Imagine working tirelessly for years, only to feel stuck in a cycle. That's the reality many immigrants face, but Ester Gebrezgi's story is a powerful testament to the fact that it's never too late to rewrite your destiny. From cleaning houses to training in the cutting-edge world of cybersecurity, her journey is nothing short of inspirational. But here's where it gets controversial... How many others are out there, with untapped potential, simply needing the right opportunity?
Ester Gebrezgi, a 39-year-old wife and mother of three from Or Yehuda, Israel, is currently immersed in a demanding cybersecurity program. This isn't just any course; it's a lifeline extended by organizations specifically designed to help Ethiopian Israelis break into Israel's thriving high-tech sector. Her story begins far from the gleaming office buildings of Tel Aviv's tech scene.
"I was born in northern Ethiopia, in Tigray, and grew up in Addis Ababa," Ester recounts. Her early life was marked by hardship. "My mother passed away when I was a little girl. My father, uncle, and grandparents raised me and my two younger brothers." Although she attended a non-Jewish public school, Jewish traditions formed the bedrock of her upbringing. Her grandmother, a central figure in her life, instilled a deep connection to their heritage. "My grandmother used to tell us that when she lived in a village, she painted the doorframe of her house red just like the Israelites did during the Exodus so God would ‘pass over’ their homes." This powerful image fueled a lifelong dream. "We all dreamed of coming to Israel one day. Grandma's brothers made aliyah before us and always suggested that she make aliyah to the Land of Israel, but she was busy raising the children and her life in Ethiopia."
That dream began to materialize when Ester was just 11 years old, following the passing of her grandfather. "After that, my grandmother decided it was time to fulfill our dream and make aliyah." Seven years later, at the age of 18, Ester, along with her father and sister, finally made the move to Israel, settling in Beer Sheva. The anticipation was immense. "I was so excited, my whole life I had heard stories about Israel and couldn’t wait to experience it myself.”
However, the reality of a new life wasn't without its challenges. "Right after I arrived, I felt racism," Ester bravely admits. "People stared at me, and some even called me names. I felt different, like I didn’t belong. Everywhere I went, people made me feel like I was from another world." This is a harsh reality for many immigrants, a cultural shock amplified by prejudice. And this is the part most people miss... The sheer resilience it takes to overcome such adversity while simultaneously building a new life. What helped Ester persevere? "What helped me cope was my love for this country. I never once thought about going back to Ethiopia because I knew this was my home.”
Initially, Ester envisioned a career in nursing after completing Hebrew studies in ulpan (an intensive Hebrew language course). "After learning Hebrew in ulpan, I wanted to study nursing. But adjusting to a new life wasn’t easy, and I lost direction." Life took an unexpected turn. "Instead, I started working as a waitress in a hotel in Eilat. Later, I got married, and by age 24 I was already a mother." The demands of motherhood, particularly caring for her eldest daughter, Yeheli, who has special needs, required flexibility. "My eldest daughter, Yeheli, has special needs, so I needed a job with flexible hours. I began cleaning houses, it suited my schedule. I washed dishes, ironed clothes, and took care of households. I was proud of my work and never ashamed of being a cleaner. My clients respected me, and I earned an honest living.”
The turning point came in a heartfelt conversation with her middle daughter, Hayv. "Everything changed after a conversation with my middle daughter, Hayv. She’s like my best friend, I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up, and she said, ‘I want to be like you and clean houses.’" This statement was a wake-up call. "That moment hit me hard. I realized I’m her role model, and I needed to show her something different to prove that it’s never too late to chase your dreams So I decided to take my future into my own hands." Ester's determination led her to Tech-Career, an organization focused on integrating Ethiopian Israelis into the high-tech industry. "I reached out to an organization called Tech-Career, which helps Ethiopian Israelis integrate into the high-tech industry. I joined their cybersecurity course, and I’m now studying eight hours a day. It’s tough and very intensive. I only have an Ethiopian high school diploma, but I’m managing. When my daughter sees me working hard, she wants to be like me. I feel like I’m paving the way for her.”
Ester's journey is a powerful reminder that ambition knows no age or background. It underscores the importance of accessible education and support systems for marginalized communities. What do you think? Is enough being done to level the playing field and provide opportunities for individuals like Ester to thrive? What other programs or initiatives could be implemented to support immigrants and help them achieve their full potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Quick Q&A with Ester:
What Ethiopian habit should Israelis adopt?
“To show respect.”
What’s something you’ll never get used to in Israel?
"I’ll never get used to people being so direct"
What do you miss most about Ethiopia?
“The warmth of the people.”
Your favorite place in Israel?
“Jerusalem.”
