Ethiopian Jews step up protests against discrimination

The Israeli Knesset Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs convened an extraordinary session on Wednesday, January 11 to address the phenomenon of racial discrimination against Israelis of Ethiopian origin because of their skin colour. 

The session which was attended by representatives of the police was held amid escalating protests in the Kiryat Malachi settlement south of the 1948 territories after local homeowners committees refused to sell or rent apartments to Ethiopian Jews.

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Thousands of Ethiopian Jewish settlers demonstrated on Tuesday, January 10, in Kiryat Malachi’s central square against the racist policies implemented against them. A recent poll has confirmed that Ethiopian Jews are the target of regular attacks and systematic discrimination particularly in employment.