Community News
Updates for the Ethiopian-Israeli community — policy news, program enrollment dates, holiday events. In-depth explainers with links to the canonical pages.
October 1, 2026
Sigd 2026 — the complete guide: date, locations and meaning
Sigd 5787 falls on 9 November 2026. Mountain prayers, evening events, celebrations in Netanya, Jerusalem, Kiryat Malachi and Beersheba — all in one place.
HolidaysAnnouncementsAugust 30, 2026
32 kessim sign a letter to Netanyahu: reserve a slot for the community on the Likud list
After MK Tsega Melaku withdrew from the primaries, 32 spiritual leaders of the community signed a letter asking the prime minister to guarantee her a reserved slot. Internal Likud polling suggests Melaku could bring support worth roughly half a Knesset seat from the Ethiopian-Israeli community.
CivicAugust 30, 2026
Jerusalem Post opinion: give Gabi Worku, winner of the primaries' immigrants' race, a realistic slot
Shmuel Legesse, whose previous op-ed we covered, now calls on the prime minister to place Gabi Worku — a veteran Likud activist from Haifa who won the primaries' immigrants' race — in a realistic list position: "primaries become meaningless if members' choices are buried beneath appointments".
CivicCommunityAugust 30, 2026
"Whose daughter are you?": the graduation project animating Ethiopian wedding traditions
Batem Ainao, 27, from Beit Shemesh and a graduate of HIT Holon's design faculty, devoted her graduation project — three short animations — to the meeting between Ethiopian-Israeli wedding traditions and an Israeli wedding: invitations carrying the grandparents' names, guest lists that reach a thousand, and a whole community that mobilizes to cook.
CommunityFamilyAugust 30, 2026
The school year opens this week: a scholarships-and-rights checklist for community families
The school year opens on Tuesday, September 1. It's the moment to check scholarships whose application windows cluster around the start of the academic year, education rights for children, and training tracks — here are the key starting points in one place.
EducationAnnouncementsAugust 16, 2026
Where to buy Ethiopian spices and groceries in Israel — and what teff is
A neutral community guide: berbere, mitmita, niter kibbeh and teff — what they are, and where to find them in Israel, based on verified sources.
CommunityAugust 16, 2026
Preserving Amharic among the second generation — why it's fading, and what actually exists
Why many Israeli-born children of Ethiopian descent don't speak Amharic, and what actually exists: an ongoing approved program (Tegest), and a one-time municipal course example from Or Yehuda.
CommunityFamilyEducationAugust 16, 2026
Jerusalem Post opinion: why not an Ethiopian-Israeli PM, president, or chief rabbi?
An opinion piece by Shmuel Legesse argues Ethiopian-Israelis are qualified for the country's most senior leadership roles but are systematically excluded — citing Rabbi Reuven Wabashat and Fentay Mehret-Almo as examples.
CommunityRightsAugust 14, 2026
MK Tsega Melaku withdraws from the Likud primaries race
MK Tsega Melaku announced she would not run in Likud's primaries, held the following Monday. She said "the immigrant-reserved seat is blocked" and there is no realistic path to a winnable slot — a move that could leave the Ethiopian-Israeli community without a representative on the Likud list.
CivicAugust 8, 2026
Historical novel exploring Beta Israel heritage launched in Addis Ababa
The novel "Behind the Synagogue" by Eyosias Esundale, based on the author's doctoral research, was launched in Addis Ababa, exploring identity, belonging and the effects of historical discrimination on the Beta Israel community, against the backdrop of Operations Moses and Solomon.
CommunityAugust 3, 2026
"Whose daughter are you?" — animated graduation project on Ethiopian-Israeli wedding culture clashes
Batam Ainao, 27, a design student at the Holon Institute of Technology, created a short animated film for her graduation project about the cultural clashes surrounding her wedding to Eilam, an Israeli of Polish-Yemenite descent — including the custom of inviting up to a thousand guests and naming grandparents on the invitation.
CommunityFamilyJuly 28, 2026
Israel Innovation Authority tech-training funding + new Lod campus — what's new in 2026
The Ministry of Labor and the Israel Innovation Authority are funding a dedicated tech-training program for the community with a 10M ILS budget, alongside a new tech campus in Lod and an entrepreneurship/management track for Unit 8200 alumni.
EmploymentCitiesJuly 28, 2026
Kiryat Gat court annuls an Ethiopian immigrant's will — because it was never actually translated to Amharic for her
The Kiryat Gat family court annulled the will of an Ethiopian immigrant (arrived 1998, died 2021 at 93) after the witness listed as "translator" admitted in testimony that he only signed and never actually translated the document to her. The judge ordered the beneficiary grandchild to pay 35,000 ILS in costs.
RightsFamilyJuly 12, 2026
Gadi Yevarkan leaves Likud, establishes a new party — "Beit Israel"
Former MK and former Deputy Minister of Public Security, of Ethiopian descent, announced his departure from Likud and the founding of an independent party focused on economic welfare, including advancing a "pension law."
CivicPolicyJune 25, 2026
The 17th Holegav Festival of Ethiopian-Israeli creativity — the younger generation takes the stage
The 17th edition of the Holegav Festival (23–25.6.2026, Confederation House, Jerusalem) focused this year on the community's younger creators — hip-hop, reggae, afrobeats and dancehall, across 15 performances.
CommunityCitiesJune 19, 2026
"7 Days" investigation: police sorted stations by a "traffic-light model" — 5 stations rated "red"
A ynet investigation revealed police sorted 26 stations with significant Ethiopian-Israeli populations by a "traffic-light model" — 5, including Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malakhi, rated "red." Enforcement data hasn't been published since 2023.
CivicPolicyJune 19, 2026
ynet investigation: 'Police racism against Ethiopian-Israelis hasn't disappeared — it just changed form'
More than a decade after Yosef Salamsa's death, an investigation documents declining overt violence alongside subtler systemic discrimination — alongside the first appointment of an Ethiopian-Israeli officer to head a dedicated police unit.
RightsCivicCommunityJune 19, 2026
A first for the police: a member of the Ethiopian community leads the Ethiopian-Israeli desk
Superintendent Eli Senbetu has been appointed, for the first time, to head the Ethiopian-Israeli desk in the Israel Police — a step in improving police-community relations, per a ynet investigation.
CivicCommunityJune 3, 2026
Operation Solomon and Operation Moses: The Great Aliyah Story
36 hours, 14,000 people. The dramatic aliyah operations from Ethiopia — testimonies, data and legacy.
CommunityImmigrationJune 3, 2026
Timkat: Tradition, Ceremonies and Events in Israel
Timkat is a unique Ethiopian Jewish holiday celebrating baptism and renewal. What, when and where to celebrate in Israel.
HolidaysCommunityJune 3, 2026
Beta Israel: History, Origins and the Connection to King Solomon
Who are Beta Israel? From ancient origins to modern Israel — the history every second-generation member should know.
CommunityEducationJune 3, 2026
Learning Ge'ez: Beta Israel's Sacred Language — Courses and Resources
Ge'ez is Beta Israel's prayer language. Courses, apps and why the second generation is reconnecting.
EducationCommunityJune 3, 2026
Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews — 28 Iyar: What We Commemorate and How
28 Iyar is the official Memorial Day for those who perished on the way to Zion. Ceremonies, significance and how to participate.
HolidaysCommunityAnnouncementsJune 3, 2026
Intergenerational Trauma in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Signs, Effects and Treatment
Second-generation children carry the migration trauma of their parents. Research and mental health support resources in Israel.
HealthFamilyCommunityJune 3, 2026
Medical Translation Services for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Tene Briut and Kol LaBriut
Language barrier = health barrier. Free medical translation services available to the Ethiopian-Israeli community — by phone.
HealthRightsCommunityJune 3, 2026
Solomon Tekah: The Police Shooting, the Protests and the Legacy — 5 Years On
The death of 18-year-old Solomon Tekah in 2019 transformed the debate on over-policing in Israel. What has changed since?
RightsCommunityPolicyJune 3, 2026
The Depo-Provera Affair: Forced Contraception on Ethiopian-Israeli Women
In 2012 it was exposed: women from the community received contraceptive injections without informed consent. The full story and rights of victims.
RightsHealthCommunityPolicyJune 3, 2026
Poverty and Social Gaps in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community 2025: State of Play
39% poverty vs 14% nationally. CBS, ENP and Adva data — and what the state does (and doesn't) about it.
PolicyRightsCommunityJune 3, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli Women in the Labour Market: Barriers and Opportunities
62% employment rate for women, 43% without formal education in the first generation. Empowerment programmes and where to start.
EmploymentRightsCommunityJune 3, 2026
Marriage and Divorce in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Customs, Rabbinate and What To Do
Traditional marriage customs, Rabbinate recognition of Ethiopian marriages, and how to handle divorce when needed.
FamilyRightsCivicJune 3, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli Elderly: Rights, Nursing Homes and Cultural Gaps
Brookdale research: Ethiopian elderly between two worlds. Nursing rights, health system navigation and support.
FamilyRightsHealthJune 3, 2026
Ashkelon — Ethiopian-Israeli Community Guide
Ashkelon: ~9,000 Ethiopian-Israeli residents. Neighbourhoods, organisations, welfare services and community info.
CitiesCommunityCivicJune 3, 2026
Haifa — Ethiopian-Israeli Community Guide
Haifa: ~11,000 Ethiopian-Israeli residents. Neighbourhoods, university, organisations and community services.
CitiesCommunityCivicJune 3, 2026
Bagrut Gaps and Support Programmes for Ethiopian-Israeli Students 2026
52% matriculation vs 69% average. Prep schools, tutoring, scholarships and what actually helps close the gap.
EducationCommunityRightsJune 3, 2026
Aliyah from Ethiopia 2025: Rights for New Immigrants and What You Are Entitled To
Hundreds of new immigrants arrived in 2025. All rights, benefits and the absorption basket for new Ethiopian immigrants.
ImmigrationRightsAnnouncementsJune 3, 2026
Affirmative Representation in Civil Service: How Ethiopian-Israelis Can Apply
The Affirmative Representation Law mandates 2% of government jobs for Ethiopian-Israelis. Currently only 1.2% — a huge opportunity.
EmploymentRightsCivicJune 3, 2026
Rental Discrimination: Your Rights and How to File a Complaint
A landlord who refuses to rent because of Ethiopian origin commits a criminal offence. Tools, documentation and how to fight back.
HousingRightsCivicJune 3, 2026
Mental Health and Suicide in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Data, Help and What To Do
Suicide rates 2× the average. Emergency services, helplines and culturally adapted resources — a full guide.
HealthCommunityRightsJune 3, 2026
HIV and Stigma in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Facts, Myths and Access to Treatment
HIV prevalence in the community is higher than average — but stigma prevents testing. Facts, treatment and how to get help.
HealthRightsCommunityJune 3, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli Knesset Members: History, Achievements and Current Representation
From Pnina Tamano-Shata to Sigalit Jelicha — mapping all Ethiopian-Israeli MKs, their achievements and what is still missing.
CivicPolicyCommunityJune 3, 2026
Tene Briut: Everything the Organisation Offers and How to Contact Them
Tene Briut is the largest health organisation for the Ethiopian-Israeli community. Radio, medical escort, translation and more.
HealthCommunityRightsJune 3, 2026
The Ethiopian-Israeli Second Generation: Identity, Belonging and Challenges Between Two Cultures
Israeli-born children of Ethiopian parents navigate dual identity. Research, testimonies and resources for a generation searching for itself.
CommunityEducationFamilyJune 3, 2026
Learning Amharic — Guide for the Second Generation: Courses, Apps and Resources
Amharic is the mother tongue of ~165,000 Israelis — yet only 30% of the second generation speak it fluently. Here's how to start.
EducationCommunityJune 3, 2026
Criminal Record Expungement — The New Law: Who Is Eligible and How to Apply
The Knesset passed a law allowing expungement of old criminal records. For the Ethiopian-Israeli community — an opportunity for a fresh start.
RightsCivicPolicyJune 3, 2026
Maatzimot — Empowering Women: Everything the Organisation Offers
Maatzimot is the leading organisation for Ethiopian-Israeli women. Mentoring, small businesses, legal support and more.
CommunityFamilyEmploymentJune 3, 2026
Ethiopian Traditional Medicine: Budeye, Medicinal Herbs and What Research Says
The Budeye is a traditional Beta Israel healer. What is safe, what is dangerous and how to combine traditional and modern medicine.
HealthCommunityEducationJune 3, 2026
Injera and Ethiopian Cuisine: Tradition, Recipes and Restaurants in Israel
Injera, doro wot, tibs — Ethiopian cuisine is both tradition and culture. Basic recipes and restaurants across Israel.
CommunityHolidaysJune 3, 2026
Academic Excellence for Ethiopian-Israelis: CHE Programmes, Universities and PhD Scholarships
CHE funds excellence programmes for Ethiopian-Israeli doctoral students and faculty. Who is eligible and how to apply.
EducationRightsCommunityJune 3, 2026
Service Year, Nuclei and Leadership: Opportunities for Young Ethiopian-Israelis
Service year for ages 18-22 — an opportunity to develop leadership, strengthen identity and gain experience before the army or academia.
CommunityEducationCivicJune 3, 2026
Military Service for Ethiopian-Israelis: Benefits, Special Units and Rights Before and After Enlistment
78% of Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers serve in combat roles. Yahalom unit, enlistment benefits and how to use your discharge rights.
RightsCivicCommunityJune 1, 2026
Child allowance — complete guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli community
Child allowance is paid monthly to every family with children up to age 18. How to verify you receive it, how much, and what Savings for Every Child is.
FamilyPolicyJune 1, 2026
Ethiopian women's employment — data and programs
Ethiopian-Israeli women led the rise in community employment. The data, the challenges, and the programs that help.
EmploymentCommunityFamilyJune 1, 2026
ENP — the National Project — who they are and what they do
ENP is the largest organization advancing Ethiopian-Israelis. What they do, which programs, and how to use them.
CommunityEducationEmploymentJune 1, 2026
CV writing guide for Ethiopian-Israelis
A good CV opens the door to an interview. A winning structure, common mistakes, and tips to highlight your strengths.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Mental health in the Ethiopian-Israeli community — 2026 resource guide
Ethiopian-Israelis are hospitalized in psychiatric wards at twice their population share. What services exist, how to access them, and where to get help.
PolicyCivicMay 31, 2026
Scholarships for Ethiopian-Israeli students 2026 — the comprehensive guide
Marom (CHE), the Student Authority, Open University, Bar-Ilan, JDC — every scholarship and deadline in one place.
EducationPolicyMay 31, 2026
CV writing guide for Ethiopian-Israelis — what works in 2026
Only 18% of Ethiopian-Israeli degree-holders work in their field vs 45% in the general population. Here is how to write a CV that passes screening.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Pinui-Binui (demolish-rebuild) in Ethiopian neighborhoods — a guide for apartment owners
5 neighborhoods with high Ethiopian concentration are in pinui-binui processes. Your rights, the risks, and how to protect yourself.
HousingPolicyMay 31, 2026
Diabetes in the Ethiopian-Israeli community — prevention and management
17% of Ethiopian-Israelis have diabetes — the highest rate among Jewish groups. Risk factors, tests you are entitled to, and clinics.
PolicyCivicMay 31, 2026
Rights when dealing with police — a practical guide for the community
Stopped? Being searched? The 2015 and 2019 protests changed the conversation — here is what you must know.
CivicPolicyMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Netanya — 2026 guide
Netanya has the largest Ethiopian-Israeli community in Israel — 13,300 people. Organizations, services, and key contacts.
CivicHousingMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Beersheba — 2026 guide
~9,000 community members in Beersheba, concentrated in Neve Ze'ev and Ramat Eshkol, with access to Ben-Gurion University and unique employment hubs.
CivicHousingMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Kiryat Malachi — 2026 guide
Kiryat Malachi: 13.8% of the population is of Ethiopian origin — the highest proportional concentration in Israel.
CivicHousingMay 31, 2026
Support for Ethiopian-Israeli women at risk of violence — who to call and where to go
An inter-ministerial committee was established after femicides in the community. A practical guide — what to do, who to call, and how to leave safely.
CivicPolicyMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Lod — 2026 guide
~7,000 Ethiopian-Israelis in Lod, concentrated in Neve Elon and Ramat Eshkol. Organisations, services, and key contacts.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ramla — 2026 guide
~5,500 Ethiopian-Israelis in Ramla. Neighbourhoods, organisations, and community services.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rishon LeZion — 2026 guide
~8,000 Ethiopian-Israelis in Rishon LeZion, spread across Merchavia and Nahalat Yehuda neighbourhoods.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Petah Tikva — 2026 guide
~6,500 Ethiopian-Israelis in Petah Tikva. Community organisations, services, and employment.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashdod — 2026 guide
~9,000 Ethiopian-Israelis in Ashdod, concentrated in neighbourhoods 9 and 10. Active absorption centre for Falash Mura.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Hadera — 2026 guide
~5,000 Ethiopian-Israelis in Hadera. A veteran community with rich educational and cultural institutions.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Kiryat Gat — 2026 guide
Kiryat Gat: high relative Ethiopian concentration, with access to industry and the Intel factory.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rehovot — 2026 guide
~5,500 Ethiopian-Israelis in Rehovot. Access to Weizmann Institute and academic institutions.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Bat Yam — 2026 guide
~4,500 Ethiopian-Israelis in Bat Yam, close to Tel Aviv. Services and metropolitan employment.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli community in Or Yehuda — 2026 guide
~3,500 Ethiopian-Israelis in Or Yehuda, a cohesive community with an active cultural centre.
CitiesCommunityMay 31, 2026
Nursing career guide for Ethiopian-Israeli women — the complete guide
Nursing is one of the most in-demand career paths in the community. Where to start, salary expectations, and where to study.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Teaching and youth work career paths for community graduates
Teacher, educational counsellor, homeroom teacher — roles in high demand at schools with Ethiopian-Israeli students.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Tech salaries for Ethiopian-Israeli graduates — 2026 benchmarks
What do Tech-Career, ENP and Mamram graduates earn after two years? Current salary data for dev, QA and cyber roles.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
From the IDF to a tech career — the path for graduates of technological units
From Mamram, Lotem, Unit 8200 — how IDF tech-unit veterans leverage their service into a career.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Civil service careers — affirmative representation guide for Ethiopian-Israelis
The Affirmative Representation Law guarantees preference for Ethiopian-Israelis in civil service. Which roles to target and how to apply.
EmploymentPolicyMay 31, 2026
Business entrepreneurship for Ethiopian-Israelis — funding sources and success stories
Success stories of Ethiopian-owned businesses in Israel. Grants, incubators, and programmes tailored to the community.
EmploymentPolicyMay 31, 2026
JDC Lamarkhak programme — what it is, who qualifies, and how to register
The JDC 'Lamarkhak' programme operates in 11 centres nationwide. Complete guide to registration and vocational guidance.
EmploymentPolicyMay 31, 2026
Construction and infrastructure trades — stable careers for men in the community
One of Israel's highest-demand sectors. Training programmes, licences, and salary by trade.
EmploymentPolicyMay 31, 2026
Legal and social work careers — from the Ethiopian-Israeli community
TEBEKA and law firms that recruit from the community. Academic track, costs, and salary.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
From unemployment to employment — the roadmap for returning to the labour market
6 months or more without work? Step-by-step guide: rights, training programmes, and how to return quickly.
EmploymentPolicyMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli Employment Gap Report 2026 — Full Data
Only 18% of Ethiopian-Israeli graduates work in their field. Wage gaps, unemployment rates, and what the data says — with actionable next steps.
EmploymentRightsMay 31, 2026
CV Writing Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community — ATS & Hebrew
70% of CVs are filtered out by ATS systems before reaching a human. A practical guide: format, keywords, language, and what to avoid in Israeli CVs.
EmploymentCommunityMay 31, 2026
Ethiopian-Israeli Salary Benchmarks 2026 — What Do People Earn by Sector?
Hi-tech, nursing, education, social work — how much do community members earn in each sector? CBS and Adva Center data for 2025-2026.
EmploymentHealthMay 31, 2026
Civil Service Selection Exam — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Shoham test, special accommodations, and the Affirmative Representation Committee — everything about entering civil service with Ethiopian-Israeli preference.
EmploymentRightsMay 31, 2026
Teaching Career for Ethiopian-Israeli Graduates — The Complete Guide
Israel faces a severe teacher shortage — especially in cities with high Ethiopian-Israeli populations. Certification requirements, scholarships, and why teaching is the community's best investment.
EmploymentEducationMay 31, 2026
Social Work Career — A Path for Ethiopian-Israeli Graduates
High demand for Amharic-speaking social workers — and salaries of 8,000-16,000 ILS. Requirements, where to study, and how to start.
EmploymentCommunityMay 31, 2026
Entrepreneurship in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community — Funds, Programmes & Success Stories
Maof fund, ISOC loans, ESOC programme — dozens of Ethiopian-Israeli businesses operate in Israel. Here's how to start.
EmploymentCommunityMay 31, 2026
From Combat Service to Civilian Career — Guide for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans
3 in 4 Ethiopian-Israeli combat veterans don't claim their full discharge rights. The guide: grants, scholarships, transition programmes and job market tips.
EmploymentCommunityMay 31, 2026
Nursing Career for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community — High Demand, Good Pay
Israel lacks 4,000 nurses. Ethiopian-Israeli nursing graduates have a 97% placement rate. Average salary 11,000 ILS with fast advancement opportunities.
EmploymentHealthMay 25, 2026
Tech-Career — tech training for Ethiopian-Israelis: what it is, how to enrol, success stories
172 students per year, Lod campus opening 2026 — Tech-Career is the community's leading tech-reskilling organisation. Here's how to get in.
EmploymentEducationMay 20, 2026
Falash Mura 2026 — absorption rights and the aliyah track
The Israeli government approved continued Falash Mura aliyah from Gondar. 7,000 in process — update on rights, conversion procedure, and who qualifies.
ImmigrationPolicyMay 20, 2026
Police "traffic light model" — 5 stations flagged as problematic on Ethiopian-Israeli relations
Israel Police has formulated, for the first time, a model classifying 26 major stations as green/yellow/red, as part of implementing Government Decision 3243. Five stations were flagged "red": Kiryat Gat, Rehovot, Yavne, Afula and Kiryat Malachi.
PolicyCivicMay 15, 2026
Affirmative representation for Ethiopian-Israelis in civil service — 2025 status
The Affirmative Representation Law has existed since 2000. 25 years on — what's the status? Civil Service Commission 2024 data, gaps by ministry, and what you can claim.
EmploymentPolicyMay 15, 2026
The Blood Affair 1996 — what happened, and what changed
January 1996: it was revealed that blood banks were secretly discarding Ethiopian-Israeli donations. The protest that followed changed Israel.
CivicPolicyMay 2, 2026
Abatte Barihun signs with an American jazz label — a debut album after six years
The Ethiopian-Israeli saxophonist, with pianist Roy Mor and the 'Addis Kan' project, released a debut album on jazz label Origin Records — blending traditional Ethiopian-Jewish music with contemporary jazz.
CommunityMay 1, 2026
Sigd 2026 — dates and details
The date: November 19, 2026 (29 Cheshvan). Main ceremony at Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem. Buses from 16 absorption cities.
HolidaysAnnouncementsApril 30, 2026
The community mortgage — updated 2026 guide
₪600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10. Eligibility, how to register, and what happens if you win the lottery.
HousingPolicyApril 25, 2026
Falash Mura aliyah — 2024 status update
~6,500 awaiting, direct-absorption pilot in Netanya/Rehovot/Kiryat Malachi handled 2,800 over 3 years. Q4 2024 government decisions.
ImmigrationPolicyApril 20, 2026
Order 50 and affirmative representation in civil service — 2024 status
Current representation 1.7%, target 2.5% by 2027. Policy changes, ministry breakdown, and practical claim tools.
CivicPolicyEmploymentApril 20, 2026
Tebeka opens registration for its 24th scholarship and mentorship project for Ethiopian-Israeli law students
Tebeka, in partnership with the Meitar law firm, opened registration for scholarships and a mentorship program for Ethiopian-Israeli law students for the 2025/26 academic year — the 24th year of the scholarship and the ninth of the mentorship project. Stated deadline: June 15, 2026.
EducationEmploymentAnnouncementsApril 15, 2026
ENP Tech-Career — 2026 enrollment round
12-month tech bootcamp, fully subsidized. Registration window: May-June, cohort starts September 2026.
EmploymentEducationAnnouncementsApril 12, 2026
Racism at a clothing store toward a woman of Ethiopian descent — Tebeka takes up the case
A woman of Ethiopian descent who entered a clothing store for a routine purchase was ignored by the salesperson and later met with a humiliating response involving racist remarks. She turned to Tebeka for documentation and legal handling.
CivicRightsMarch 23, 2026
Finance Committee approves 2026 budget — ₪13M for Hebrew ulpan, budget for Ethiopian Jewish heritage center
As part of the 2026 state budget (roughly ₪850.59 billion), ₪13 million was approved for Hebrew ulpan studies for immigrants, and the Ethiopian Jewish heritage center was transferred to the Heritage Ministry with a ₪2.5 million budget.
PolicyEducationFebruary 27, 2026
Gesahegn Ayele wins the 2026 Tel Aviv half-marathon
Israel's long-distance running record holder, a Maccabi Tel Aviv athlete who immigrated from Ethiopia, won the half-marathon at the 2026 Tel Aviv Marathon with a time of 1:03:24.
CommunityFebruary 25, 2026
President Herzog meets Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa
Herzog and Abiy Ahmed met in Addis Ababa and discussed improving cooperation on issues of mutual interest, days after Netanyahu proposed a regional 'hexagon' alliance. About 160,000 Jews of Ethiopian descent currently live in Israel.
CivicImmigrationFebruary 11, 2026
"Marom" scholarship (Council for Higher Education) — what's verified ahead of the 5787 cycle
A short guide to the CHE "Marom" scholarship for Ethiopian-Israelis — verified details (₪10,000/year, registration opens Sept 9, 2026 via che.org.il) alongside an unverified detail about a separate Perach-run cycle.
EducationAnnouncementsFebruary 10, 2026
State Comptroller opens audit of government decisions on Ethiopian Jewish aliyah
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman announced in the Knesset a new audit on the implementation of government decisions regarding the aliyah of the remaining Ethiopian Jewish community and "Zera Israel," and dedicated his remarks to the memory of Sgt. Asi Sama, who fell in the Iron Swords war.
PolicyCivicImmigrationFebruary 10, 2026
Adva Center: research on education-employment gaps for Ethiopian-Israelis
An independent Adva Center study presents data on matriculation, academic admission, dropout and field-matched employment gaps between Ethiopian-Israelis and the general population.
EducationEmploymentPolicyFebruary 9, 2026
They beat the statistics — now they're talking about the cost of success
A Haaretz Magazine feature follows Ethiopian-Israeli academic graduates who broke through statistical barriers — and now face underemployment, pay gaps and workplace racism.
EducationEmploymentCommunityFebruary 5, 2026
Racism at a gas station: a discharged combat veteran of Ethiopian descent turns to Tebeka
A customer at a gas station used severe racist slurs against a young discharged combat veteran of Ethiopian descent who asked her to wait her turn. The station manager backed him, and Tebeka opened a legal process.
CivicRightsFebruary 1, 2026
About 2,000 Ethiopian-Israeli protesters rally at the Knesset, demanding Aliyah resume
The 'Koach LaAliyah' organization staged a protest at the Knesset demanding the government increase the Aliyah budget and bring family members to Israel, amid roughly 10,000 waiting in Ethiopia and a worsening civil war.
ImmigrationCivicPolicyJanuary 30, 2026
Aliyah and Integration Ministry's 2026 budget — again with no dedicated funding for aliyah from Ethiopia
For the third year running, the 2026 Aliyah and Integration Ministry budget includes no dedicated funding to continue the aliyah of those waiting in Ethiopia — including 1,226 already approved to immigrate. The advocacy headquarters expressed "deep anger and pain."
PolicyImmigrationJanuary 8, 2026
PM's Office publishes report on the national program for integrating Ethiopian-Israelis
A summary report on the government program to integrate Ethiopian-Israelis ("New Path") details roughly ₪209.6 million in allocations, local authority projects, and bias-reduction efforts in social services.
PolicyImmigrationCivicDecember 29, 2025
Tebeka reports another case of alleged police violence — appeals to the State Attorney's Office
The organization alleges the use of excessive and disproportionate force against a young Ethiopian-Israeli man in southern Israel, and has appealed to reopen the case after the police internal affairs unit closed it.
RightsCivicDecember 11, 2025
Protest in Ashdod and criminal charges follow a violent arrest — the Mengistu case
A violent arrest of an Ashdod resident coping with mental distress sparked a wave of protest in the Ethiopian-Israeli community. The Public Defender's Office and police present differing accounts of the incident.
CivicRightsCommunityNovember 20, 2025
The 2025 Sigd central prayer gathering in Jerusalem
The central Sigd prayer gathering was held in Jerusalem on the Sherover Promenade, with a state blessing at 12:30 and the fast ending at 14:00. Coverage also addressed Ethiopian-Israeli integration into security services.
HolidaysCommunityNovember 17, 2025
Knesset committee: "Halting aliyah from Ethiopia is a disgrace to the State of Israel"
Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Committee chair MK Gilad Kariv attacked the government over the halt in aliyah from Ethiopia, and pledged to work toward resuming it. Most post-war aliyah has come from Russia, the US and France — while aliyah from Ethiopia remains stalled.
PolicyImmigrationCivicNovember 16, 2025
CBS: 177,600 Ethiopian-Israelis — updated Sigd 2025 data
Ahead of Sigd, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics published updated figures on the Ethiopian-Israeli community's size, geographic distribution, higher education and births.
CommunityEducationSeptember 17, 2025
Ruti Asraseiy honored at the Cameri Theater's annual actors' tribute
The veteran Ethiopian-Israeli actress was among 16 Cameri actors honored at an evening where a lifetime achievement award was also given to Haim Sela.
Community