TEL AVIV - On Independence Day in Israel, the Ethiopian Jews were spiritually in Ethiopia thanks to songs by the young Ethiopian star singer Teddy Afro.
Teddy was not only entertaining Bete-Israel but also preaching the virtues of peace, harmony and what the future of Ethiopia would be once it is free from repression.
Driving his thousands of fans into ecstacy by speaking a few Herbrew words used for greetings, Teddy recieved love and respect of nearly 3000 young Ethiopian Jews who are students, workers as well as members of the Israeli Defense Forces
Fans and organizers were impressed with the Israel police without whose presence conducting such a huge concert at the famous North Tel Aviv Hall would have been difficult. Many observers believe the event was the first of its kind, and many thought such forums may pave the way for contributing to the struggle of the Ethiopian people for freedom and democracy.
Dancing along with Teddy, many young Ethiopians flashed V-signs, a clear indication of support for Kinijit, the popular Ethiopian opposition party which won the May 2005 elections but the outcome was reversed through violence and killings by the repressive regime of Meles Zenawi.
In this event, many non-Ethiopian nationals were seen dancing with their friends, who were waving the the Ethiopian green-yellow-red flag as a symbol of unity and freedom.
