#operation solomon

On November 21, 1984, Israel began a historic mission to airlift thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. This initiative, known as Operation Moses, rescued nearly 8,000 people and was the first of two covert missions of its kind. The second, Operation Solomon, took place in 1991 and set a world record, still held today, for the most passengers on board a commercial flight.

At the time, Ethiopian Jews were living in difficult conditions amid civil war and famine, with restrictions preventing them from leaving the country. Together, the two operations rescued a total of 22,000 people and are considered among the most successful humanitarian efforts, underscoring Israel’s commitment to preserving Jewish identity worldwide and welcoming every Jew back to the Jewish homeland with open arms.

Operation Solomon • Jewish Museum London

Ethiopian Jews being airlifted from Addis Ababa to Israel on May 24, 1991, as part of Operation Solomon. This covert operation involved 34 jumbo jets of the Israeli air force, hundreds of soldiers and the evacuation of 14,200 Jews. It was prompted by the worsening political situation in Ethiopia under the government of Mengistu Haile Mariam.

A Jewish community was first established in Ethiopia sometime after the destruction of the First Temple in around 587 BCE. The origin of the Ethiopian Jews is unclear though most believe that they are the descendants of King Solomon and Queen Sheba. Throughout its history, the community has been referred to by numerous names like ‘’Falasha’’ which means ‘’stranger’’ which shows how their Christian neighbours viewed them as strangers in their land and ‘’Beta Israel’’ which literally means ‘’house of Israel’’. This name shows the community’s own deep connection to the Torah and their faith.

Ethiopian Jewish people pray at the National Memorial Service for Ethiopian Jews who perished while on their journey to Israel on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Israel; 2014. x

National Memorial Service for Ethiopian Jews takes place every year in Israel on the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.  The day serves as a reminder to the over 4,000 Ethiopian Jewish people who lost their lives on their way to Israel. 

In 1991, Israel airlifted more than 14,300 Ethiopian Jews in a series of 35 flights from Ethiopia to Israel as part of a secret rescue mission called Operation Solomon.

The operation lasted 36 hours and was carried out from May 24th to May 25th.

We remember this incredible and brave mission to bring Ethiopia's Jews home.