Ashager Araro (born 1991)[1] is an Ethiopian-Israeli activist.
Early life and education edit
Araro was born while her parents were traveling from their home of Gondar via the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to Israel as part of Operation Solomon.[2][1][3] She was raised in Yavne.[2] During the Second Intifada Araro's parents often refused to let her leave the house due to fear for her safety.[2]
Araro faced some discrimination growing up for her dark skin. In school, she was put in a less challenging English class, along with other Ethiopian students, with teachers assuming they would all require extra help.[3][4]
Araro studied government, diplomacy, and strategy at the IDC Herzilya.[1]
Career edit
Araro began serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a Lieutenant Paratrooper.[1] She has said that she learned to speak up for herself while serving in a unit dominated by men.[1] As part of her service, she also was an ambassador for Stand With Us.[3]
She has since worked as a captain in the reserves of the IDF.[2]
Activism edit
Araro identifies as both a feminist and a Zionist.[1] She has spoken in favor of a two-state solution, and warned against the demonization of Palestinians or Israelis.[2] In 2021, Araro released a video as part of the "My Zionism" campaign; United With Israel praised with video as bringing attention to the ethnic minorities within Israel,[5] while Al Jazeera criticized the video as a PR stunt meant to deflect from human rights abuses perpetuated by the Israeli government.[6]
Araro has also spoken out about racism and police brutality in Israeli society.[1][2]
In early 2020, Araro opened Battae, a cultural center in Tel Aviv dedicated to Ethiopian-Israeli culture.[1][3]
In 2020, Araro was named one of the top 40 global advocates for Israel online by Jewish News Syndicate.[7] In 2022, she was one of Future of Jewish's 39 People Making Waves Across the Jewish World.[8]
Personal life edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h Jesner, Leoni (2020-12-29). "This Israeli-Ethiopian Activist Should Be on Your Radar". Hey Alma. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ a b c d e f g Norlian, Allison (September 14, 2021). "Ashager Araro, Israeli Activist, On Israel/Palestine: 'The Best Way For Us To Move Forward Is To Listen To Each Other'". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ a b c d Lampert, Nicole (September 21, 2020). "Ashager Araro: Israel's social media queen". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ Araro, Ashager (2020-06-25). "My Grandpa Was Killed for Being a Jew in Ethiopia – Now I Fight for Black Lives in Israel". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ "WATCH: Israeli Woman Crushes 'White Imperialist' Slander of Zionism | United with Israel". UWI. 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ Bouattia, Malia. "'My Zionism': Israel's latest unsuccessful PR stunt". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ Traiman, Alex (2020-11-15). "JNS top 40 global advocates for Israel online". JNS.org. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ^ "39 People Making Waves Across the Jewish Media Landscape". www.futureofjewish.com. July 11, 2022. Retrieved 2023-10-16.