Kes Avihu Azaria, an eighth-generation descendant of a glorious lineage of leaders and Kessim who stood at the head of the Beta Israel community in Ethiopia, was born in 1968 and raised in a rural, traditional environment. From a young age, he was educated at the feet of his father, Lika Kahenat Kes Melke Azaria (may his righteous memory be a blessing), learning from him the foundations of spiritual leadership: maintaining domestic peace, educating in tradition, passing down Jewish holidays, and mediating between people. Alongside his work in agriculture and managing the household, he underwent prolonged spiritual mentorship, and at the age of 21, he was ordained as a Kes in Addis Ababa, following a difficult period of persecution, wars, and a complex immigration journey.

In 1991, he immigrated to Israel with his family as part of Operation Solomon. Immediately upon arriving in Moshav Nehora, he worked to preserve the traditional values of his community. Out of deep loyalty to Ethiopian Halacha, he initiated the establishment of a synagogue and a purification house (Beit Niddah) — a reflection of his commitment to the spiritual continuity of Ethiopian Jewry in Israel as well.

Alongside personal hardships and institutional opposition, he fought for the place of the Kessim in Israeli society. When he was prevented from studying Torah due to the non-recognition of his status, he led an unprecedented public struggle, which ultimately resulted in the official recognition of the Kessim and their integration into religious councils — equalizing their conditions to those of rabbis.

Kes Avihu Azaria never ceased his public and spiritual work: he campaigned for the recognition of the Sigd holiday as a national day, initiated the establishment of the memorial site on Mount Herzl for Ethiopian Jews who perished on their way to Israel, and established a magnificent spiritual center in Ashkelon — thanks to his vision, dedication, and the stubborn mobilization of community members. When he heard about the destruction of his ancestors' synagogue in his birthplace in Ethiopia, he traveled there, restored the site, and erected a monument in memory of approximately 400 praying families, creating a memorial project for generations to come.

Over the years, he has worked extensively for the integration of community members, the prevention of domestic violence, the promotion of education, and raising public awareness. Today, Kes Avihu Azaria continues to serve as a spiritual, moral, and public figure, a leader loyal to his tradition, his values, and his people.