Home / Rights & Programs / Advanced Ulpan (Bet / Gimmel) — Hebrew Beyond Basics
Advanced Ulpan (Bet / Gimmel) — Hebrew Beyond Basics in Ashkelon
Continued Hebrew studies beyond basic ulpan. Ulpan Bet (everyday), Gimmel (academic). Free / subsidized via Ministry of Aliyah. Every immigrant is eligible during the first 10 years.
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
Who is eligible?
- Every oleh — even veteran community members who immigrated as children can apply (10 years from aliyah)
- Academic-degree candidates — Ulpan Gimmel teaches at academic level
- Workers wanting career advancement — Ulpan Bet for professional Hebrew
Available levels
- Ulpan Bet: 5 months, daily. Grammar, daily vocabulary, writing. Free via community center / municipal HS
- Ulpan Gimmel: 4 months, advanced. Journalistic, literary, academic Hebrew. 50% subsidy via Ministry of Aliyah
- Specialized ulpan: for professions (law, medicine, education) — dedicated programs
- Online study: Hebrew Online, eTeacher — suitable for working adults
How to start
- Level assessment: test at a municipal ulpan (10-min conversation + short text)
- Registration: municipal HS, or via Ministry of Aliyah
- Timing: Ulpan Bet starts September and February; Gimmel starts October and March
- Combine with Ulpan Otzma: tailored for workers — evening/morning hours
🔗 Ministry of Aliyah — Ulpan: gov.il/integration_program
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim Advanced Ulpan (Bet / Gimmel) — Hebrew Beyond Basics in Ashkelon?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Ashkelon. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
Related rights
Absorption Basket for Immigrant Students
For every new immigrant student, including Ethiopian-Israelis. The amount varies by aliyah date, age group and country of origin — check the exact figure with the school or Ministry of Education.
Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants
The Ministry of Aliyah funds vocational courses through a voucher covering up to 80% of the cost, capped at ILS 7,000. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia.
Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans
Ethiopian-Israeli discharged soldiers are entitled to a discharge grant of up to 120,000 ILS, an education scholarship, mortgage points, and preference in civil service.
Daycare Subsidy for Working Families
Subsidized daycare (ages 3 months – 3 years) for families where both parents work. Amount calibrated by combined income.