Natalie Portman
Photo: AFP
Natalie Portman fights for Falash Mura
Hollywood star and former Israeli to visit camp in Addis Ababa as part of struggle to obtain aliyah permits for thousands of Ethiopian Jews
Actress Natalie Portman has joined the fight for the Falash Mura aliyah. The people of the Falash Mura denomination, who practice the Jewish religion, have been awaiting permission to come to Israel
while they stay in camps in the Ethiopian capital.
Portman, who was born in Jerusalem, arrived in Israel last Wednesday. She visited the Ben Yakir Youth Village near Hadera, where she met with students that immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia.
Awaiting a Verdict
Gabi Newman
Thousands of Falashmura denomination members await decision to allow them to make aliyah, in meantime living in Ethiopian camp practicing Jewish customs. Ynet journalist joins them in their uncertain anticipation
Last weekend she left the country for Africa, and on Tuesday she plans to visit the Falash Mura camp in Addis Ababa, where she is scheduled to meet Israel's ambassador to Ethiopia and representatives from the Jewish Agency.
Portman is touring Ethiopia as part of a project organized by The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Federation. During the tour she also plans to visit orphanages and child care centers for children infected with AIDS, with the intention of encouraging American Jews to make a contribution to their welfare.
