The Knesset decided today to add the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of the Sigd to the official list of State holidays. The Sigd will now be celebrated in an annual State ceremony during the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Along with this recognition, the holiday's history, traditions and ceremonies will enter the obligatory school curriculum and going to work during the holiday will be optional.

Sigd is a traditional Ethiopian fast day, dedicated to prayers towards the rebuilding of the Temple and the right to return to the Holy Land. The fasting ends in mid-day, with a traditional meal including many symbolic foods. Historically, Ethiopian Jews have celebrated the holiday in a mass ceremony on Jerusalem’s Mount Zion; although, recently, the celebration has moved to Jerusalem's Armon HaNatziv Promenade.