Despite War, Ethiopian Israelis Celebrate Holiday of Sigd

Jerusalem, 13 November, 2023 (TPS) -- In the shadow of the war and following Home Front Command directives, hundreds Ethiopian gathered in Jerusalem on Monday to celebrate Sigd.

The holiday originated in Ethiopia’s Jewish community hundreds of years ago to celebrate their yearning to return to Israel and affirm their connection to Jerusalem.

Sigd takes place 50 days after Yom Kippur, and is recognized by the Knesset as a national holiday.

Sigd comes from the Aramaic word sged which means to prostrate oneself, as in prayer.