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Aharai! — Pre-Army Leadership Program in Kiryat Gat
Leadership program for youth 14-19 pre-draft. Provides life skills, career path, and aim toward a worthy military role. Strong collaboration with the Ethiopian-Israeli community.
About Kiryat Gat
Kiryat Gat has one of the highest proportions of Israeli-Ethiopian community members relative to total population in Israel. The community has been active in the city for decades, with a broad network of organisations, schools and initiatives — and a correspondingly high demand for fair housing options.
What the program includes
- Weekly workshops: group dialogue, leadership, values, future planning
- Officer tracks: prep for IDF officer school — exams, interviews, psycho-technical
- Career paths: matching to IDF roles by talent (tech, intelligence, command)
- Personal mentor: each participant assigned a personal mentor for the whole process
- Community: belonging to a multi-city group of leading youth
Who is eligible?
- Youth 14-19 (high school, in some tracks ages 12+)
- Motivation to contribute (academic excellence not required)
- Community-engaged — interested in leadership within the community alongside IDF
How to join
- Registration: aharai.org.il → "Join"
- Interview: personal + group
- Trial period: 1-2 months
- Participation: usually 1-2 times per week + weekend events
Bonus value: alumni network of commanders, tech professionals, and social activists. Meaningful community connections.
Ethiopian community in Kiryat Gat
- Community population
- ~15,000
- Share of city
- ~28%
- Main neighbourhoods
- מרכז, מזרח, גבעת השלושה
- Community services
- ENP, מתנ"ס, ביה"ס קהילתי
More rights in Kiryat Gat
This right in other cities
FAQ — Kiryat Gat
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Kiryat Gat?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Kiryat Gat numbers approximately ~15,000 residents — around ~28% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: מרכז, מזרח, גבעת השלושה.
- How do I claim Aharai! — Pre-Army Leadership Program in Kiryat Gat?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Kiryat Gat. For support: ENP, מתנ"ס, ביה"ס קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Kiryat Gat for this right?
- In Kiryat Gat, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, מתנ"ס, ביה"ס קהילתי.
Related rights
National-Civic Service for Community Youth
Alternative to the army: 1-2 years serving the community (education, welfare, health). The subsistence payment is ₪810 a month, plus a tiered maintenance allowance and free travel.
Youth Mentorship — PERACH, ENP, Fidel
Academic/social mentorship programs for Ethiopian-Israeli youth. PERACH (university student → school pupil), ENP (32 cities, school-based), Fidel (families + mediators).
Excellence Employment Programs — Olim Beyahad & Tech-Career
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"Lamerchak" — Employment Guidance for Ethiopian-Israelis
A programme of Israel's Labour Branch and JDC Israel for Ethiopian-Israelis aged 18-45 not in service: those with education or a professional certificate working in unskilled jobs, those not working but motivated to advance, and discharged soldiers. Personal mentoring and funded training — free of charge.