The invention of Ethiopian Jews: three models

Prior to 1977 all but a handfull of Beta Israel lived in Ethiopia. During the 1980s almost half of then came on aliyah (immigration to Israel), and the center of Beta Israel life shifted from Ethiopia to Israel. This paper considers three perspectives on Beta Israel identity. It begins with a summary of recent historical-anthropological opinions on the Beta Israel that are heavily influenced by African and, in particular, Ethiopian studies. It then considers the manner in which the Beta Israel are portrayed in Jewish and Israeli sources. Through an examination of their stories of origin and the names they use, it explores the way in which the Beta Israel themselves are redefining their self-image. The dynamics of and the relationships between the different models will be considered. An attempt will be made to understand the manner in which recent events are reflected not only in a transformation of the way in which they are perceived, but also in the development of new linkages between the different models. -from Author