Finance Committee approves 2026 budget — ₪13M for Hebrew ulpan, budget for Ethiopian Jewish heritage center

On March 23, 2026, the Knesset Finance Committee approved the 2026 state budget, totaling roughly ₪850.59 billion. Two specific line items relevant to the Ethiopian-Israeli community were included in the approval.

What was approved

• ₪13 million for Hebrew ulpan studies for immigrants — a budget within the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration earmarked for Hebrew ulpan studies for new immigrants, including Ethiopian-Israelis.
• Ethiopian Jewish Heritage Center — transferred to the Heritage Ministry, with a dedicated budget of ₪2.5 million.

Context

The total 2026 budget stands at roughly ₪850.59 billion. The line items for Hebrew studies and Ethiopian Jewish heritage represent a small, defined slice of the broader budget, but directly affect services the community relies on — language learning for new immigrants on one hand, and preserving and transmitting cultural heritage on the other.

Source

Walla Finance, March 23, 2026: Finance Committee approves 2026 budget