According to a report published by the Jerusalem Post, social media influencer Alana Hadid has accused Israel of forcibly sterilizing Ethiopian Jewish women who immigrated to the country.
Hadid, the sister of models Bella and Gigi Hadid, shared these claims with her nearly 700,000 Instagram followers, sparking widespread reactions online.
In her post, Hadid alleged that Ethiopian Jews faced systemic racism, claiming that women migrants were given contraceptive injections, such as Depo-Provera, without their full knowledge or consent.
She argued that this practice was part of a broader attempt to control a population deemed undesirable, contradicting Israel’s image as a safe haven for Jews.
Hadid cited earlier reports from Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, which initially alleged that Ethiopian women were coerced into taking the injections, with some being told their immigration was conditional on receiving the contraceptive.
However, Haaretz later issued corrections to its 2013 report, clarifying that the claims of a forced sterilization policy were unproven.
A state comptroller investigation conducted over three years found no evidence to support the allegations.
Ethiopian Jews’ immigration to Israel, primarily through operations like Moses and Solomon in the 1980s and 1990s, was fraught with challenges.
Many endured arduous journeys, hunger, and violence to reach safety. Despite this, their integration into Israeli society has been marred by debates about discrimination and inclusion.
The Joint Distribution Committee, involved in aiding Ethiopian Jews’ transit, denied allegations of coercion, stating that contraceptive use in Ethiopia was voluntary and culturally common.
Hadid’s statements have reignited discussions about racism and historical injustices, even as Israeli officials insist that their actions were in good faith.
The issue remains sensitive, reflecting broader debates about ethnicity, immigration, and social inclusion in Israel.