Shmuel Legesse

Shmuel Legesse is an international educator, community activist, and diplomacy expert. He has served in New York City as an Investigation Officer for the Supreme and Family Court and the Israel Police, and represented the Israeli Knesset in international public affairs. He holds a doctorate in International Educational Leadership from Yeshiva University, New York.

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Israel’s Somaliland recognition shows the real purpose of the Abraham Accords - opinion

ETHIOPIAN JEWS take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem, in November 2025.

Zionism didn’t start in Europe, and Ethiopian Jews can prove it - opinion

Nine-year-old Haymanot Kasau.

Haymanot Kasau's disappearance: Why Israel must fix how it handles missing children - opinion


Not someday: Israel is ready for a new woman prime minister now - opinion

Israel’s democracy is mature enough for another woman prime minister, and leaders are already emerging.

MKs Pnina Tameno-Shete and Sharren Haskel.

Israel needs moral giants, not more politicians - opinion

It is time for moral Zionists, not just political tacticians, to rise. We must call upon - men and women of deep faith, courage, and integrity to join Israel’s political life once again.

Natan Sharansky attends a meeting of the Knesset plenum in 2000. Imagine if Sharansky was not just a name in textbooks but again a living presence in our parliament, says the writer.

Demonizing Netanyahu won’t save democracy, only listening to the voters will - opinion

The public continues to support him because they believe he is strong, experienced, and capable of navigating the country.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu walks outside his office in the Knesset.

Ethiopian holiday of Sigd: A true reflection of Israel's diversity - opinion

We celebrate Sigd with love, pride, and joy. And with that same love, we ask Israel to embrace our future, to open doors, expand opportunities, and allow us to serve our country at the highest levels

Members of the Israeli-Ethiopian community take part in a ceremony marking the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd at the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem, November 23, 2022

Who really won the Gaza war? Victory on the battlefield and at home - opinion

By any strategic measure, Hamas suffered crippling blows. Yet whether Israel emerged safer, more secure, and more respected – the answer is painfully mixed.

A DEMONSTRATION for the release of the hostages takes place at Ben-Gurion Airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sets out for the US last week. We must hold our leaders to account, the writer asserts.

Jewish families in Ethiopia have been forgotten by Israel, they must be brought home - opinion

The roughly 7,000 Ethiopian Jews still waiting to come have close relatives in Israel. They have studied Judaism, embraced modern life, and are ready for integration.

‘WE WILL never forget leaders like Israel’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Abraham Negussie, who has humbly worked to bring our brothers and sisters home,’ says the writer.

Don't let the gov't fall: Israel needs unity, not division - opinion

Our children deserve more than vengeance. They deserve healing, stability, and hope. They deserve to see that even in crisis, their leaders can stand together.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Israel can overcome external enemies but its internal divisions are far more dangerous - opinion

If we remember our covenant, honor our allies, and choose hope over despair, we will not only survive – we will thrive.

DEMONSTRATORS CALL for the release of the hostages and an end to the Israel-Hamas War, in Tel Aviv this week. Israel will survive its external enemies; the greater question is whether we will overcome our internal divisions, says the writer.

Letter to Netanyahu: We love you but listen - let Ethiopian Jews in - opinion

Now is the time to create a unified, strategic diplomatic team drawing from all political parties and all communities in Israel.

‘WE LOVE YOU, Mr. Netanyahu, even when our families still suffer in Ethiopia because your government refuses to bring them home under the Law of Return,’ says the writer.

Jews are not a color; we are a global people - opinion

Judaism is a family rooted in faith, strengthened by diversity, and united in a covenant that binds us across cultures, languages, and generations.

ETHIOPIAN JEWS take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday in Jerusalem last November. The God of Israel sees the heart, not the color of one’s skin, the writer affirms.