Daniel Ambaya dreamed of working for one of the top gaming companies in the world. A graduate of Sapir College with a degree in animation, his goal seemed well within reach for an artist with his talent and determination. While studying at the college’s School of Audio and Visual Arts, he had produced a video that won awards in Israel and abroad. Yet, his job prospects were limited by his lack of a network and knowledge of how to sell himself. That is, until he found Olim Beyahad.
Today, Ambaya is a technical artist at his dream company, Papaya, thanks to the guidance he received from Olim Beyahad’s Employment Excellence and Leadership program, which helped him sharpen his storytelling skills, build a professional portfolio and gain confidence.
Daniel Ambaya, Olim Beyahad program participant.
A grantee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Olim Beyahad is helping young Ethiopian Israelis fulfill their career aspirations. Founded in 2006 with a commitment to equity and empowerment Olim Beyahad — which is Hebrew for “Rising Up Together” — uplifts a new generation, helping Ethiopian Israelis adapt to society and thrive in higher education and the workforce.
Ethiopian Jews have a long history of perseverance. Widely believed to be descended from one of the lost tribes of Israel, many have preserved their faith for generations under harsh conditions. As noted throughout history, the return of Ethiopian Jews to Israel began in 1977, following threats to the community from famine and persecution.
Yet, arriving in Israel brought a new set of challenges. First-generation Ethiopian Jews had to navigate a different language, culture and social system. And despite decades of progress, they still face certain stereotypes today.
“We have brilliant students who are studying chemistry or computer science, but we get phone calls asking for mall security guards,” shared Hagit Yaari, VP of resource development at Olim Beyahad. “There is this perception that Ethiopian Israelis are gentle or not assertive. They can sometimes be seen as reserved, which can hinder their ability to get ahead.”
Today, Olim Beyahad is one of Israel’s leading organizations supporting this community. While there have been disruptions due to the current war, the organization is still highly effective. With an average of 550 participants per year, Olim Beyahad is helping college graduates and young professionals find successful jobs through mentorship, group workshops, leadership conferences and professional skill building. Additionally, the nonprofit also provides programming and resources to students, teens and business owners.
According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, there is over a 50% gap between the average Israeli salary and the average salary among Ethiopian Israelis in 2018. Olim Beyahad’s Jewish Federation-funded Employment Excellence and Leadership program helps to bridge this gap by guiding university graduates into the workforce. The program provides training for resume writing, English-language tutoring, and one-on-one guidance from professional mentors, many of whom are successful alumni of the program.
Genet Dasa, CEO of Olim Beyahad and a program graduate herself, understands that a formal education alone may not be enough for first or second-generation students who may not have access to the career guidance and professional networks to begin their careers.
“We’re often the first in our families to pursue formal education or join the professional workforce,” said Dasa. “Our participants don’t always have parents who can make [workplace] introductions or explain how to succeed in an interview. That’s where [Olim Beyahad] comes in.”
The organization has established professional networks in law, finance, high-tech and executive leadership. The executive track, another Jewish Federation-funded initiative, aims to see more young professionals in senior leadership roles. Currently, there are about 260 program graduates in management positions across the country.
“Representation matters,” continued Yaari. “When people see Ethiopian Israelis leading companies and shaping policy, it creates a ripple effect of inclusion.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been a longtime partner supporting Ethiopian Israelis and Ethiopian Jews around the world.
In 2022, the organization joined the Jewish Federations of North America’s national campaign, Operation Zur Israel, raising $213,634 to help Ethiopian Jews make aliyah to Israel in the midst of Ethiopia’s civil war. That same year, the Jewish Federation Real Estate Group (JFRE) provided a grant in the amount of $125,600 to Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry to build a medical clinic in Ethiopia, providing those living in Gondar and awaiting aliyah with medical aid.
As a part of the Jewish Federation’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) program, the organization has also allocated funds to absorption centers for Ethiopian immigrants, such as Kaiserman Ethiopian Center, which received a P2G grant through the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Fund. By encouraging integration between cultures, the Center helps to strengthen the cultural identity of the Ethiopian community in Israel.
“The Jewish Federation has a strong history of supporting Ethiopian Jews around the world, and believes in a diverse and inclusive Israeli society,” explained Tali Lidar, director of the Jewish Federation’s Israel and Global Operations. “We believe in equity for all, and want those who may have been underrepresented to have the same opportunities, resources and means to succeed as their peers.”
Dasa and Yaari emphasize that inclusion isn’t charity, it’s a recognition of talent and potential. “A diverse society is a just society. It changes how people interact with one another on every level,” said Yaari. “We want to get to a place [in society] where saying ‘the first Ethiopian-Israeli CEO’ is no longer news…it’s just normal.”
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Olim Beyahad was founded in 2007 to promote suitable employment integration among Ethiopian Israeli university graduates at the forefront of Israel’s workforce. The Jewish Federation supports programs that work to build the knowledge and skills of Israelis without access to higher education or job training as a part of our diversity and inclusion work.
"To learn more about how the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia supports organizations like Olim Beyahad, click here.