"From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia I will bring My worshippers, the daughter of My dispersed ones and they shall bring My offering." - Zeph. 3:10

About Us

Project Sheba is based in Jerusalem and is an Israeli non-profit organization, working in association with other humanitarian aid agencies, educational institutions, Christian Zionist organizations and Ethiopian Jewish groups.

Strategic projects and intervention have been developed by Project Sheba to accelerate successful assimilation of Ethiopian Jews into Israeli society. Projects aim to increase employment, develop leaders, support needy families and give hope for the future.

Director

Jennifer Kaplan is the founding director of Project Sheba, established in 2003. Her interest in the Ethiopian Jewish community began soon after she moved to Israel in 1992 when she quickly developed strategic links with Ethiopian Jewish leaders and organizations. Her commitment and passion for this unique community soon led to a working co-operation, fund raising, resourcing and leadership training for the community. She has made two trips to Ethiopia to further understand the community and the needs of those who remain.

The vision of the board of directors is to see the Ethiopian Jewish community assimilated into Israeli society and to rise to a new level of independence and success. Ethiopian social workers and key leaders participate both in goal-setting and implementation of projects.

Project Sheba Logo

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is a symbol for both Israel and Ethiopia. Ethiopia's history is intertwined with Israel's over many centuries, through both fact and oral tradition. The ark of the covenant is believed to be held in the city of Axum, according to Ethiopian tradition, and the bible is full of references to Ethiopia. Emperor Haile Salasse (1892-1975) claimed to be the 225th direct descent from the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, and most Ethiopians have an inexplicable attraction to the land of Israel. But it is the Ethiopian Jews who have kept the authenticity and traditions of Biblical Judaism and are now mostly residents of Israel (Zephaniah 3:10). The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has become a common symbol of power and posterity for both nations. For the Ethiopian Jew it represents both the past in Ethiopia and the unfolding future in Israel.

There is a growing interest around the world in the background, current needs, and future of the Ethiopian Jews. Project Sheba is your strategic link to the community.