Profiles: People

FALASHA

The Falasha are a Jewish people who have lived in Christian Ethiopia for centuries. Until the 19th century they were completely unknown to the rest of the world. Even today the origins of the Falasha and their ancient heritage are still a mystery. Throughout the centuries the Falasha were oppressed and overpowered by the majority who ruled, but these ancient people remarkably survived these onslaughts.

The Falasha prefer to be called 'Beta Israel' which means House of Israel. They inhabit the northern highlands of Ethiopia, and the biggest population is concentrated in Gondar as well as the regions around Lake Tana. The Falasha claim to have descended from Menelik, who was the son of Queen Sheba and King Solomon.

For a time also they were believed to be one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Yet most likely they descended from Jews who came from South Arabia before Christianity took hold in Ethiopia. This is the most likely origin of the Falasha because during the first few centuries before Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia, Judaism was quite strong in South Arabia. Also South arabia had a great influence and proximity to the kingdom of axum.   1     2     3