Ethiopian-Israeli community in Or Yehuda — 2026 guide

Or Yehuda — cohesive community near Ben Gurion Airport

~3,500 Ethiopian-Israeli community members in Or Yehuda (CBS 2024) — ~9% of the city's total population. Small city size makes the community proportionally significant and cohesive.

Unique employment advantage: Ben Gurion Airport

Ben Gurion International Airport is approximately 5 km from Or Yehuda. The airport employs thousands in security, logistics, ground services, and maintenance. The community benefits from a clear geographic advantage — fast commute, low travel cost. Apply through security firms (ICM Security, ICTS) and logistics companies via the Employment Service.

Key organisations

Ethiopian Community Cultural Centre Or Yehuda — HaDar 6, Neighbourhood B, tel 03-535-0022. Youth and adult groups, Amharic classes, women's committee, elders' committee. Special: "Gesher (Bridge) Group" — intergenerational meetings between first and second generation.
Yadid Or Yehuda representative — rights counselling via Tel Aviv branch, tel 03-561-0011.
Beta Israel Synagogue Or Yehuda — HaDar 4, Neighbourhood B. Original Kessim from the first aliyah wave still lead the community.

Health services

Tene Briut Or Yehuda — Jabotinsky 22 (inside Maccabi). Sun–Thu 08:00–18:00. Hebrew, Amharic. HbA1c screening, diabetes prevention, mental health.

Employment

Employment Service Or Yehuda — HaAtzmaut 10, tel 03-535-7700. Airport employer connections; industrial zone referrals.

Main employment streams: airport security and maintenance, logistics/warehousing, construction/renovation.

Absorption

BTL Or Yehuda — Sokolov 5, tel 03-535-5200. Sun–Thu 08:30–13:00.

Education: "Galim" elementary school

"Galim" school in Neighbourhood B — ~35% Ethiopian-Israeli students. Participates in the national "Gesher" achievement-improvement programme.

Sigd

Annual ceremony at the city park — ~500 participants. Cultural centre and Beta Israel Synagogue organise together.