Association of Ethiopian Jews – AEJ

 

The Association of Ethiopian Jews (AEJ), formerly the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews (IAEJ), is directed and run by Ethiopian Israelis, headed by Director Rina Ayalin-Gorelik, attorney-activist. It was established in 1993 as IAEJ. AEJ’s main goal is to ensure the complete and effective absorption and integration of Ethiopian Jews into Israeli society with an informed and empowered Ethiopian citizenry.

AEJ is a unique advocacy organization and formidable voice for the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel.

It is the single most powerful, system-wide, advocate to major Israeli leaders in the municipal & national governments to advance full and successful integration.

AEJ’s work to break down barriers and improve the quality of life of Ethiopian-Israelis reverberates throughout all strata of Israel, and creates a more just society overall.

The Association of Ethiopian Jews’ work focuses on:

  • Advocacy. Through presenting policy briefs and data reflecting the reality of Israelis of Ethiopian descent, AEJ impacts policy and legislation in Israel.
  • Research. AEJ has the most comprehensive information center on all issues related to Israelis of Ethiopian descent, collected from a variety of sources. This data and research is available to the general public and to decision-makers.
  • Community Engagement. AEJ establishes and supports community activist groups. They also facilitate tours, conferences and educational programs.
  • Media and Communication. AEJ raises public awareness for socio-economic issues, as well as racism and discrimination against Israelis of Ethiopian descent.

 

Right to left: AEJ COO Rahel Sahalo, CEO Rina Ayalin-Gorelik, FEJ President Susan Pollack and AEJ Director of Resources Dvora Greisman

 

The Association of Ethiopian Jews’ successes include:

  • The Affirmative Action Law – AEJ advocacy was crucial in adding a clause to the Affirmative Action Law, ensuring that at least 2% of the employees in the public sector, public corporations, governmental corporations and local authorities must be Israelis of Ethiopian descent.
  • Sigd as a National Holiday Law – With AEJ advocacy, the Knesset established Sigd as a national holiday in Israel.
  • Cancellation of all segregated programs in the IDF
  • Publishing a policy brief proving the discriminatory over-policing of young Israelis of Ethiopian descent.
  • Helping increase the number of Israelis of Ethiopian descent in the Ministry of Education’s programs for gifted and outstanding students. 
  • Transferring the responsibility for issues related to Israelis of Ethiopian descent from the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption to relevant ministries – ensuring that Israelis of Ethiopian descent are no longer treated as new immigrants, but rather as citizens with equal rights.

Click here to make a donation in support of the AEJ.

Association of Ethiopian Jews
3 Tchernichovsky St., Ramle 7244402  Israel
Tel/Mobile:  +972-54-481-0962
Fax: +972 8 974-5819
Email: dvora@iaej.co.il
Website: https://www.iaej.co.il/language/en/association-of-ethiopian-jews/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AssociationofEthiopianJews2