About the Abayudaya

The Abayudaya is a unique community of Jews living in Eastern Uganda. The descendants of a convert, for over one hundred years the community has practiced Judaism, celebrating the same holidays, keeping Shabbat, and following the laws of kashrut. For much of this history, the Abayudaya have been disconnected from the rest of world Jewry. Over the last few decades, through various rabbinical missions, and the work of organizations such as Kulanu and Bechol Lashon, the community has become connected to Jews in the United States and Israel. Like many in Africa, the Abayudaya live a subsistence lifestyle, and often live in houses without running water and electricity.

The Hadassah School is a Jewish Day School in Mbale, Uganda, although it serves children regardless of background. About half of the 400 children in the school live on the school grounds where they can access food and water, and have a safe and secure place to stay. The local well is also located on the school grounds, and children will come there daily to get safe drinking water for their families. The school has electricity, and a basic computer lab with internet. It also has its own medical clinic that serves both the children of the school and the broader community.

Although the conditions at the school are very, very far from what one would expect in a school in the United States or Israel, it serves a critical purpose not just in educating children, but in providing critical services. Tragically, the death of its principal and visionary, Aaron Kintu Moses from Covid-19, has left the school without a leader and in a dire financial situation. This event is dedicated in his memory and we hope to raise funds to keep the school afloat.