Roni Akale; Journey of a Lifetime

            On the morning of June 30, 2016, the volunteers at the Ethiopian National Project were privileged to hear from ENP’s executive director Roni Akale. He modestly opened by explaining that his English wasn’t stellar, however his ability to communicate with us was extremely coherent and enjoyable. Roni has a warm soul and it’s very clear that the lessons he's extracted from his life are worn on his sleeve. 

            Roni was born in a small village in Ethiopia that he described as "far from town". His village was primitive and lacked essential utilities such as electricity. He completed both elementary school and high school in Ethiopia and went on to work in the ministry of agriculture as a book keeper for 2 years. Interestingly enough, In 1928, it was Roni’s uncle who had built the first school in Ethiopia, which originated as a small shelter built of roots and the like, created to bring children together to study mathematics. This detail proved itself as a prevalent foreshadow to the higher education Roni would later achieve. 

           Ethiopians live in great recognition that Ethiopia is not their home. They pray and wish and often say, "we will be in Jerusalem next year". However, Roni couldn't help but ponder, "how can we go to Jerusalem?" He knew it was necessary to travel to Sudan first, which wouldn't be an easy venture. The Ethiopian government was communist at the time and didn't allow anyone to leave to another country. The only way to leave would be in secret. Roni and his friend found themselves paying a man who said he could take them to Sudan. In 1983, they embarked. The journey took 8 days and 8 nights of constant travel. The jungles they traveled through we're dangerous, carrying robbers at night who eventually stole everything they had except for their donkey. As they neared closer to Sudan their leader left the pack with his young boy and his donkey. He said the boy would be able to guide them. However, this was a lie. The donkey however acted as a living GPS, as he had come from Sudan and allegedly, knew the way home. The jungle was laced with snakes and other dangerous animals; as they walked with no food or sign of refuge, they knew they couldn't lose that donkey. The men traveled a total of 800 km until they reached the border. 

       Roni had met his brother at the border who had been traveling in secret as well. The men went on to enter Sudan where the situation was difficult. There was no food or medicine and many Ethiopians  had perished. "We must survive", was the first and most important thought on Roni's mind. They had met young Ethiopian people who gave them food and shelter. It took three months but eventually they made their way to Israel. "I came with nothing, no luggage, no money, only with my mind", Roni remarked. "Israel took care of us. We were given clothes and shoes, and with that I started Ulpan". Roni once again reminded us how difficult it is for him to speak English, however these struggles were hardly apparent to us at all. Roni learned Hebrew for ten months and went to Hebrew University. He began in economics but then switched to Haifa University and studied social work. He then joined army. He would later go on to Ben Gurion where he would merit receiving his second degree. 

       In the army, Roni took part in Operation Solomon. "I was very happy Ethiopians were coming to Israel". He was privileged enough to be the one to step on the plane and say in Amharic, "Welcome to Israel!!" There are currently 178,000 Ethiopians here in Israel. A resilient people, quick to adapt, "we are doctors, lawyers and engineers".  At this point, all of Roni's 9 siblings are living in Israel. All have their first degree, more than half have their second, and many also went on to be officers in the Israeli army. Roni is an extremely optimistic person. He believes that one must think positively in order to succeed. "If I think negatively, it will get me no where".  These are wise words that carried Roni all the way from Ethiopia to Israel on foot, through Ulpan, university, and the army - truly a journey of a life time. 

Emily Zimmer
ENP Intern
Queens College