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.

Jewish New Yorkers rally in support of Israel during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City, US, September 26, 2025

A Jewish speaker, a new mayor, and a signal to New York’s Jews - opinion

Somaliland Navy members participate in a parade celebrating the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland on May 18, 2024.

A Black African Jew to UN and African Union: Israel just did your job in Somaliland - opinion

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

Black and Zionist: A voice from inside the right‑wing Jewish soul - opinion


Somaliland chose peace, the world chose to look away - opinion

In a region scarred by war, one society chose reconciliation. Why does global diplomacy ignore Somaliland?

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

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

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflects the Abraham Accords’ focus on survival, stability, and strategic cooperation, not sentiment.

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

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

For more than 2,500 years, Ethiopian Jewish leaders preserved Jewish law, ritual, and identity in one of the most isolated Jewish communities on Earth.

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

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

If Israel is to honor Haymanot Kasau and every child who depends on the state’s vigilance, it must remember this truth: When a child disappears, time is the enemy and urgency is our only defense.

Nine-year-old Haymanot Kasau.

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.