Could an Ethiopian Israeli become prime minister, president, or chief rabbi?

Ethiopian Israelis possess the capability to lead the nation, yet they are frequently confined to specific narratives that overshadow their broader potential. The article contends that individuals of Ethiopian descent should be considered for the highest positions in Israel, including prime minister, president, and chief rabbi, and should be visible on international media platforms discussing critical issues.

“

But until Israeli leaders, international Jewish organizations, and major media institutions begin treating Ethiopian Jews as potential leaders rather than permanent subjects of somebody else’s conversation, their language of diversity and inclusion will remain incomplete.

For decades, the public perception of Ethiopian Israelis has been predominantly shaped by stories of their immigration, the discrimination they have faced, and their struggles with poverty. While these narratives are important, the author argues they do not represent the entirety of the Ethiopian Israeli experience or their potential contributions.

The piece questions the absence of Ethiopian Israeli voices in discussions on national security, Jewish law, diplomacy, and Israel's relationship with the United States. It highlights a lack of preparation and promotion for Ethiopian Israeli candidates aspiring to cabinet ministries, senior diplomatic roles, leadership in major Jewish institutions, or national religious positions.

“

Where are the Ethiopian Israeli candidates being prepared for cabinet ministries, senior diplomacy, major Jewish institutions, or national religious leadership?

International media frequently debate Israel's affairs, yet Ethiopian Israeli intellectual perspectives remain notably scarce. The article places responsibility on Israel itself, cautioning against tokenism – appointing individuals merely for representation without adequate preparation. It warns that such practices can lead to struggles on the international stage, fostering a false conclusion that Ethiopian Israelis are incapable of performing at the highest levels.

“

Do not appoint an Ethiopian Israeli simply because an institution needs a Black face in a photograph. And do not select an insufficiently prepared representative, watch that person struggle internationally, and then quietly conclude that Ethiopian Israelis cannot perform at the highest level.

The author stresses the importance of identifying and nurturing qualified Ethiopian Israelis, presenting Rabbi Reuven Wabashat and Fentay Maharat-Alamu as examples. Rabbi Wabashat, a descendant of Ethiopian Jewish spiritual leaders, immigrated to Israel in 1972. He served as an IDF officer, became a rabbinical judge and halachic scholar, and authored works on Jewish law. The article poses a critical question: why should a scholar of his caliber be seen primarily as a rabbi for Ethiopians, rather than competing for broader rabbinical positions?

“

Why should a scholar of his caliber be viewed principally as a rabbi for Ethiopians? Why shouldn’t Ethiopian-Israeli Torah scholars compete for municipal chief rabbi positions – and eventually Isra