Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, Founder and Director of the International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry at Ono Academic College, spoke to participants of the Avnei Derech LaLochem program at Ono Academic College, addressing a group of recently discharged soldiers—many of them lone soldiers and veterans without economic support networks. During the event, Rabbi Shalom shared his personal life story and the unique history of Ethiopian Jewry, offering participants a powerful perspective on resilience, identity, and finding purpose after military service. His remarks resonated deeply with the program’s mission to provide guidance, strength, and direction to young veterans as they transition into civilian life, education, and professional pathways, honoring the memory of fallen IDF soldiers in whose names each cohort is dedicated.

Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom speaking to a group