01 / 10Until 1983 · approximate
Childhood in an Ethiopian Village
After his father was taken into military service, Alevel carried responsibility for the flock and the family from a young age.
Chapters 1–2
03 / THE JOURNEY
Ten moments along the way
Ten moments in one lived story. Confirmed dates follow the manuscript; when no authentic period photograph exists, a clearly identified space is reserved for it.
02 / 10Before 1983 · approximate
A Month of Learning and a Transistor
Amid shepherding duties, a brief period of schooling and a voice from a small radio opened up a wider world.
Chapter 302Period photograph to be added
03 / 10Passover Eve 1983 · recorded
The Decision to Leave
The family left their familiar village behind, setting out toward the dream of reaching Jerusalem.
Chapter 403Period photograph to be added
04 / 101983 · approximate
28 Days Barefoot
Over 800 km on foot, moving at night and hiding by day while trying to keep the family together.
Chapter 504Period photograph to be added
05 / 101983–1984 · approximate
Sudan: Camps, Hunger and Waiting
Amarqoba, Wadilo and Tuaba. Work, survival, separation and a promise made to his mother.
Chapter 605Period photograph to be added
06 / 10December 27, 1984 · recorded
Arrival in Israel
The wait ended with arrival in Israel, though the family was not yet fully reunited.
Chapters 6–706Period photograph to be added
07 / 101985–1992 · some dates approximate
Language, School and Reunion
From Ashkelon to Kiryat Tivon, Kfar Maimon and Kfar Batya: learning Hebrew, attending school and reconnecting with his father.
Chapter 707Period photograph to be added
08 / 10July 12, 1992 · recorded
Military Service
Enlisted in the IDF and served as an electronics technician in a test unit and a Nahal battalion.
Chapter 808Period photograph to be added
09 / 101997–2001
Engineering Studies
Preparatory study, electronics and computing, and a capstone project turned childhood curiosity into a profession.
Chapter 909Period photograph to be added
10 / 102001 onward
Career, Family and Giving Back
A career in technology, building a family and ongoing efforts to support and remember others.
Chapters 10–11 and Afterword
Historical context
The History Behind the Journey
My story is personal, but it unfolded against a much larger historical backdrop. The AAEJ Archives Online photo collection offers a window into the lives of Ethiopian Jewish communities and the era in which my journey took place.
These photographs provide historical context. They should not be understood as images of my family or my own journey unless independently identified and verified.
Explore the historical photo albumsPhoto archive credit AAEJ Archives Online, associated with the American Association for Ethiopian Jews. Photos remain on the external Flickr archive. Rights belong to their respective owners.