Heritage & Community
For Alevel Samuel, arriving in Israel was never the end of the journey. The values that helped his family endure, responsibility, solidarity, and looking after one another, continue to shape his work in the community. Over the years, he has brought people together through basketball, remembrance initiatives, and efforts to keep Ethiopian Jewish history alive.
Building community through basketball
A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Alevel joined two friends in establishing the Sharon basketball team, which competed in Libi, the Beta Israel Basketball League.
Their ambition went beyond the scoreboard. The team created opportunities for friendship, belonging, and a positive example for younger members of the community.
Honoring those who helped make the journey possible
Alevel’s determination to understand his family’s journey led him to seek out people who had helped Ethiopian Jews escape through Sudan. That search introduced him to the story of George Gotelman and his contributions to the rescue effort.
Alevel initiated a special All-Star basketball event in Gotelman’s memory, working with Libi League leadership, Eitan Tazazo, Yoni Tamano, and his teammates. Held on December 27, 2019, the event was attended by members of the Gotelman family and former Mossad director Efraim Halevy. For Alevel, it was a chance to honor someone whose actions had changed the lives of others.
Keeping the story alive
Preserving Ethiopian Jewish heritage means more than recounting what happened. It means giving younger generations a connection to the people and decisions that made their lives possible.
Through community initiatives, conversations, and sharing his story, Alevel seeks to turn lessons of perseverance, responsibility, and solidarity into something people can carry forward.
Helping Young People Believe in Their Future
Beyond basketball and preserving Ethiopian Jewish heritage, Alevel Samuel volunteers his time speaking with young people, including at-risk youth navigating personal and social challenges.
His talks draw on a journey that began with herding livestock in an Ethiopian village and continued through a difficult migration, education in Israel, and a career in engineering and technology. The message is grounded in lived experience. Where you begin need not determine where you can go.
Through conversations about resilience, education, setting goals, and personal responsibility, he encourages young people to recognize their strengths and imagine possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances.
Giving Back as a Way of Life
Giving back is not limited to a single event or organization. Throughout his professional life, Alevel has volunteered independently and joined community service initiatives through the companies where he has worked.
Whether he is meeting with young people or taking part in a broader outreach effort, his commitment is shaped by a simple belief. Our achievements matter most when we use them to make life better for others.
“Problems are part of life. How we face them is the art of living.”
Legacy is not only what we remember. It is what we choose to carry forward through our actions.