From rockets to Torah
500 Olim (immigrants) from Ethiopia who arrived in Israel in recent weeks during Operation Dove’s Wings are now living in the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Ibim Absorption Center in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council (north of Sderot)…writes Benjy Rutland.
Benjy Rutland
In July 2012, the government of Israel decided to increase the rate of Aliyah from Ethiopia in order to complete the process as quickly as possible. It was decided to reopen the Jewish Agency’s Ibim Absorption Center located in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, which will be able to accommodate up to 600 of the Falash Mura. To date, 500 Olim have arrived at Ibim, amongst them 100 who arrived only a few hours after the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense.
The event will take place tomorrow, Thursday 29.11.2012 at 15:00 at Ibim Absorption Center in the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council (north of Sderot). Religious and public leaders will be in attendance.
Former Sydneysider Benjy Rutland just completed six years service as an officer in the IDF. He served in the IDF spokesperson’s unit and the Strategic division and now works with the Jewish Agency.
