Gallery: Ethiopians celebrate Sigd festival

Thousands gather at Haas Promenade to pray for community's return to J'lem in festival which has been observed for centuries.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Ethiopians celebrate holiday of Sigd 311 (photo credit: REUTERS/Nir Elias)
Ethiopians celebrate holiday of Sigd 311
(photo credit: REUTERS/Nir Elias)
Thousands of Ethiopian Israelis gathered on the Haas Promenade in the capital's Armon Hanatziv neighborhood on Thursday to celebrate Sigd, which has been observed for centuries to pray for the community's return to Jerusalem.

Although Sigd has been celebrated for more than 20 years in the capital, this was the fourth year it was recognized as a national holiday. RELATED:Opinion: The happiest SigdThe only lawmaker of Ethiopian descent said on Wednesday minority groups must unite against the government’s draconian measures and promote social justice for all.Speaking on the eve of Sigd, MK Shlomo Molla (Kadima) said recent government “attacks” on the judiciary, media and especially NGOs could have a significant impact on the country’s minority populations.