Beta Israel

[ bey-tuh iz-ree-uhl, -rey- ]

noun

1. an Ethiopian people who practice a biblical form of Judaism: for many centuries, the Beta Israel lived in isolation from other Jewish communities.
2. a member of this people, most of whom now live in Israel.

Sensitive Note

See Falasha.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beta Israel¹

First recorded in 2005–10; from Geez beta ʾəsrāʾel “House of Israel,” equivalent to Beta, a bound form of bet “house” + ʾƏsrāʾel “Israel,” from Hebrew Yisrāʾēl; beth ( def ), Israel ( def )

Example Sentences

Israel’s minister for immigration and integration, Pnina Tamano Shata, herself a member of Beta Israel, has championed the cause of those left behind on behalf of her primary constituency.

From New York Times

Mr. Yemini added that he was giving voice to frustrated members of the original Beta Israel.

From New York Times

Once the Beta Israel had been airlifted, the Israeli government was pressured into bringing in the Christian converts who were waiting in the camps.

From New York Times

The original Jews of Ethiopia, known as “Beta Israel,” or House of Israel, are, according to some traditions, descendants of the lost tribe of Dan.

From New York Times

However, unlike the Ethiopian Jewish community - known as the Beta Israel - previously evacuated to Israel, Falash Mura do not fulfil the criteria for automatic right to Israeli citizenship due to uncertainties over their ancestral lineage according to Jewish law.

From BBC