Although the new Ethiopian immigrants at the Merchavia Absorption Center have a whole world of modernity to absorb, they happily celebrate their traditional culture with the opening of the Ethiopian Heritage Center.

“Our staff embrace the new immigrants with all their hearts,” says Alizka Yarden. Set in the western slopes of Kibbutz Merhavia, the Absorption Center has a pace of its own, with women industriously pursuing traditional crafts, and men striding resolvedly with grocery bags from the store, or on their way to visit neighbors or relatives. Solicitations are warm and respectful.

The First Culture Shock

Kibbutz Merhavia, once home to Prime Minister Golda Meir, is in the center of Israel’s verdant Jezreel Valley. Gone are the deadly malaria and maddening flies that bedeviled the early pioneers. The new residents have optimal conditions for their encounter with modernity - sturdy, waterproof homes, regular medical exams, teachers, counselors and time - an entire year and a half before embarking on their own. Jewish Agency Chairman, Zeev Bielski recently commented that the 4.5 hour flight to Israel from Ethiopia transports these immigrants “3,000 years.” Rina Maftzir, the Merhavia Center house mother, couldn’t agree more. She explains that the very first steps of a new family are the basics of living in a modern home. “We aren’t talking about alarm systems and remote controls. This is about floors, doors, running water and light bulbs.” The few days after arrival are devoted to explanations of those basics. Then the ulpan begins for adults, and school for children. The children are divided into five area schools where they receive a hot lunch and return at 3:00 in the afternoon. From 4:00 - 7:00 every afternoon, volunteers organize activities and help the children with their homework.”

Rina continues, “As much as we have to offer, this new environment can exact a price on the Ethiopian immigrant. Previous social structures of a strict patriarchal society are undermined when the children, and sometimes the women, become the most integrated and fluent in the new surroundings. Once the immigrants have begun to settle in, we have projects which focus on ‘parent-child interaction.’ Although the parents can’t read books to their children, there are activities they can share and skills the parents can impart. Surprisingly, it is often through the computer that positive interactions are facilitated.”

The Jewish Agency is always on the lookout for new ideas to

foster absorption and to assist the  Ethiopians in their encounter with modernity.  Any number of Hebrew/ Amharic educational software programs developed by the Compedia Company
in conjunction with the Jewish Agency, are widely used with new Ethiopian immigrants. The children use various programs for a headstart in basic concepts or help in language and math skills. When parents are involved, it helps reinforce their authority in the face of diminished status.

Hailing a Heritage

The concept of empowerment has come to fruition through a celebration of Ethiopian culture. Alizka and her staff, with the help of Ethiopian immigrants, recently founded the Ethiopian Heritage Center on the grounds of Merchavia. On the bottom of the slope is the old Merchavia Childrens’ House which has been converted into an ulpan for the Ethiopians and a home for the Heritage Center displays. A few hundred feet up is a traditional Ethiopian hut - tukul. “When guests arrive,” Alizka explains, “our immigrants demonstrate the entire processes of baking injera (bread) and roasting the coffee beans culminating in the buna ceremony. It is particularly rewarding for individuals who have to be so dependent on others to have the opportunity to contribute and create.

“We have visitors from abroad, from local schools and institutions. Perhaps most moving are the visits of the Ethiopian children who grew up in Israel eating pita bread and humus. They have never been exposed to the richness of their heritage, and they always leave with a renewed sense of pride and respect for their parents.”

Alizka emphasizes that “our staff is really too small to provide our immigrants with the kind of attention they need, so we rely on volunteers. Neighbors from Afula or nearby kibbutzim come regularly to tutor adults and children in Hebrew; students from the Jezreel Valley College come once a week for a few hours. “We have a sizable group of high school and post-high school volunteers. This contact is invaluable for both the veteran Israelis and the new immigrants. The upshot is that this necessity has proved a blessing. ”