Beta Israel lived in northern and northwestern Ethiopia, in more than 500 small villages spread over a wide territory, alongside populations that were Muslim and predominantly Christian Most of them were concentrated mainly on what are today, North Gonder Zone, Shire Ende Slassie, Wolqayit, Tselemt, Dembia, Segelt, Quara, and Belesa. They practiced a form of Judaism that differs in some respects from Rabbinic judaism. In Israel, this form of Judaism is referred to as Haymanot. Beta Israel appear to have been isolated from mainstream Jewish communities for at least a millennium. They suffered religious persecution and a significant portion of the community were forced into Christianity during the 19th and 20th centuries; those converted to Christianity came to be known as the Felash Mura. The larger Bete Abrham Christian community is also considered to have historical links to the Beta Israel.
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