Racist Incident Against Ethiopian Jewish Women in Haifa Highlights Ongoing Discrimination
A racist incident occurred in Haifa, where two Ethiopian Jewish women faced verbal abuse on a bus, highlighting ongoing discrimination against Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Despite their long presence, they endure systemic racism, economic challenges, and police violence. Activist groups demand reform and representation, underscoring the need for change in Israeli society.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
A disturbing racist incident occurred yesterday in Haifa, Israel, when two Ethiopian Jewish women were subjected to vicious verbal abuse after boarding a bus. An Israeli man reportedly shouted at them, "You stink like a black person, you're not welcome in Israel."
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This incident is unfortunately not isolated and reflects broader issues of racism and discrimination faced by Ethiopian Jews in Israel:
Ongoing Challenges for Ethiopian Jews in Israel
- Ethiopian Jews, numbering around 170,000 in Israel, continue to face widespread discrimination despite decades of presence in the country.
- They experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and incarceration compared to other Jewish Israelis.
- Ethiopian Israelis are disproportionately targeted by police, facing higher rates of stop-and-search, arrests, and police violence.
Recent Protests Against Police Brutality
- In 2019 and 2015, large-scale protests erupted following police killings of unarmed Ethiopian Israelis
- These demonstrations highlighted the community's frustration with systemic racism and discriminatory policing
Institutional Discrimination
- Ethiopian Jews have faced questioning of their Jewish identity by some religious authorities
- In the 1990s, it was revealed that blood donations from Ethiopian Israelis were routinely discarded due to unfounded HIV fears.
Efforts for Change
- Activist groups like Mothers on Guard have formed to combat police brutality and demand reforms in the criminal justice system.
- There are calls for increased representation and opportunities for Ethiopian Israelis in education, employment, and public life.
This latest incident in Haifa serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Ethiopian Jews in Israeli society and the urgent need for addressing systemic racism and discrimination.
