Direct Absorption — Falash Mura 2026 Pilot
2026 pilot — Falash Mura olim placed directly into housing rather than absorption centers. Rolling out in cities with established community support frameworks. First direct-absorption deployment for the community.
What changed in 2026?
Until 2025, Falash Mura olim went through absorption centers (months to years). The centers were challenging: crowding, distance from veteran-immigrant family, slow Hebrew acquisition.
The new pilot (2026) shifts to direct housing absorption — a subsidized apartment in a city with community support already in place.
Pilot cities
- Netanya (35,000+ veteran community)
- Rishon LeZion (~12,000)
- Rehovot (~8,500)
- Kiryat Malakhi (15.1% of municipal population)
What's included?
- Subsidized rental for the first months (up to 12)
- Community accompaniment via support orgs (ENP, Tene Briut, IAEJ)
- Hebrew ulpan near the apartment
- Health coverage + klita basket (see klita-basket entry)
How to enroll
- On aliyah: register at Ministry of Aliyah as Falash Mura immigrant
- City choice: check availability in pilot cities (rolling annually)
- Community attachment: connect to a local org (ENP / Fidel / Tene Briut)
- Monthly check-ins: integration progress updates for 12 months
📞 Aliyah hotline: *5454
Related rights
Community Mortgage — 600,000 ILS for Ethiopian-Israelis
Govt loan for Ethiopian-Israeli families: ₪600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10, 2% for the next 15. Allocated by annual lottery (~200 families).
Advanced Ulpan (Bet / Gimmel) — Hebrew Beyond Basics
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.
Tax Benefits for New Immigrants (5/10 years)
10-year income tax exemption on foreign income, enhanced tax credits for 5 years, customs exemption on personal effects. Applies to all olim — including Ethiopian-Israelis.
Klita Basket — Absorption Aid for New Immigrants
Monthly cash payment to new immigrants during the first year post-aliyah. Amount varies by family status and age.
