nor many of the Jewish laws subsequently taught by the rabbis in the Talmud.
“Our synagogue was the center of our communal life. Men and women prayed separately, we celebrated festivals like Passover and Sukkot, and we rested on Shabbat. The towns around us called us the ‘people of the river’ because it was known we would regularly immerse ourselves to stay clean and pure.”
Dreaming of Zion
“I would sit with my grandfather who would quote by heart the prophecies in the Bible that God would one day take us to rejoin all of the Jews from the whole world. We lived with such hope that one day we would be brought home. If there is one thing which defines the Ethiopian community more than all else, it is this hope, this optimism, that was passed down over thousands of years, that one day we would be redeemed.”
Rabbi Sharon Shalom
Realizing this Biblical promise not only filled Sharon’s thoughts and dreams, it led him and a friend at the age of seven to leave the village in search of Jerusalem.
Leaving Home
“At seven years old, I asked my grandfather where Jerusalem was and he pointed over the horizon. A friend and I packed a bag and we left the village to walk there.” He smiles. “We got lost and after a few days we came home.” Although unsuccessful, Sharon’s resolve just grew stronger and six months later, as Ethiopia slipped further into civil war, another opportunity emerged.
Civil War in Ethiopia
With the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selasse in September 1974, many regions in the country were engulfed by violence and lawlessness, During the years that followed, hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians left northwards fleeing the violence arriving at refugee camps in Sudan, the Jewish community among them.
“We, the Jewish community, were not running away from war,” Sharon says. “For us, it was far more an opportunity to get one step closer to the Land of Israel.
The journey northwards exposed refugees to attacks, along with illness and hunger with some members of Sharon’s village dying on route. “When we arrived at the sprawling camps, conditions were very poor. It was chaotic, there were rapes, violence and disease. The children were particularly at great risk.”
Ethiopian Jews in a Sudan refugee camp, 1984
Amid an impending humanitarian crisis, and aware of the stream of Jews who had fled north to Sudan, Israel’s parliament, under the leadership of Menachem Begin, passed a law committing Israel to bring the Jews of Ethiopia home.
Shortly after, the Mossad began a series of covert missions to bring the Jews home. Operation Moses in 1984 and then Operation Solomon in 1991 brought tens of thousands of Jews to Israel mainly by air, removing the seats of planes, flying thousands to safety in quick succession to avoid famine and war. Now the subject of the Netflix movie, Deep Sea Diving Resort details how Israeli secret service agents also set up a diving school as a diversion as they smuggled thousands of Jews to the Red Sea Coast and then northwards to Eilat by boat.
Leaving the Camp
After spending a year in the camp, fearing for his safety, Sharon’s mother sent him to join a group of Jews leaving for Israel. He was eight years old at the time.
Operation Solomon
“Although Some of our friends had gone to Israel already, I didn’t know anyone else among this group, I was completely alone in my thoughts.”
“Ever since I was a boy, I had always tried to take responsibility for myself, but on that journey, I decided that my way in life would be not to expect things from others.”
Dangerous Operation
“One day in the middle of the night we left the camp on foot. No one spoke, it was total darkness and very dangerous. The group numbered around three hundred, and after several hours, we reached two army trucks.”
The greatest fear was that Sudanese soldiers, notorious for their crackdown on illegal immigration, would stop the trucks and kill them as they had killed many other refugees who had left the camps.
Sharon with Natan Sharansky
Forbidden to speak, and still under the cover of night, the group, 150 people crammed into each truck, traveled off road on a rocky trail until they reached the Red Sea coast.
“We heard a loud roaring noise, I didn’t know what it was. As we got closer, I understood it was the noise of the sea. I had never seen or heard the sea before and was very afraid.”
Amid the sounds and fears, Shalom was greeted by a sight that will be forever engraved in his mind: the faces of Israeli soldiers, overcome with emotion as they loaded their Jewish brothers, remnant of a 2,000 year old exile, on boats to rejoin their people.
“They were wearing black diving suits, they didn’t didn’t speak to us, but they were crying. To us they were like angels, and they brought us to Israel.”
"When we arrived in Israel we kissed the ground from excitement," he recalls. "We felt like we were home. It was like a dream come true.”
Tears for Jerusalem
Sharon began his new life in a youth village for new immigrants in the central city of Or Akiva. “Israel was so different to my village in Ethiopia. I remember seeing lights everywhere and people with electronic gadgets and machines.”
“Shortly after settling in, we were brought to Jerusalem and the Western Wall. We cried and cried. Many adults wept for the Temple’s destruction. I remember thinking of my grandfather, the prophecy I saw being realized, and all of his words flowed back to me.”
Devastating News
A year after arriving in Israel, Sharon was called to speak to the counselor of the youth village. The counselor broke the news that Sharon's family had died in Ethiopia. There had been a wave of brutal attacks on the refugees in the camps and his family were among those unaccounted for. The loneliness was palpable.
“It is the most terrible thing, to be told you are an orphan.”
Despite the anguish of loss and knowing he would not see his family again, Sharon stayed optimistic about his future.
Sharon and Avital with their five children
“This is at the heart of what it means to be an Ethiopian Jew,” he says. “We lived with a promise from God in our pocket of thousands of years and none of us ever forgot that. We never stopped believing and I knew I was the living the fulfilment of that prophecy. My response to tragedy was to be even more resolved not to give up and just to take even more responsibility for myself.”
Two years later, when he was eleven, Sharon was given the breathtaking news that his family was alive and had also arrived in Israel! Contrary to the initial reports of their death, they had fled the violence in the refugee camp and later returned joining up with other Jews hoping to reach Israel. Overjoyed, he traveled to greet his mother, father, siblings and his ageing grandfather. “It was even more of an emotional reunion because, incredibly, my family had also been told that I had died on the way to Israel.
“The Jewish people is the nation of hope,” he says, “and no one knows it better than we do. This moment of rediscovering my family and how grateful I felt to have them back remains with me every day of my life.”
An Officer and a Rabbi
Growing up in Israel, Sharon realized his first dream of serving as an officer in the IDF before turning to his love of Judaism, hoping to become a rabbi. After enrolling at the prestigious Har Etzion Yeshiva, he was introduced to his future wife Avital, a Swiss-born social worker and art therapist. “Switzerland is a world away from Ethiopia,” he says, “but this is the beauty and wonder of the story of the Jewish People and we have five wonderful children.”
Sharon at Har Etzion Yeshiva where he studied to become a rabbi.
After being ordained in 2001, Rabbi Shalom enrolled at Bar Ilan University completing a doctorate in Jewish philosophy and began teaching in his home town in Kiryat Gat where he now serves as the Rabbi of the Kedoshei Israel synagogue. He was appointed chair of the first international research on Ethiopian Jewry, located in Kiryat Ono College.
In 2012, he published his first book – From Sinai to Ethiopia: The Halachic World and Ethiopian Jewish Thought. A follow up book on the Jewish philosophy of love and fear was published earlier this year and his next project is an autobiographical work detailing his own journey to Israel and his insights into overcoming life’s challenges and difficulties.
“Every Ethiopian who succeeds here in Israel is a role model, whether they become a fighter pilot, a lawyer, a doctor or a high-ranking officer. It’s not only about succeeding in this new country, it is also about being so proud of who are and where you came from.”
Voice of Hope
“It is not easy for the young Ethiopian community who often grow up in lower socio-economic conditions than their peers. Many of them grow up with parents who have moved here as adults with little education and don’t speak Hebrew well. Unfortunately there is some racism, and some young Ethiopians struggle to have pride in where they come from.
Positivity is in our genes.
“My message is not to live expecting society to give to you, not to ask what someone else can do, but to ask what you can do. The Torah says you should love your neighbor as yourself; before you expect love from others, you need to know how to love, to become a giver, to commit to taking responsibility. This is our fight, to take responsibility and ask, what can I give? How can I love others?
“Positivity is in the genes of the Jewish people,” he says emphatically. “Sometimes as Jews we can forget the greatness we possess, the positivity and hope, to take responsibility and not to get knocked down by the obstacles along the way. We have carried with us over 2,000 years of belief. I live with this and every day. It is a privilege to be here and I am filled with thanks to God.”
(35) Anonymous, November 18, 2019 2:48 AM
Beautiful!
What a beautiful and inspiring story.
(34) Tobi Kern, November 15, 2019 2:41 AM
The Miracle of the Ingathering
This is the true ingathering, as promised in our Torah. The photo of Sharon with Natan Sharansky is a miracle, G-d’s promise fulfilled. From the four corners of the earth our people will be redeemed.
(33) Anonymous, November 14, 2019 5:13 PM
Thank you for this article.
(32) Anonymous, November 14, 2019 6:08 AM
What an amazing story. Kol hakavod. Wishing you and your beautiful family lots of Health and Happiness.
(31) Jane, November 13, 2019 10:47 PM
Beautiful
What a wonderful story of survival, of hope, and reunification. I am in awe!!
(30) Laurie Schnebly, November 13, 2019 3:31 PM
Great reminder to stay positive
I read this while feeling sorry for myself that my car needed work. But looking at everything Rabbi Sharon went through and how he maintained his positivity the whole way was uplifting -- thank you for a wonderful start to the day!
(29) Rachel Epstein, November 12, 2019 9:05 PM
Truly an inspirational story of hope and never giving up!
I found his story inspirational. I admire his optimism despite all the hardships he has endured.
(28) Kaludya, November 12, 2019 1:26 AM
Thank you
Thank you for sharing Rabbi Shalom's story.
Many Blessings for your beautiful family, May Hashem always protect you as He did during your journey back home (:
Hope your story inspire other youth to overcome life difficulties. What an inspiration!
(27) Bart Dunn, November 11, 2019 10:31 PM
Blessed are those whom Bless others
I am very inspired to hear the story about Rabbi Shalom.
Would like to hear more about what he is doing currently?
Blessings,
(26) Eliana Me'ira, November 11, 2019 10:27 PM
Kol haKavod
I recall the day I became aware of Operation Solomon, exclaiming with joy "That is prophecy fulfilled!" I also recall sitting in a classroom at (then) Ariel College, as I was tutoring Ethiopian students. I asked when they came to Israel; their reply, "1991". And the young Ethiopian woman who shared my home for some months, who had walked across the Sudan at the age of 7 and had lost track of her 12 siblings... For the faith-filled determination of Rabbi Sharon and each of these individuals -- what Kiddush HaShem! B'H
(25) Anonymous, November 11, 2019 6:42 PM
I cannot stop crying
I am overwhelmed with emotion after reading this man's story. His strength and wonderful morality and commitment make me want to be a better person. G-d bless you and your loved ones. You are a dear one.
Klaudya, November 12, 2019 1:14 AM
So did I
and I am agreed his morality, commitment and love for HaShem is an example to follow.
(24) saron Abreham, November 11, 2019 2:51 PM
Thank God for His blessing!
i love Israel and i might related to the Ethiopian Falasha too :) that might be why i am always(majority of Ethiopians) love to hear about Bet- Israel. and also we always concerned about the nation of Israel. this article gives me some hope.
it is good to know there is some positive attitude towards bet-Israel. because i was so disappointed (we all are) what was going on in the past.about racism against black Jew.
thank you for sharing.
(23) Anonymous, November 11, 2019 2:41 PM
Deeply Touching
On an extended visit to Israel I became acquainted with one of the Ethiopian communities near Jerusalem. What a gentle and kind people they are. Israel's decisions to rescue their brothers from around the world makes us all proud.
May Israel not rest on its laurels, but continue this great work. When we act as a nation of one mind, midst our diversity, perhaps we will find opportunities to draw the remainder of our people home.
(22) Simon, November 11, 2019 4:14 AM
Motherland of Abraham faith.
Very interesting story of adventure of fear and love. Having overcome fear of the fresh and attaining to some extent satisfaction of desire to be somebody in the land of the living. First and foremost, glory to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. Very encouraging story of a Jewish heart coming to rest. The next endeavor is the land beyond the land, going beyond to grasp in the spirit, beyond physical effort. The true land of Abraham the land of faith that will keep him and give him peace as a representative and model of the others coming back. Becoming a man after God's own heart is learning to converse with Him, experiencing His presence and leading others. Shalom Congratulations!
(21) Marie, November 11, 2019 12:27 AM
What a beautiful an touching story. Rabbi Shalom’s story is one that touches the Jewish soul.This story of rescue, is so moving, . It just shows the resilience of the human soul an the bravery an incredible faith that it took for these precious Ethiopian Jews an the bravery of those that rescued them. G-d is so amazing an a miracle worker for His people. This glorious story is for the hearts of those that hold fast to their faith an never give up. G-d is always an forever for us an will never ever leave us.G-d Bless you Rabbi Shalom. Thank you for sharing your life’s story. Marie.
(20) Anonymous, November 10, 2019 11:56 PM
a heart warming article
Color of the skin seems to be a factory in discrimination for them same as blacks in the US
(19) Mekaku, November 10, 2019 11:11 PM
Introducing his life history. will make young Ethiopian. jews. to do more.
Thanks
(18) Hillel Maizels, November 10, 2019 10:07 PM
Incorrect picture and caption
Excellent article! I know Rabbi Sharon Shalom well.
In the article you correctly described that he learnt in Yeshivat HAR Etzion, but your picture and caption show Yeshivat OR Etzion...
(17) Samson Ben Yoseph, November 10, 2019 8:29 PM
Yet they claim that Africa is the greatest
And moving thousands to Israel reminds me of what that has done in the U.S. and U.K. and several other countries including voting for the same people so they can make every country *their* country and *their* rules.
We would be better off if they just used the *Selassie* version since they are happy by just claiming Jamaica and Ethiopia.
In the U.S. and other countries we already having them claiming to be the *real* Jews and the rest are fakes and we know how that goes.
(16) Rachel K Graneng, November 10, 2019 8:25 PM
I love this beautiful article about this beautiful rabbi, Sharon. God Bless him every day. Amen
(15) Aliza Chelminsky, November 10, 2019 7:53 PM
Proud of the miracles that being jewish entail
Your stories are fascinating. Jewish life is full of miracles, of stories of survival and reconstruction. Stories that point to what each of us can do to preserve Jewish life. Thank you
(14) Anonymous, November 10, 2019 7:26 PM
“Zionism equals Racism”?
(13) Nina, November 10, 2019 6:38 PM
amazing
This man's amazing physical and spiritual journey stirred my heart.
(12) Anonymous, November 10, 2019 6:28 PM
Moving, incredible journey
Thank you. What an amazing life you have had, and will, B’H’, continue to have.
(11) Lynn Garod, November 10, 2019 5:57 PM
If you believe, it may come true.
I know it is a story that happened many times, but I think his career choice is not very common. He had a sad and difficult upbringing, but with his attitude, spirit, and belief he sounds like someone every immigrant can become.
MAZEL TOV RABBI.
(10) chaya subar, November 10, 2019 5:52 PM
faith and hope
faith and hope are the ingredients that will assure you resiliency in whatever life has in store for you. not lip service faith and hope, but true faith and hope. that takes work and believe in a higher power.
rabbi shalom has been tested over and over again, but look at the results of his true faith and hope.
may he and his family continue to grow from strength to strength.
(9) Norman Karr, November 10, 2019 5:18 PM
How beautiful
What a beautiful story on not giving up and what it takes to live up to the great command to love your neighbor as yourself.
(8) Ilana Wald, November 10, 2019 5:04 PM
Dreams come true
Many of us want things but need to work towards a goal. This rabbi did it and has been the fruits of hard work and dedication. It is inspiring.
(7) shimshon bitnun, November 10, 2019 4:55 PM
VERY MOVING STORY WITH BRAVERY AND LOVE FOR YISRAEL!
most of us in israel from wherever we came,had our struggles with "absorption shock" for the first two years,but it was a picnic compared to shaloms incredible struggle in ethiopia,on his journey to israel,as well as afterwards.his determination and his success is a lesson for all israelis ,many of whom have little contact with ethiopians and are unaware of their ongoing struggles
(6) Arlene Margolese, November 10, 2019 4:52 PM
Such a paradox - a story that is both heart warming and hear wrenching at the same time.
Rabbi Shalom, you are an inspiration for all Jews. You epitomize the strength, courage and dedication to our values and, of course, Torah. Throughout your hardships, you never faltered in the steps of our revered forefathers.
(5) Anonymous, November 10, 2019 4:42 PM
A true inspiration
Amazing
(4) Wame, November 10, 2019 4:28 PM
endless hope
Thanks rabbi, your mesaage of hope,and its reisation at your personal and community level ,is very encouraging and resonates well with jewish soul as in the eternal hope expressed in ha-tikvah
(3) Steve Brenner, November 10, 2019 4:23 PM
Very inspirational. Great man.
Think of the Lost Tribe rejoice to H”S. Jews going home and rejoining the Jews in Israel. Something I can’t do because I’m married for 64 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren. Can’t leave my wife and she won’t move to Israel because of what we have in the USA ??.
(2) Charles Citrin, November 10, 2019 4:16 PM
Ethiopian Jews have rabbis ( spiritual leaders) in their community.
Ethiopian Jews has spiritual leaders in Ethiopia and in Israel, didn’t they. So why is the first rabbi? Charles Citrin. Does this disrespect their own system?
(1) Natan, November 10, 2019 2:25 PM
Awesome
How can anyone fail to be inspired by Rav Shalom?