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Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans in Kiryat Gat
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 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.
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 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
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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 Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans 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
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.