A Jewish Journey of Identity and Courage

them and helps bring them home. This is a great opportunity to share the story of Operation Moses, when we successfully brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 1984.” Shelly explained that Ethiopian Jews were beginning to leave Ethiopia, seeking refuge in Israel and gathering in refugee camps in Sudan. After much effort and international pressure, Sudan agreed to let the Jews go to Israel. With the help of the Israeli Intelligence Organization, the Mossad, the American Association for Ethiopian Jewry, and the U.S. embassy in Sudan, they were secretly flown to Israel. “Even during Operation Moses, the Jewish community in the United States volunteered to assist their Jewish brothers. Everyone understood the importance of saving Ethiopian Jewry and helping them immigrate to Israel, as it was the safest place for them as Jews,” Shelly summarized, and many kids nodded in agreement. “But I don’t want to immigrate to Israel. My home is here,” I said, suddenly aware that everyone was looking at me. “I’m a Jew, but I’m an American citizen.” “That’s completely understandable. Jews have lived in many places around the world for centuries. They’ve been citizens of various countries, and some have even held senior leadership roles. Still, despite everything, the existence of the State of Israel holds great significance for Jews worldwide. Israel is an anchor, a safe haven. Do you agree with that, David?” Shelly directed the question to me. “Yes,” I replied. “It’s important to have the State of Israel, but in my everyday life, I don’t really see the connection I have with it,” I confessed. “If, for instance, the news says something wrong about Israel, does that annoy you?” Danielle asked, and again, all eyes were

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