Yemen’s 45,000 Jews faced annihilation after centuries of brutal persecution under Muslim rule — including the infamous Mawza Exile (1679), the Orphans’ Decree (forced conversion of Jewish children), pogroms, expulsions, and dhimmi humiliation.

Israeli planes airlifted nearly the entire ancient community — 49,000 people — to safety. Most had never seen an airplane before. Planes packed with 500–600 passengers flew them “on the wings of eagles.”Golda Meir greeted many on arrival.

Today, Yemenite Jews and their descendants thrive as doctors, soldiers, artists, rabbis, and leaders in Israel.