October 25, 2009/7 Heshvan, 5770

23-year-old Abay Mengistu's dream to become a doctor is well known within the Jewish community of Denver, Colorado.

Abay, one of three children, was born in the village of Atuga in Ethiopia’s Gondar region.  His father died five years ago.  In 2007, Abay’s mother decided to immigrate to Israel with her children and rejoin the entire extended family that had already immigrated.

At that time Abay was in his first year of medical studies in the University of Gondar.  The decision to leave Ethiopia brought his studies to a sudden halt.

Upon his arrival in Israel, Abay proceeded straight to Bar-Ilan University’s preparatory program, where he studied Hebrew and completed all the coursework required for his field.  He then studied at the Jewish Agency Nitzana Student Village where he earned acclaim for his outstanding achievement.

Abay’s reputation for excellence brought him in contact with David Weiss, a member of Denver’s Jewish community.  “David Weiss gives me moral support,” Abay said.  

Abay received a symbolic scholarship and hopes that Jews around the world will help him realize his dream.  His mother receives Israeli Social Security, but has no other source of income. His two sisters are also students.

In the meantime, Abay continues to dream – and we are certain that his dream will come to fruition.