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Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans in Jerusalem
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.
About Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel's capital, hosts a large Israeli-Ethiopian community concentrated historically in the Gondar neighbourhood in the north and with significant presence in Kiryat HaYovel and other areas. The city is home to the Centre for Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and several traditional synagogues led by kessim, alongside a broad housing market.
Discharge Grant
The Ministry of Defense — Rehabilitation Division grants a discharge payment based on service length:
- Regular service (2-3 years): 60,000–80,000 ILS
- Extended service (4+ years): up to 120,000 ILS
Post-Discharge Education Grant
All discharged soldiers receive state funding for academic studies: up to 80% of tuition at public universities, up to 60% at recognised colleges. Valid for 4 years (5 for combat veterans).
Mortgage Points
Military service qualifies for favourable mortgage rate adjustments. Can be combined with the 600K programme.
Civil Service Preference
The Affirmative Representation Law requires preference for Ethiopian-Israelis in government hiring. Military service adds points in civil service scoring.
PTSD and Disability Recognition
Soldiers who developed PTSD during service qualify for IDF disability recognition, including monthly pension, rehabilitation, and full medical coverage.
📞 Rehabilitation Division: 03-7381111
Ethiopian community in Jerusalem
- Community population
- ~30,000
- Share of city
- ~4%
- Main neighbourhoods
- גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב
- Community services
- מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP
More rights in Jerusalem
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FAQ — Jerusalem
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Jerusalem?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Jerusalem numbers approximately ~30,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב.
- How do I claim Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans in Jerusalem?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Jerusalem. For support: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
- What community support is available in Jerusalem for this right?
- In Jerusalem, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
Related rights
Mortgage for Ethiopian Israelis — Community Mortgage, 600,000 ILS
The programme is real but **registration is closed** — there is no open lottery, and the ministry has removed its programme pages. The terms as set: up to ILS 600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10 years and 2% for the next 15.
Housing Grants for Ethiopian Immigrants Living in Absorption Centers or Absorption Sites
For a family, senior citizen or individual who immigrated from Ethiopia and is leaving an absorption center or absorption site, and meets the Ministry of Construction and Housing's "lacking housing" definition. Based on Government Decision 1103 (10.2.2022), valid through end of 2031.
Family Payments for Soldiers (ת"ש / תשמ"ש) — Financial Support in Compulsory Service
תשמ"ש is a monthly payment intended to secure the minimum subsistence of a soldier's family. Pre-recruits and compulsory-service soldiers who — or whose families — face financial or social difficulties may apply. The application goes to the family-support NCO: at the recruitment office before enlistment, and in the unit during service.
Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026
What still exists and what has closed: the ₪600,000 loan is not open for registration, and the absorption-centre housing grant for olim from Ethiopia (Decision 1103) is the active route — ₪235,000 to ₪650,000 by family composition.