As a result of AEJ’s appeal in October, the President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin – ראובן רובי ריבלין​ gave a bold speech during the Rabbinical Council Inaugural Ceremony at the President’s Residence.
He condemned the Rabbinate’s institutional racism towards Ethiopian Israelis that has also outraged the general public. For example, the violation of Ethiopian Israelis’ workers’ rights at Barkan Winery –
Also, the low pay and status for Ethiopian Israeli spiritual leaders-Kessim.