Ethiopian immigrants to gather in Jaffa for largest Seder in Israel

Rabbi Yehudah Sahalah of the Ethiopian immigrant community in Tel Aviv-Jaffa will lead the Seder.

By JEREMY SHARON
Updated: APRIL 21, 2016 00:57
Young Ethiopian Jews prepare for Passover Seder (photo credit: MIKI RAIKIN)
Young Ethiopian Jews prepare for Passover Seder
(photo credit: MIKI RAIKIN)
One of the biggest Seder- night events in Israel this year will bring together some 1,600 people from the Ethiopian immigrant community in Jaffa, including 450 families and 800 children.
This Seder is part of a societal, economic and educational support program of the Olim B’hatzlaha project of the Ish Lere’ehu fund and the Communities Fund, a project that provides financial support for professional training and employment guidance within the immigrant community, as well as leadership development, among other activities.
In preparation for the massive event, 120 kilos of matza were purchased, along with almost half a ton of meat for the meal; 2,000 bottles of wine for the four cups of wine to be imbibed on Seder night; 100 kilos of horseradish for the bitter herbs; and 300 kilos of haroset.
Rabbi Yehuda Sahala of the Ethiopian immigrant community in Tel Aviv-Jaffa will lead the Seder, along with volunteers from the Olim B’hatzlaha project together with the families themselves.
More than 300 parents, children and youth who will attend the Seder participated in pre-holiday preparation sessions in order to create a deeper and more meaningful celebration for themselves and the rest of the guests.
“On this special night we celebrate together with immigrants, some of whom will experience the Seder night for the first time,” said Moshe Shimon, a project manager with the Communities Fund.
“On this night, all the aspirations of our community are expressed, a night that embodies within it support and actualization of belonging, tradition and Jewish values.
This is how we are creating an authentic, exciting and unifying Seder night for the families of the immigrant community.”