From Falasha to Freedom: An Ethiopian Jew's Journey to Jerusalem [Paperback]

Shmuel Yilmah (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

From Falasha to Freedom” is an autobiographical saga of one of the pioneers of “Operation Moses” and the Ethiopian community’s integration into Israeli society. Falasha, defined as “stranger” or “landless”, was used as a derogatory name for Ethiopian Jewry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From Falasha To Freedom is a story that will excite a Jewish mind and warm a Jewish heart. -- Kulanu Newsletter, 2005

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Gefen Publishing House (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9652291692
• ISBN-13: 978-9652291691
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,065,601 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A human spirit triumph! Read this magnificant little gem!, August 19, 2000

By 

LaDena Schnapper (Crystal Falls, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Falasha to Freedom: An Ethiopian Jew's Journey to Jerusalem (Paperback)

From Falasha to Freedom is too short! Schemuel's transfixing account of his "journey" at 11 years of age in rural Ethiopia to his impressive achievements in Israel today touches but the tip of his astounding saga and the thrilling exodus of the Ethiopian Jews.

Not unlike Moses and his people, Schemuel and his family confront the ultimate questions: Will they leave everything- land, house, belongings, friends, animals, community, country-for their religious beliefs? Do they dare begin the march into a recognized dangerous unknown with only the faith of their mothers and fathers as their luggage? Thanks to a brave, ingenious uncle and a wise resolute grandmother, their unequivocal response is a courageous, Yes!

Schemuel's personal story, with drawings, photographs, maps and a glossary, highlights the prodigious trek out of Ethiopia to Sudan through barren desert; up and down stupendous mountains; facing wild animals, bandits, inescapable hunger and thirst. Wonder, fear, pride, terror, confusion, relief fill the pages. Too briefly Schemuel illustrates the complex forces that were at play to create his exodus - a civil war, guerrilla fighting against an oppressive Communist regime, an encroaching famine, massive migration of millions of non-Jewish Ethiopians to Sudan, a Jewish State and a Jewish organization poised for rescue AND eons of longing for Jerusalem.

Glistening examples of strength, valor, determination, perseverance, and ingenuity permeate From Falasha to Freedom. Schemuel may no longer sit around the fire like his ancestors recounting his story, but he has written profoundly and poignantly so that not only his children, but also the world may understand and appreciate his cultural roots and community's history.

A people's dream of centuries and 2000 years of yearning are compressed into this one little book. Let From Falasha to Freedom be an inspiration for other Ethiopian Jews to write their story and, Schemuel, please, write more!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and emotional account of courage and miracles, August 3, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Falasha to Freedom: An Ethiopian Jew's Journey to Jerusalem (Paperback)

I believe readers of every faith and race would enjoy thisbook -- as a testiment to the human will and as the fulfillment of anancient biblical prophesy. I would encourage anyone to read this book and be inspired by Shmuel Yilma's family, his people, and the accomplished life he now leads in Israel, leading the way for many to follow.

To Mr. Yilma, his family and the wonderful soul who was his grandmother I say, thank you and Shalom!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving..., March 23, 2008

By 

Old School Fool - See all my reviews

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This review is from: From Falasha to Freedom: An Ethiopian Jew's Journey to Jerusalem (Paperback)

I can literally say that tears welled up in my eyes as I read this book.

A truly moving account of one family's journey to obtain that which they long for so greatly-- a home in the Holy Land. Against almost insurmountable odds they undertake an unforgettable journey-- and at last, succeed.

The book is notable not only for being a valid first-person account of the first "by foot" treks out of Ethiopia, but because the author also recounts his sometimes painful experience being assimilated into Israeli society. With honor, dignity, and respect, he tells his, and his family's, story.

I'm very glad I read this book.

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