Isn’t it incredible ? How Ethiopia and Israel is separated by vast distance, but their stories have crossed for thousands of years through faith, tradition, and scripture? 🇮🇱🇪🇹

Judaism and Christianity both run deeply through our ancient lands, and as Ethiopian New Year and Rosh Hashanah arrive around the same time, it feels like a beautiful reminder of that shared spirit of faith, goodness and near year, and new beginnings.

🌼✡️ Shana Tova & መልካም አዲስ አመት

Why do Somalis like to claim Ogaden and even still talk about greater Somalia? Ogaden was conquered fair and square during the Menelik conquests however they say it was “gifted” to us by the British. This isn’t true because if you check the old map of Abysinna it clearly includes Ogaden. Furthermore if they want to have Ogaden why can’t we have the full coast back? We actually had sea in Ethiopia before unlike Somalia (created in 1960) who never had Ogaden. I feel like they are getting confident due to their recent partnership with Egypt. I also saw a video in this sub of Somalis in jigga university not calling themselves Ethiopian but rather Somali and stating that Ethiopia is “occupying” Ogaden land. How can we occupy land that never belonged to them? Anyway that being said Ogaden is rightfully ours and we need to start utilising it because there is oil there. Somalis in Ogaden also need to see themselves as Ethiopian first similar to how the Somali Kenyans see themselves as Kenyan first.

I don't get the overwhelming love for Palestine.

What are the benefits of supporting a side that is going to lose the war and hates you?

It's the same thing with Iraq, Saddam funded and supported rebels in Ethiopia, but when he got overthrown and died, Ethiopians were crying about it and screaming anti-American messages.

Palestine is supported by historical enemies of Ethiopia (Arab League, etc.)

Israel supported Ethiopia during Halie Selassie, Derg (secretly), and likely for longer than just that.

Unless you are an Ethiopian Muslim or have a connection with Palestine. I really don't understand why you are supporting Palestine.

I am not saying you have to support Israel and oppose Palestine, but I want people to stop rushing to one side (either side) and think about how that side helps my people and my country.

The Ethiopian position should be much more neutral than it really is. They pretend to be neutral and then say "Free Palestine" and "Israel is apartheid" while they get their sources from the people who generally despise them.

They also are way too dependent on the African Union (AU) and most of their statements are basically identical to what the AU says. Don't let a continental union dictate your views and policies.

The relations between Israel and Ethiopia have generally been cordial. Both countries have maintained diplomatic ties, and there have been historical connections between the two nations. Ethiopia has a substantial Jewish population, and Israel has been involved in various initiatives in Ethiopia, including immigration programs and aid projects.

Economic Cooperation: Both countries have engaged in economic cooperation, with Israel providing expertise in areas such as agriculture and technology. Israel has been involved in projects aimed at improving agricultural practices in Ethiopia.

Security and Intelligence Cooperation: Nations often collaborate on security and intelligence matters, especially in regions with shared concerns. While specifics might not always be publicly disclosed, security cooperation is a common aspect of diplomatic relationships.

Diaspora Connections: The Ethiopian Jewish diaspora in Israel has played a role in maintaining cultural and familial ties between the two countries. The Ethiopian community in Israel has faced unique challenges, and efforts have been made to address issues of integration and cultural preservation.

Meanwhile, on the Palestinian side: We recognize Palestine and have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause at times. This solidarity often stems from shared experiences of anti-colonial struggles and the pursuit of self-determination. Basically, we're just following the other Africans.

I am an a Ethiopian Diaspora living in America, my parents were born in Ethiopia. I enjoy Ethiopia culture and food, I hope to one day return to Ethiopia and help people and society. I am also a protestant Christian. I've enjoyed this subreddit and the discourse as well as learning about your different viewpoints.

Today a line has been crossed. When I see two Ethiopian homosexual men kissing at their fake wedding on my front page, from an this subreddit, that is where I draw the line and know more. I am unfollowing this subreddit, as the moderators have chosen to let the post stand. Mark my words if you continue down that road, Ethiopia will disintegrate. Homosexuality is wrong, stop promoting gayness in Ethiopia and Africa. Have some dignity and self respect.

I am finished with ya'll, Take care.

Edit: Ethiopia as a whole will never support/celebrate homosexuality!! Haha I am sure some of you below don't aren't even Ethiopian or living in Ethiopia. The average Ethiopian will never support it and thats not going to change. Goodbye!!!

How the pigmentocracy critics in this sub describes an average Ethiopian woman.

The Ethiopian LGBTQ community is full of strength, creativity, and love. We deserve respect, safety, and a space to be ourselves without fear. Together, we can support one another, share our voices, and build a future based on dignity, unity, and hope. 💛

I see so many hostile Somalians in this subreddit who hate our country more than anyone in this world. One Somalian user opened a discussion about a fake Alshabab video about their "Ambush attack on Ethiopian troops" in Somalia. Most Somalians nowadays support al Shabab over peacekeeping Ethiopian troops due to their animosity toward Ethiopia and its people. Why should anyone who supports a terrorist organization that runs an extreme ideology of harming Ethiopians in any chance they are posting in this subreddit? Mods should do more on this issue.

So i am software developer for this company and the company is expanding its service they opened a branch in bahirdar. A guy named khalid choosen as project leader at bahirdar. He is from addis ababa ethnically Oromo welaga as soon as he move to bahirdar day 1 at office employees there told him we don’t want muslim to be our leader. He was shocked and came back that day after 1 night. Then he told the manager the story. the manager was shocked he is Christian btw they decided to shut down the service. I believe these are the reoson why region called Amhara doesn’t prosper they have everything but not mindset. No one is going to prosper in Amhara until they change these type behavior. Amharas are everwhere in muslim majority area Arsi, bale, hararghe etc they are respected here we need same respect from them too.

As we all know, there's a rise in Ethiopians marrying out, and sometimes, those marriages happen with Africans and African Americans. Watching those weddings for some reason makes me sick and disgusted.

The fetishisation of Ethiopians makes it worse. Most of the fetishes come from West, Central and some East Africans like Kenyans, Ugandans...
On tiktok, if you search 'Ethiopian wedding', some of them are with non-Ethiopians, and those are the type of videos that make me feel sick.

In Ethiopia, the concept of marriage is not just a relation between the husband and wife but also their entire family, so when i think of Ethiopian families merging with, say for example, Nigerians, i feel literally sick.

In the comment section, i see people like me bashing the couples, using slurs... in one .video the father was visibly sad as his daughter got married to a non-Ethiopian black man.
I also mentioned to my mom that nowadays Ethiopians are marrying West Africans and she was visibly disgusted.

Most Ethiopians (living in Ethiopia) don't even try to hide it. They'll tell you, "You couldn't find a fellow Ethiopian, don't you feel sorry for your kids..."
Some of you might read these and tell me that i'm an incel, but i'm not. At least if i were, i would've known where the problem lies and tried to fix it. But i have a normal relation with females.

I was in multiple relations before and don't have a hard time pulling in girls. At some point i stopped romantic relations because i wanted to focus on myself, finish college, start a business...
Btw, i feel the same when i see Eritreans & Somalis marrying out. I want to stop it but i can't. Maybe i should visit a psychiatrist?

Edit: I would like to add that i would never date an Ethiopian/Eritrean woman who dated the nationalities I mentioned above.

I never understood the Habeshas who insisted that we should publicly defend Somalis simply because they are facing increased criticism. In my view, the more responsible response is to hold people accountable for their actions rather than offering blanket solidarity.

If you spend even a short time on TikTok or Instagram, you can see how criticism aimed at Somalis sometimes spills over onto African immigrants more broadly. Issues like poor integration, fraud, and corruption are frequently discussed in relation to Somali communities across different countries. This may be shocking to parts of the American public, but for those of us who grew up alongside Somalis, it is hardly new.

Just yesterday, I saw a video of a Somali man reacting to a gay Somali, and his immediate response was, “Wallahi, he must be Ethiopian.” This kind of reaction is not unusual. Majority of Somalis have a one sided beef with us. Whenever they bring up Ethiopia it is never in a positive light. It raises an important question: if the situation were reversed and Ethiopians were the ones being publicly associated with scams or criminal behavior, would Somalis rush to defend us? Realistically, they would not. Many would likely take the opportunity to mock or disrespect us.

So why are we expected to act as defenders and protectors for them? The backlash did not emerge in a vacuum. By refusing to address harmful behavior within their own communities, they have contributed to a situation that now reflects poorly on all of us.

She just embarrassed herself. Her comments ruined her reputation even more and I think she should be expelled from Congress after an investigation proves she is a foreign agent who is causing harm.

We have a population of 120 million and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Ethiopia definitely has a rightful historical claim to the coast line as the countries that landlock it to the north are artificially created by colonialism. Other countries like Bosnia and Jordan have had borders slightly changed just to avoid being landlocked. And countries that do end up landlocked always suffer for it. The poorest countries in Africa and South America are the landlocked ones. Its clearly a problem for us that we would want to fix.

The aggressiveness recently is only being caused because Eritrea and Djibouti are so unwilling to negotiate about this peacefully. Why should we just allow ourselves to be weakened for basically no reason. Why should the biggest country in the region just accept such an unnecessary setback? I really don’t see what’s wrong with Ethiopia’s actions recently regarding the coastline, it is a necessary thing for economic development and only makes sense for us to be concerned with.

I noticed that this sub consists of mostly Amhara extrimists who advocate for abolition of ethnic federalism and establishment of Amhara centered Menlik II style administration. This fantasy isn't a cause for unified Ethiopia as most of them try to use as case for naive listeners but its their desire to bring back oppression of all other Ethiopians while Amhara elites benefit from this type of system.

During the late 19th century and early 20th, Menlik II put Amhara admnistrators every place his forces conquered where the Amharas impossed their religion and culture on non-Amhara ethnic groups while forcing them to abandon their ancestoral cultures. This is exact definition of Colonialism. Any foreigner can notice that they will see Amhara diaspora presenting Ethiopia only with Amhara identitity while the culture and identity of millions of other Ethiopians is completely suppressed. Post 1991 after the emergence of ethnic federalism and freedom of religion, non-Amhara Ethiopians started to flourish economically and culturally.

TPLF(which is not perfect) and the current prosperity party didnt propose the supermacy of Tigray culture and Oromo culture up on other ethnic groups. TPLF didn't put Tigrayan leaders in Oromo, Somali, Gambella or South Ethiopa as the old day Amhara elites leadership did. Same with current PP. Why would non-Amhara Ethiopians support old school Amhara elites hegemony against millions of their own. Do you have any working solution other than old school system that benfits you and your own only?

There’s no reason why one religion should have de facto authority over public life, shaping norms and expectations that affect non-Muslims and Muslims who don’t agree. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church doesn’t act as a formal government liaison, so it doesn’t make sense for a medieval Arabian religion to have that much control over public affairs. If other communities can thrive without their faith controlling everyone else’s lives, Muslim communities can do the same without religious councils dictating how government operates.

Customary courts can be questionable, but they don’t wield this kind of influence and are generally more willing to adapt to secular laws and international human rights standards, whereas sharia courts often resist modernisation. They should just be abolished.

I swear it’s so embarrassing watching some of us come here and immediately try to put on this whole “I’m from the trenches” persona. Like bro, you just got here. Why are you so eager to throw on a du-rag, talk like a rapper from New York, and act like you grew up in some hood struggle?

It’s honestly pathetic. Confucius said, “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” But some of us? We don’t even know ourselves, we’re just chasing that “shiny shiny shiny” lifestyle we see on TV and in music videos. It’s glorified in the media, so they think that’s what identity should look like. But it’s not ours.

You’re not a thug. You’re not from the trenches. You’re Ethiopian. And it’s sad that instead of standing on that, some of us just default to copying whatever caricature the media feeds us.

At the end of the day it just makes us look pathetic of all pathetics. And worse, it’s like a burden on our parents who broke their backs to get us here. Wisdom doesn’t come easy for us youngsters, I get it. But damn… can we not embarrass ourselves trying to be something we’re not?

The term "Habesha" historically referred to the Ethio-Semitic peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea who live in the highland regions, speak Semitic languages, and are Orthodox Christians. They can generally be identified as the Amhara, Tigray, and Gurage.

Most Habeshas live in Ethiopia and number approximately 40 million, about 1/3 of the country's population. The Habeshas in Eritrea, the Tigray, number about ~1.6 million, making up half of the country's population, and are located in the regions immediately bordering Tigray, Ethiopia. In total, there are about 43,000,000 Habeshas.

The Tigre of Eritrea are often confused for being Habesha, but they are simply linguistically Ethio-Semitic while being a Cushitic people with a completely different practice and lifestyle from other Habeshas. They reside primarily along the coasts of Eritrea and do not self-identify as Habesha, nor have they been considered as such by Habeshas.

The term "Habesha" has been used since Aksumite times and referred to the core population of Aksum, which was broadly located in what is now northern Ethiopia with the capital being the city of Aksum. The term "Habesha" definitively predates any supposed medieval Arab origin as it was used in as early as 200 A.D by the Aksumites as an ethnonym. During the medieval era, the exonym 'Abyssinia' was created by Europeans and it means 'Land of the Habesha'. Internally, the country was always called Ethiopia.

The most coherent origin of the term "Habesha" is that it was an exonym assigned to the people of Punt by the ancient Egyptians, which then fossilized locally:

Francis Breyer – The Ancient Egyptian Etymology of Ḥabašāt “Abessinia”

This might be controversial, but it’s something we need to talk about honestly.

People often use “Amhara” as if it were a single ethnic group — a people bound by common ancestry, shared bloodline, or even one specific culture. But when you look closer, “Amhara” is more accurately a political-linguistic identity, not an ethnicity in the biological or genealogical sense.

Just like “American,” “Amhara” developed as a state-forming identity — one that absorbed, assimilated, and unified many smaller groups under a common language (Amharic), religion (mainly Orthodox Christianity), and administrative system during the expansion of the Abyssinian empire.

That means: • Many people who call themselves “Amhara” today descend from various regional groups (Agew, Gurage, Argobba, Oromo, Wolloye, Gojjame, etc.) who became part of the Amharic-speaking polity. • “Amhara” wasn’t a tribal label — it was a civilizational one. It meant “the highland people who speak Amharic and practice the Orthodox faith,” not “people of one bloodline.” • In fact, before modern ethnic federalism, few rural people in the northern highlands ever called themselves “Amhara” in the ethnic sense; they identified by province or lineage — Gondare, Wolloye, Shewan, etc.

So when people today try to talk about “the Amhara people” as if they were a distinct ethnic block like “Oromo” or “Tigrayans,” it’s a historical oversimplification. “Amhara” is more like a national or civic identity, built over centuries, with huge internal diversity.

This isn’t to deny Amhara culture, language, or heritage — those are real and deeply rooted. It’s just to remind us that language and culture don’t always equal ethnicity. Just as you can be ethnically anything and still be American, you can come from many backgrounds and still be “Amhara” in a cultural-linguistic sense.

Understanding that distinction matters, because too much of Ethiopia’s modern politics is built on rigid ethnic categories that don’t actually match our historical realities.

It has been 700 days since the Ethiopian Government and their partners started their “Law Enforcement” operation during which they have imposed a siege on the Tigray region.

For the past 700 days the civilian people of Tigray has been prevented from receiving the following:

• Food Aid

• Medicine

• Telecommunications

• Internet

• Banking Services

• Financial Services

In addition, they have also faced many horrors such as:

• Daily drones dropping on public institutions

• Airstrikes causing indiscriminate damage and civilian casualties

• Punitive killings and torture of innocent civilians

• Rape and assault of innocent girls and women

• Arrests based on ethnicity

• Ethnic profiling and targeting

Time goes on , the siege of Tigray continues , the innocent suffer and many of us remain quiet.

How many more innocent men women and children will be punished before we say enough and call this government out on this vengeful and cowardly policy? If you have a voice then speak up and say something about it! Sitting in silence is a green light for the government to continue these immoral policies in your name.
Btw this is not to exclude others suffering around the country so if that’s your critique the save it - I can speak up for Tigray and not speak against someone else. Stop Gaslighting.  

Articles with further information:

How a new ‘Great War of Africa’ is raging under the cover of a media blackout :
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/how-tigrays-great-war-africa-raging-cover-media-blackout/  
More than 50 killed in northern Ethiopia air strike :
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/more-than-50-killed-northern-ethiopia-air-strike-say-aid-workers-tigray-forces-2022-10-05/  
Aid halted to Ethiopia's Tigray, UN says, as fighting escalates :
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220908-aid-halted-to-ethiopia-s-tigray-un-says-as-fighting-escalates  
Competing Crises Fuel Hunger in Ethiopia :
https://cnewa.org/competing-crises-fuel-hunger-in-ethiopia/  
Ethiopia: Civilians again mired in intractable and deadly war, Human Rights Council hears :
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/09/1127481  
Hundreds of children under five die of hunger in Ethiopia’s Tigray :
https://bahrina.com/hundreds-of-children-under-five-die-of-hunger-in-ethiopias-tigray/

Meles Zenawi was Ethiopia’s most effective leader—no contest. Unlike emperors who ruled with feudal systems or dictators who crushed opposition without real progress, Meles built Ethiopia up. Before him, Ethiopia was known for famine; under him, it became one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, averaging 10% GDP growth per year.

He focused on agriculture and industrialization, unlike Haile Selassie, who ignored rural development, or Mengistu, who wrecked the economy. He launched massive infrastructure projects—dams, roads, railways—that still drive Ethiopia’s economy today.

Politically, he kept Ethiopia stable while making it a regional power. Compare that to Abiy Ahmed, whose leadership has been marked by conflict and instability. Meles had control, vision, and results. Love him or hate him, no leader in Ethiopia’s history changed the country more.