An Ethiopian Jew Makes Aliyah A Second Time

Federation’s former Senior Shlicha (emissary), Pnina Agenyahu shares a personal recount of her return to Israel after four years with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

“In November 1984 my mother left Ethiopia with me on her back, walking for 14 days and 15 nights through Sudan to travel to Israel. This summer, after four years in the United States as The Jewish Agency’s senior shlicha (emissary) for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, my journey to Israel continued, on what felt like my second aliyah. Only this time, I held my child on my back, as well as all that I had learned about my faith, my culture and my place in the world.”

Read the full article on myjewishlearning.com.

Pnina Agenyahu was the Jewish Agency for Israel Senior Shlicha to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington from 2013 to 2017.