“With Less Than Nothing… is at once a guide to making dreams come true, a glowing example of self-development while maintaining family tradition, and the epitome of what it means to be courageous.” – Isaac Herzog, President of Israel

Nigist Mengesha was born in a remote village near Gondar, Ethiopia. Always knowing there was more out there for her, Nigist had a lifelong dream: to immigrate to Israel, the Holy Land, where her ancestors dreamed of Jerusalem and honor their vision.

But her path to a new life would be fraught with challenges. From failed attempts and seemingly endless years of yearning to finally being forced to leave her husband and four young children behind while she embarked on the long-awaited journey, completely alone, with less than nothing to her name.

Despite her circumstances, Nigist not only survived, she thrived. From oppressed immigrant herself, she went on to become a fierce advocate for immigrants’ rights, demonstrating to herself and to the world that nothing stands in the way of ambition.

Mengesha tells, with endless candor and humility, an inspiring story of a determined young woman and the lengths she would go to realize her dream. The challenges of immigration, her struggle for survival as a black woman in a completely foreign and primarily white culture, and above all the fiery passion that led her to push through every hardship are laid out in an irresistible memoir that is a true testament to female courage.

Nigist Mengesha is an advocate for immigrants’ rights and anti-racist education, and has founded and led national initiatives for the welfare of Ethiopian Israelis. She lectures and inspires countless others, and today she manages the youth and education department of her local municipality, guided by her values and traditions to help others overcome challenges like those she faced herself.