During the Shiva, Minister Uri Ariel first heard that Solomon's sister, Masrat Verika, was waiting on approval to make an aliyah along with her two children, Habtamo and Tadillo.
By IDAN ZONSHINESolomon Tekah's sister lands in Israel with her children, with Minister Uri Ariel(photo credit: Courtesy)
The sister of police shooting victim Solomon Tekah landed in Israel along with her two children on Sunday evening, following an appeal by Minister Uri Ariel to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Interior Minister Arye Deri.Masrat Verika and her children were greeted at Ben-Gurion Airport by Ariel, former MK Avraham Neguise, and family members.Tekah was shot and killed last July by a police officer in Kiryat Haim, sparking major riots throughout the country.“After many efforts to bring her to Israel, this is definitely an emotional and joyous occasion for me and for the Tekah family,” Ariel said after they landed.When Ariel visited the family to offer condolences during the shiva mourning period, he asked them about their situation and asked what he could do to help.Ariel was informed that Verika was waiting for approval to make aliyah along with her two children, Habtamo and Tadillo. Ariel went to work immediately following the shiva to help the family, turning to relevant government officials for assistance.“As someone who has been working with the Ethiopian Jewish community and their journey to Israel for almost 35 years, this is definitely an emotional and joyous occasion for me and for the Tekah family,” Ariel said in a statement after Verika’s arrival. “It’s the least we could do to ease the pain and sorrow of the family. Despite the tragic circumstances, I’m certain Masrat and her children’s arrival will help the family unite and find strength. I’m hopeful that soon we will get to see the rest of the Jewish community in Ethiopia that are waiting to make aliyah here in Israel.”
