Jacques Faitlovitch

There, he became known as Jacques and studied under the prominent orientalist Joseph Halévy, whose research on the so-called Ethiopian Jews (Falascha or Beta Israel) sparked Faitlovitch’s lifelong dedication to this community.

Convinced that the Beta Israel were Jews facing existential threats from Christian missionary activities, he committed himself to mobilizing global Jewish support for their preservation.

Lacking support from the influential Alliance Israélite Universelle, Faitlovitch established his own “Pro-Falasha” committees in Italy and Germany to raise funds for his mission.

Faitlovitch, driven by a profound sense of religious duty, dedicated his efforts to studying Beta Israel and facilitating its reintegration into the broader Jewish community.

Upon their return, these individuals played a dual role within their communities, intensifying existing tensions while also promoting the adoption of normative Jewish practices.

Today, this collection is housed at Tel Aviv University, a lasting testimony to his devotion to Beta Israel and his endeavour to bring it into the Jewish fold.