Israel must give Ethiopian Israelis a real seat at the table - starting at the UN - opinion

Ethiopian Jews have a long history of observing Shabbat, preserving ancient traditions, and praying for a return to Zion. Despite this, they are often invited to demonstrate loyalty without being trusted to exercise power within the Israeli government. In recent years, Ethiopian Israeli Gabi Gebre Worku made history by winning a position for a new immigrant in the Likud party's 2026 primaries, despite being placed 43rd in the list, which is outside the party's practical electoral range.

This situation highlights the need for Ethiopian Israelis to have a more significant presence in the Knesset, Israel's parliament.

The Ethiopian-Israeli community has a strong affinity for religious Zionism and the Israeli right, stemming from a reverence for Jewish tradition, an attachment to Jerusalem, a belief in Jewish sovereignty, and a respect for military service. However, Ethiopian Israelis are often excluded from key leadership roles, such as representing Israel at the United Nations.

Despite Danny Danon's success as Israel's ambassador to the UN, he remains the only Israeli to hold the ambassadorship twice. The UN's long-standing hostility toward Israel suggests the need for new leadership to strengthen Israel's diplomatic position.

The author, an Ethiopian-born Israeli American Jew with a doctorate in educational leadership, has qualifications that merit serious consideration for a role as Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations. With a broad moral-diplomacy strategy, they aim to cultivate relationships with African and other global stakeholders, acknowledging that forceful rebuttals alone have not reversed Israel's diplomatic isolation.