ISRAEL: Ethiopian Jews Who Follow Christ Face Challenges

Many Ethiopian Jews in Israel face discrimination based on their ethnicity. For some, this rejection causes disillusionment, leading to a life of drug addiction and crime. One Ethiopian Jew who placed his faith in Christ years ago says that while the Ethiopian community forms less than 2% of Israel’s population, it makes up about 45% of the Jewish prison population. Some, however, are turning to Christ as their Messiah. When they do, they face new forms of discrimination, usually from family members, who force them from their homes. The impact can be particularly challenging for young people who do not have established lives or incomes. Front-Line Workers request prayer for those young converts for secure housing, job training and ongoing discipleship so they will grow in their faith.