The Politics of Jewish Exclusion in Israel – the Case of Ethiopian Jews

This paper explores the phenomenon of marginal identities in Israel, focusing on the Ethiopian Jewish community as a representative case study. As a multicultural nation, Israel grapples with the intricacies of integrating diverse ethnic and religious groups into its social fabric. Ethiopian Jews, a small and unique group in the Israeli social landscape, face multifaceted challenges in their quest for acceptance. The research delves into the complexities of identity formation within the Ethiopian Jewish community, considering the interplay of their history of immigration to Israel, unique religious practices, and the process of integration into Israeli society. It is accompanied by comparisons to other aliyot, in particular Mizrahi Jews and post-Soviet Jews. By analyzing the power dynamics that define Ethiopian Israelis’ status within Israel’s imagined community, this paper seeks to unveil the reasons behind their marginalization in the country, in particular focusing on the construction of Israeli national discourse. Ultimately, this paper aims to deepen the understanding of marginal identities in Israel, using the example of Ethiopian Jews to shed light on the broader challenges faced by marginalized communities in diverse societies. The paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, social advocates, and scholars striving to promote inclusivity and social cohesion within multicultural nations.