As civil conflicts in Ethiopia escalated during the early 1990s, the plight of Ethiopian Jews became increasingly dire. The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, recognized the urgent need to assist the Beta Israel community. A plan was devised for Operation Solomon, a massive airlift operation that would transport Ethiopian Jews to Israel in a swift and compassionate manner. The operation began on May 24, 1991, and lasted for approximately 36 hours. A significant logistics endeavor, it involved the coordination of the Israeli Air Force and several commercial airlines using a total of 34 aircraft.

The airlift was marked by its speed and efficiency, with flights arriving at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport packed with thousands of Ethiopian Jews, many of whom had traveled long distances and endured great hardships. Operation Solomon was carried out amid political upheaval, as Ethiopian authorities were on the brink of collapse. It was particularly noteworthy for the inclusion of many children who had been separated from their families during the harrowing journey.

The swift evacuation of nearly 14,000 Ethiopian Jews showcased Israel's commitment to addressing the diaspora's needs and preserving Jewish identity. Moreover, it set a precedent for future humanitarian airlifts. The operation was a joint effort not just by the Israeli government but also with support from Jewish organizations worldwide, which rallied financial and logistical resources to facilitate this massive transportation effort.