History of the Jews in Ethiopia
The history of the Jews in Ethiopia refers to people in Ethiopia who practice Judaism or have Jewish ancestry. This history goes back millennia. The largest Jewish group in Ethiopia is the Beta Israel, also known as Ethiopian Jews. Offshoots of the Beta Israel include the Beta Abraham and the Falash Mura, Ethiopian Jews who were converted to Christianity, some of whom have reverted to Judaism. Addis Ababa is home to a small community of Adeni Jews. Chabad also maintains a presence in Addis Ababa. History Independence (325 AD – 1632 AD) According to the Beta Israel tradition, the Kingdom of Beta Israel, later called the Kingdom of Gondar, was initially established after Ezana was crowned as the Emperor of Axum in 325 AD. Ezana, who was educated in his childhood by the missionary Frumentius, declared Christianity as the official religion of the Axumite empire after he was crowned. The inhabitants who practiced Judaism and refused to convert to Christianity began revolting; this group was referred to as "Beta Israel" by the emperor. Following civil war between the Jewish population and the Christian population, the Beta Israel appear to have forged an independent state, either in northern western Ethiopia or