Tigest Girma is an Ethiopian writer based in Melbourne, Australia; her work weaves Black stories with the dark and fantastical

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Israel’s Jewish Ethiopian population reached 177,600 in 2024

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The Jewish population of Ethiopian origin in Israel reached approximately 177,600 in 2024, reflecting ongoing immigration waves and demographic changes. This marks a significant increase from past figures, with estimates showing around 171,600 residents of Ethiopian descent at the end of 2023, and about 168,800 in 2022.​ Key Highlights of the 2024 Data The population of Ethiopian Jews in Israel has continued to grow, with recent efforts to facilitate immigration, including plans approved in 2025 to bring an additional 2,000 Ethiopian Jews.​ As of September 2025, Israel's overall population was over 10 million, with the Jewish population comprising about 7.76 million, including the Ethiopian Jewish community.​ Immigration efforts have included evacuations from Ethiopia, with thousands arriving in recent years through operations such as Operation Tzur Yisrael and subsequent initiatives to bring more Ethiopian Jews to Israel, although many remain in camps and awaiting immigr...
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This Ethiopian woman was tortured by her government. The US is sending her home anyway

The Case : An Ethiopian woman named "Abeba" (pseudonym) fled Ethiopia after witnessing an extrajudicial killing by the military and subsequently being imprisoned and tortured for over a week. She traveled through Mexico and crossed the Rio Grande into Texas seeking asylum. The Legal Context : President Trump's January 20, 2025 executive order suspended asylum rights at the border and severely restricted protections under the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT). The order eliminated key rights for CAT applicants, including the right to have lawyers present during interviews and the ability to appeal denials. What Happened : Abeba underwent a phone screening while detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center. During the two-hour interview, she was ill from medication, the interpreter dropped out twice, and she was only asked yes/no questions. Despite officials finding her torture claims credible, they determined she didn't meet the standard for protection and denied her cas...
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SOST, meaning "three" in Amharic, is a new cultural hub located in Little Ethiopia, Washington D.C.

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Opened by siblings Siem, Izzy, and Mariam Abebe, SOST aims to connect African Americans with the African diaspora. The venue features three distinct yet cohesive floors, designed to serve as a community pillar. Mariam Abebe emphasizes honoring Black jazz musicians from D.C., including Duke Ellington, through the space's design and programming. SOST includes a vinyl bar, specialty coffee by day, and coffee-based cocktails and wines from South Africa and Black-owned U.S. vineyards by night. The ground floor features a retail space with curated books and records, while the second floor offers dining and a gallery for Black artists, currently showcasing Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre's work. The menu, created by Kristin Holmes, combines global flavors influenced by D.C. and the African diaspora, including dishes like harissa creamy salmon and chicken with Berbere seasoning from Ethiopia. The historic building previously housed the Ethiopian Community Center and underwent significant ...
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