Watch Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew

Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew is a 2016 documentary film that tells the story of Mekonen Abebe, a young Ethiopian-Israeli Jew who joins the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and undertakes a personal and emotional journey to reconnect with his roots. The film begins by introducing Mekonen, who recounts his childhood in Ethiopia as a member of the Beta Israel community. Through interviews with Mekonen's family and friends, the audience learns about the persecution and discrimination the Beta Israel faced in Ethiopia, including forced conversion to Christianity and restricted access to education and employment.

As a result of this discrimination, many members of the Beta Israel community chose to make the perilous journey to Israel, known as Operation Moses, in 1984. Mekonen's family was part of this historic migration, and the film includes powerful archival footage of their arrival in Israel, where they initially settled in a transit camp in the north of the country.

The film then follows Mekonen's journey to become a soldier in the IDF, a decision he made partly in order to repay the country that he feels has given him so much, but also to prove his worth to himself and his community. Mekonen faces many challenges in the IDF, including dealing with racism and prejudice from some of his fellow soldiers, as well as struggling to adapt to the strict military lifestyle.

Throughout the film, Mekonen reflects on his journey and its significance not only to himself, but also to the wider Jewish community. He also shares his dreams for the future, including his desire to make a difference in the world through education and social activism.

Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew is a moving and powerful documentary that touches on issues of identity, belonging, and the struggle for acceptance. The film's use of archival footage, personal interviews, and stunning cinematography make it a visually and emotionally engaging experience. It also sheds light on the experiences of the Beta Israel community and the impact of Operation Moses on Ethiopian-Israeli society, which is a story that is often overlooked.

Overall, Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that will leave audiences with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

Mekonen: The Journey of an African Jew is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8.