Published: June 3, 2026 · Tedros Editorial
Operation Solomon and Operation Moses: The Great Aliyah Story
Operation Moses (1984-1985)
A covert operation bringing ~8,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel via Sudan between November 1984 and January 1985. It was abruptly halted after leaking to the press, leaving hundreds of families separated.
Operation Solomon (1991)
On 24-25 May 1991, as the Mengistu regime collapsed, 14,325 Jews were airlifted to Israel in just 36 hours — 40 El Al and IAF planes, 40 flights. Still a world record for the fastest large-scale airlifting of people.
Legacy
~160,000 Ethiopian-Israeli Jews live in Israel today, continuing the journey begun in these operations. The 28th of Iyar marks the Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews who perished en route.
📅 Memorial Day: 28 Iyar | 🌐 iaej.co.il
More articles
October 1, 2026
Sigd 2026 — the complete guide: date, locations and meaning
September 8, 2026
The voter register is now in force — the address-change deadline has passed. What you can still do
September 8, 2026
Final polling-place information is published from 7 September — and you can check it in Amharic