Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman commented on the appointment of Belaynesh Zevadia as ambassador to Ethiopia:

 

"The decision to appoint Belaynesh Zevadia as ambassador, beyond the fact that she is a talented diplomat, conveys an important message to Israeli society, which is currently dealing with the issue of racism towards Ethiopians in Israel. This appointment is particularly significant in that it sends a message about fighting against discrimination, and I am proud to be the first foreign minister to appoint an Ethiopian ambassador on behalf of the State of Israel. I am certain that she will represent the state with honor and be a source of pride to all Ethiopian Israelis. In Israel people are chosen not for their skin color or gender, but for their talents and their ability to contribute to Israeli society."

 

When informed of her appointment as ambassador to Addis Ababa, Belaynesh Zevadia commented, "I am very proud to be appointed as ambassador, especially as the first Ethiopian Israeli ambassador. I immigrated to Israel as a teenager and I am returning to Ethiopia as an ambassador. It is a great honor for me and my family, and I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Avigdor Liberman, and the staff of the Foreign Ministry for the trust they are placing in me. This is proof that in Israel opportunity is available to everyone, native Israelis and new immigrants alike."

 

Belaynesh Zevadia studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has a BA degree in international relations and African studies, and an MA in African studies. In the course of her diplomatic career, she served in Chicago, Illinois and in Houston, Texas. She immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia at the age of seventeen.