Thousands of years ago, some of the Jews of the Land of Israel were separated from the mainstream community and made their way to Ethiopia. Accounts differ -- some say that they were sent by King Solomon to accompany the Queen of Sheba back to her land while others believe that they split off due to war or natural migration.
These Jews, Beta Israel, maintained their connection to the Torah and customs of their heritage. Their traditions didn't include Rabbinic Laws, which were formulated after they had broken off from the mainstream community, but their dedication to their religion carried them through more than two millennia.
Throughout the years of their exile Ethiopian Jews yearned to return to Israel, and in 1983 and 1984, thousands of Ethiopian Jews trekked to Sudan -- about 4000 people died on the way -- where Israeli boats awaited to bring them to Israel.
Safed was one of the first cities in which absorption centres were set up for these new Israelis.
When, in 1991, 14,000 new Ethiopian immigrants arrived during a 36-hour airlift operation (Operation Solomon). Safed continued its tradition of hosting large numbers of these immigrants during their absorption phase.
The municipality, schools, and social services in Safed have always gone above and beyond what’s “necessary” to assist their absorption into Israeli society. The Israeli Ministry of Absorption recognizes Safed's unique role in absorbing Ethiopian Jews and the Safed Absorption Centers receive a large percentage of the Ethiopian immigrants.
Israel continues to bring new immigrants and many come to Safed. The city has three absorption centers, and the national and city infrastructure, together with the work of the Committee for Ethiopian Jews in Safed, creates a welcoming atmosphere for these new Israelis.