Shmuel Legesse

Shmuel Legesse is an international educator, community activist, and diplomacy expert. He has served in New York City as an Investigation Officer for the Supreme and Family Court and the Israel Police, and represented the Israeli Knesset in international public affairs. He holds a doctorate in International Educational Leadership from Yeshiva University, New York.

The Horn of Africa is seen on a map (illustrative)

Middle East’s future may be decided in the Horn of Africa - opinion

AN IRANIAN FLAG is pictured near in a missile during a military drill, with the participation of Iran’s air defense units in October.  (West Asia News Agency/Reuters)

Iran’s nuclear ambition is not just Israel’s problem - opinion

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Message for Netanyahu: Let Ethiopian Jews represent Israel, not just clean its offices - opinion


A Jewish speaker, a new mayor, and a signal to New York’s Jews - opinion

I still believe New York can choose life over death, courage over fear, and unity over the easy politics of scapegoating. But that choice begins with what you decide to protect on your first day.

Jewish New Yorkers rally in support of Israel during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City, US, September 26, 2025

A Black African Jew to UN and African Union: Israel just did your job in Somaliland - opinion

For over 30 years, Somaliland has behaved like a responsible state without being treated as one. And what have the UN and the AU done? Missions and communiqués about Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Somaliland Navy members participate in a parade celebrating the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland on May 18, 2024.

Black and Zionist: A voice from inside the right‑wing Jewish soul - opinion

The Jewish Right in Israel and the US must elevate brown and Black Jews to lead credibly and defend the moral and political future.

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Somaliland chose peace, the world chose to look away - opinion

In a region scarred by war, one society chose reconciliation. Why does global diplomacy ignore Somaliland?

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Israel’s Somaliland recognition shows the real purpose of the Abraham Accords - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflects the Abraham Accords’ focus on survival, stability, and strategic cooperation, not sentiment.

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Zionism didn’t start in Europe, and Ethiopian Jews can prove it - opinion

For more than 2,500 years, Ethiopian Jewish leaders preserved Jewish law, ritual, and identity in one of the most isolated Jewish communities on Earth.

ETHIOPIAN JEWS take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem, in November 2025.

Haymanot Kasau's disappearance: Why Israel must fix how it handles missing children - opinion

If Israel is to honor Haymanot Kasau and every child who depends on the state’s vigilance, it must remember this truth: When a child disappears, time is the enemy and urgency is our only defense.

Nine-year-old Haymanot Kasau.

Not someday: Israel is ready for a new woman prime minister now - opinion

Israel’s democracy is mature enough for another woman prime minister, and leaders are already emerging.

MKs Pnina Tameno-Shete and Sharren Haskel.

Israel needs moral giants, not more politicians - opinion

It is time for moral Zionists, not just political tacticians, to rise. We must call upon - men and women of deep faith, courage, and integrity to join Israel’s political life once again.

Natan Sharansky attends a meeting of the Knesset plenum in 2000. Imagine if Sharansky was not just a name in textbooks but again a living presence in our parliament, says the writer.

Demonizing Netanyahu won’t save democracy, only listening to the voters will - opinion

The public continues to support him because they believe he is strong, experienced, and capable of navigating the country.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu walks outside his office in the Knesset.