Beta Israel Memorial

The Beta Israel Memorial is a cenotaph on Mount Herzl composed of a stone structure designed to evoke an Ethiopian village, with olive trees and grass defining the surrounding space. Named stones are positioned around the plaza to form a unified memorial landscape.

The first memorial was built in 1989 at Givat HaMatos and relocated to Mount Herzl in 2007 to better honor those who died during the migration from Ethiopia. This move reflected a growing commitment to preserving and recognizing their story.

The site reflects Ethiopian architectural traditions through its design and conveys the historical presence of Jewish communities across centuries in East Africa. Visitors walking through can sense how these two cultures were deeply connected before the migration.

The site is accessible year-round and can be visited independently or with guided tours that provide deeper context. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the various sections of the plaza involves walking across the grounds.

Each stone around the plaza bears the name of someone who died making the journey, creating a deeply personal memorial where individuals are honored rather than forgotten. This individual recognition transforms the space into a place of intimate remembrance.