Home / Rights & Programs / Klita Basket for Ethiopian Olim — Complete Guide
Klita Basket for Ethiopian Olim — Complete Guide in Ashkelon
Ethiopian olim and Falash Mura immigrants receive an extended klita basket: monthly stipend, adjustment grants, ulpan voucher, 6-month health coverage, and vocational training.
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.
What makes the Ethiopian-Israelis' klita basket unique?
Ethiopian olim (including Falash Mura) receive an extended klita basket that differs from the standard one. The government recognised the need for increased support given the large geographic and cultural distance from Israel.
What the basket includes
Monthly payments
- Single: approx. ₪3,500/month in the first year
- Couple without children: approx. ₪6,200/month
- Couple with children: approx. ₪800 extra per child
- Single parent: approx. ₪5,400 + child additions
One-time grants
- Initial absorption grant (on arrival): ₪9,000–₪19,000 by family size
- Cultural adjustment grant: ₪2,500 (unique to immigrants from Africa)
- Furniture grant: ₪3,000–₪7,500 by family size
Additional services
- Ulpan voucher: up to 500 Hebrew study hours (Aleph–Dalet) — free
- Extended health coverage: 6 months with health fund at no extra charge
- Employment counselling: 12 free sessions with a Ministry of Aliyah adviser
- Vocational training vouchers: up to ₪12,000 for accredited courses
Who is eligible?
- An oleh from Ethiopia who immigrated from 1984 (Operation Moses / Solomon / Shivtei Israel)
- Falash Mura olim who arrived via the ingathering track
- Children and spouses who immigrated together
Steps to receive the basket
- Register — within 30 days of arrival, at the nearest Ministry of Aliyah office
- Present documents: immigrant ID, aliyah confirmation, proof of Ethiopian origin
- Open a bank account for the automatic payments
- Choose an ulpan (required for the full basket)
- Counselling session with a community social worker
Falash Mura — special track
Falash Mura olim who arrived from 2016 are entitled to a separate basket including:
- Extended basket period: 24 months (vs. 12 for a standard oleh)
- Psycho-social support: sessions with a community therapist
- Official recognition of prior qualifications — professional recognition committee
Official links
- Ministry of Aliyah — klita basket
- Advice hotline: 5454* — available in Hebrew, English, and Amharic
Related rights
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.
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.
Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants
New immigrants are entitled to vocational training vouchers worth up to ₪12,000 for accredited courses — to acquire a trade and integrate into the Israeli labour market.
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).
