Molla, born in an impoverished Jewish village in Ethiopia, could now serve as Israel's president if both President Shimon Peres and Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin were out of the country.
He is the first sub-Saharan African to have risen that high in Israel’s political structure.
“Deputy Speaker Molla is not only an historic figure, but also a man whose personal story is amazing and inspiring,” said state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, who, along with City Council President Darrel Clarke, will host a private cultural exchange and luncheon in Center City with a cross-section of African and African-American community members from Philadelphia.
“What he has accomplished already is stunning, but to hear how he arrived at this place and his vision of Israel may shift conventional wisdom on what it means to be an Israeli Jew, or a Jewish person of any nationality, for that matter,” Williams said. “We hope to expand the conversation of inclusion and our minds in a thoughtful set of dialogues. I’m proud to co-host this event."
At the luncheon, remarks will also be offered by incoming Consul General of Israel Yaron Sideman and Deputy Consul General Elad Strohmayer, both of whom started last week.
"The Consul General strengthens relations between Israel and the Mid-Atlantic Region by building partnerships for enhanced economic, academic and cultural exchange,” Sideman said. “I am honored to begin my tenure with this event as it fits directly into our mission of becoming involved with every community, meeting people, exchanging ideas and showcasing Israel for what it is – a rich nation of diversity and inclusivity."
Deputy Speaker Molla and the Israel's newly-tenured diplomatic corps will hold a media avail prior to the luncheon. Molla will expound on his message of opportunity and shared connections with African-American and Jewish advocates, faith leaders, politicians, journalists and students at various stops during his visit to the Philadelphia area, including Villanova University.
"On behalf of City Council, I would like to welcome Deputy Speaker Molla to the ‘City of Brotherly Love,’” said City Council President Darrell L. Clarke. “We use that phrase in earnest as a welcome to visitors to Philadelphia from all across the globe, and we are particularly honored to host the Deputy Speaker during his visit."
Molla will focus on promoting and strengthening the relationship between people of the United States and Israel are the hallmark of AIFL.
On Saturday, September 8, Mr. Molla will be involved in two additional community outreach events. These events as open to the public.
The Deputy Speaker will join Rabbi Debra Bowen and her congregation from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m at Congregation Temple Bethel on 7350 Lowber Ave., Philadelphia.
The Conversation Club at Elana's Soul Food Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., Phila., will host Mr. Molla in a discussion and cultural exchange from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
After Philadelphia, his tour will continue on to Atlanta, New York and Chicago.