Ethiopian aliyah activist fears for family's life as armed activities increase across Amhara region

Ethiopian Israeli aliyah activist Aselachao Ababa fears for relatives in the Gondar area of Amhara as armed groups clash with the Ethiopian government. Ababa described constant fear, restricted movement, homes damaged by gunfire, and past kidnappings for ransom. Seven armed groups recently announced an alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopian Israeli aliyah activist Aselachao Ababa, 39, a Lod resident, fears for the lives of relatives still in the Gondar area of Ethiopia's Amhara region as armed groups clash with the federal government. Ababa told Walla on Sunday that his relatives face constant fear, restricted movement, homes damaged by gunfire, and a sense of being trapped by the escalation. He said relatives have been kidnapped in the past, forcing the family to collect money and pay a ransom for their release. Last week, seven armed groups in Ethiopia, including the Fano movement in Amhara and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, announced an alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Gondar, a major historical center for the Beta Israel community, is not the main focus of fighting but has been affected by broader instability in the region, where clashes between the military and militias have continued since 2023. Ababa, who immigrated to Israel 25 years ago, said no aliyah has been made from Ethiopia in four years, and families in Israel remain deeply concerned about relatives in affected areas.