Let My People In: Jewish Ethiopian Histories and the Israeli Zionist Canon, 1984–2004

Abstract

This article explores the significance of Jewish-Ethiopian historical narratives for the understanding of Ethiopian Jews' social reality in Israel. It emphasizes how these narratives have been crucial for the ongoing integration efforts of the Jewish Ethiopian community, especially during a period of significant challenges to the established Zionist historical canon. By analysing extensive archival sources, the study uncovers the grassroots emergence of these narratives, shaped by debates surrounding the position of Ethiopian immigrants in Israeli society. It demonstrates that the inclusion of historical perspectives not only strengthened the canonical Zionist historical narrative but also enabled it to withstand unprecedented challenges. This challenges the notion that immigration and social diversification undermine dominant historical canons and national identities. The research underscores the relevance of these historical narratives in revealing the experiences and struggles of Ethiopian Jews and their unique place within Israel's social fabric.