Health Services Directory

Medical phone-translation hotline in Amharic, Tigrinya, and Hebrew. Founded in 2007, providing real-time interpretation for doctor visits, hospital accompaniment, community health days, health-focused radio broadcasts, and cultural mediation. At least 30 partner clinics nationwide. Service is free of charge.

Hours: Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Over 30 primary-care clinics across Israel employ Amharic-speaking cultural mediators under agreements with health-maintenance organisations (HMOs). Every patient is entitled by law to request a free interpreter (Patient Rights Act 1996, section 3). Contact your HMO directly for availability.

Organisation supporting Ethiopian-Israeli youth in distress — violence, school dropout, isolation, and mental vulnerability. Runs community centres, one-on-one counselling, and social-integration support. Active in core community cities.

24/7 emotional and mental-health crisis hotline. Provides listening, support, and referral in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English. Staffed by trained volunteers. Fully anonymous. After a call, referrals to treatment providers can be arranged.

Hours: 24/7 — all year

Israeli centre for trauma and PTSD treatment. Particularly relevant for Operation Solomon veterans, discharged soldiers, and their families. Provides psychological therapy, support groups, counselling, and a helpline. Some services are offered free of charge based on means testing.

Hours: Sun–Thu 09:00–21:00

National emergency medical service. Dial 101 for an ambulance in any medical emergency. Service is free regardless of HMO affiliation or insurance status. Rapid response even in smaller localities.

Hours: 24/7

Under the Patient Rights Act (1996, section 3), every patient who does not understand Hebrew is entitled to free interpretation within their HMO. Request it from the doctor or reception in writing and document the request. If denied, complaints can be filed with the Ministry of Health Public Complaints Commissioner.