November 2, 2006 / 11 Cheshvan 5767

 “I was five-years-old when I came to Israel from Ethiopia. I know what it is like to feel like an outsider and to be confronted with a new language and a totally unfamiliar culture. Now, fifteen years later, I am helping new immigrants at the Jewish Agency’s Lod Absorption Center. I have switched roles from being a new immigrant myself to helping new immigrants.”

Rivka Rata’s father was one of the dedicated Ethiopian Jews who worked with Mossad
agents and the Jewish Agency for Israel in the 80’s to smuggle Ethiopian Jews out of Ethiopia and Sudan into Israel. Due to the danger involved in his work, Rivka’s father came to Israel before the family. In 1991, one month before the dramatic Operation Solomon rescue mission, Rivka, her two younger brothers and mother joined her father in Israel. “I was the oldest child and the only one who recognized my father. I will never forget the excitement of seeing him again in Israel.”

The family lived at the Jewish Agency’s Beit Canada Absorption Center in Ashkelon. Rivka’s parents encouraged her to make Israeli friends and they spoke only Hebrew at home. Rivka quickly became active in the B’nei Akiva youth movement and the Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel. “I feel very Israeli and able to adjust to any situation. But, I always had to try harder because I am Ethiopian.”

Today, Rivka is a national service volunteer at the Jewish Agency’s Lod Absorption Center. She helps in teaching Hebrew and instructs the children in learning numbers, shapes and writing skills. “These children bring back so many memories,” says Rivka. “I was just like them, and through helping them I am closing my own personal circle.”

Rivka is also a mentor and friend to the parents who often have questions, need guidance or just want to talk. “I bridge both worlds for the children and the adults,” says Rivka. “I know how difficult it is, and I give them hope. Many of the parents tell me that they want their children to be just like me.”

After completing her national service, Rivka hopes to save enough money to go to college. She wants to study psychology and to work with small children.

“I love children. And I want these children to hold on to their heritage and to know that they have the potential to succeed. Given equal opportunities, the Ethiopian community will flourish in Israel.”