BINA is an initiative By Us to Empower Us

The Beta Israel of North America (BINA) Cultural Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to fostering the continuity of the Ethiopian Jewish cultural heritage, empowering Ethiopian Jews within the American Jewish community, providing assistance to Ethiopian Jews who come to the U.S., and serving as a bridge between the Jewish, Ethiopian, and African-American communities.

In Hebrew, BINA means “understanding.” Our aim is to promote understanding of Ethiopian Jewish culture and history. We believe that this will help us retain and carry forward our traditions and enrich Jewish life as a whole.

Our Mission

The BINA Cultural Foundation, Inc. is committed to

…Fostering the continuity of the Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) cultural heritage and promoting understanding of its traditions and history among Jews and non-Jews.

…Empowering Ethiopian Jews in the United States, Israel, and Ethiopia.

…Providing assistance to Ethiopian Jews who come to the U.S.

…Serving as a bridge between the Jewish, Ethiopian, and African-American communities.

…Working for greater understanding and inclusiveness among ethnic groups within the Jewish community.

BINA’s Vision

BINA is an initiative by us to empower us…

BINA envisions Ethiopian Jews as an integral component of the Jewish people and works to ensure that their voices will be included in the Jewish community and add to the diversity of the Jewish people. BINA works for greater understanding and integration among ethnic groups within the Jewish community and beyond.

Since our establishment in 2003, we have worked to educate both the Jewish community and members of other communities about Ethiopian Jewish culture and history through our public programs, have provided resources for Ethiopian Jewish immigrants to the U.S., and have served as an advocate for Ethiopian Jews within the American Jewish community.

In addition, our aim is to provide an inclusive understanding of the Beta Israel community, and we welcome working with organizations both within and without the Jewish community to foster understanding and awareness of our culture and history.

Highlights of our activities:

  • BINA’s Annual Sheba Film Festival is  only film festival of its kind in the U.S. This cultural extravaganza introduces the general public to films, artistic exhibitions and panel discussions about the history, culture, and life experiences of Ethiopian Jews.
  • BINA organizes Ethiopian Shabbat dinners, Sigd celebrations, Hannukah parties, and Passover seders at synagogues and community centers in the New York area and beyond.
  • BINA conducts cultural showcases. In the past, these have included an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.