450 Ethiopian Jews land in Israel in last organized flights

Two chartered flights with about 450 Ethiopian Jews on board landed in Tel Aviv Wednesday, completing Operation Dove’s Wings, which brought to Israel thousands of Ethiopian Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity, known as Falash Mura.

Senior officials and scores of journalists awaited the chartered flights at Ben Gurion International Airport, as the new immigrants arrived to an emotional welcome ceremony.

Operation Dove’s Wings began three years ago following an Israeli government decision.

In all, the Jewish Agency chartered 91 fights, bringing 7,000 Ethiopians to Israel as part of the operation.

The status of the Falash Mura had been under debate for decades in Israel.

Voice of Russia