A street in Jerusalem will be named after an Ethiopian Jew.
For many years, as part of his activities as a member of the Jerusalem City Council, MK Dan Illus (Likud) has worked to commemorate the legacy of Ethiopian heroes in the public sphere.
This includes a request to name a street after a community hero.
Receive the daily edition of Jewish News by email and never miss our best stories with a free subscription
Illus, who made aliyah from Canada 12 years ago, was surprised to learn that no street in Jerusalem is named after an Ethiopian community leader, especially given the large community in the Israeli capital.
After being approved by the city council and for the first time in Jerusalem, an Ethiopian Jewish memorial will soon be held, and a street will be named Beta Israel.
Israeli ‘Keshim’ or religious leaders of Ethiopian Jewry lead prayers marking their wish to ‘return to Jerusalem’ during the Sikh holiday, as they gaze up at the Temple Mount from a hill in the holy city on 16 November 2017. AFP Photo / Kali Tippen
MK Dan Illouz (Likud) said, “Today I feel like I am participating in an important historical review. Our Zionism would not be complete if we did not include the stories of all the Israeli communities that returned to Zion and returned to Israel.
“I see great importance in integrating the history of the Ethiopian community as an important part of our generation’s full return to Zion, and this will be embodied in the public sphere of Jerusalem. I take this opportunity to thank the Mayor of Lyon and myself. fellow city councilors in making this important decision. Now Jerusalem will be more complete.
“Amateur problem solver. Hipster-friendly alcohol lover. Beer buff. Infuriatingly humble tv geek.”
