building community

developing responsibility empowering citizens

taking action

our mission

Friends by Nature works toward the successful integration of

Ethiopian Israeli immigrants into Israeli society by creating

sustainable community networks, implementing educational

programs, strengthening the family unit, renewing neighborhoods and

creating social change through community empowerment.

from Ethiopia to Israel

The Ethiopian-Jewish community’s connection with Israel dates back to the time of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

from Ethiopia to Israel

There were 3 main forms of transportation from Ethiopia

to Israel:

- River (Op. Moses, 1982)

- Walk (Op. Moses, 1984)

- Fly (Op. Shlomo, 1991)

from Ethiopia to Israel

Life in Ethiopia

• Completely self-sufficient

• Elders were highly respected, children were responsible for important household tasks

• Eating was a family-oriented activity and never done alone

from Ethiopia to Israel

Friends by Nature’s perception of the Ethiopian Jewish community is based on the community’s strengths.

Rural Ethiopian village Shapira neighborhood, Gedera

Community Garin: A group of young families and singles who move to at-risk neighborhoods to initiate innovative community programming that develops social and educational responsibility.

the connecting link

community garin programs

• “Homework at Home”

• Youth Center

• Community Gardening

• Integration of Young Adults

community garin programs

Community Gardening

• Improve environment, quality of life and the neighborhood

• Promotes health and nutrition

• Creates civic engagement, increased pride and a sense of belonging

community garin programs

Youth Centers

• Build life skills and provide youth with afternoon activities

• Examples: music/computer classes, nature-related outings

• Works in conjunction with local schools

community garin programs

Integrating Young Adults

• Support young adults post-army service

• In exchange for volunteering, students receive stipends or education and employment resources

• Role models for community

overseas relationships

how you can be involved

After initial funding for many of Friends by Nature’s programs, FBN is looking for continued

monetary support for their most successful projects.

www.friendsbynature.org

www.friendsofethiopianjews.org

FBN.Israel@gmail.com