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Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026 in Ashkelon
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.
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.
Mortgage Programs for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Four claims that stood on this page have been removed. They are named below so that you recognise them if you meet them elsewhere — none of them should be acted on.
1. The ₪600,000 state loan — real terms, wrong tense
The loan itself existed and its terms were as described. But it was a time-limited allocation from 2016; the first registration round closed on 18.4.2017 and both ministry programme pages now return 404. There is no annual lottery and no January registration window. The page also listed Bank Igud, which was dissolved in 2020.
2. The "Homot" grant of ₪120,000-200,000
No grant by that name was found. The real instrument is the absorption-centre housing grant, worth ₪235,000-650,000 by family size under Government Decision 1103 — a different programme, with different amounts and a different route.
3. There is no 90% financing track
Bank of Israel rules cap a first-home buyer at 75% financing. No track approving 90% for government-programme applicants was found, and the line claiming one has been removed.
4. Military-service mortgage points
Not verified against any official source; searched for and not located. Do not act on this.
Application steps
- Check eligibility: gov.il/he/service/first-time-homebuyers
- Meet a certified mortgage advisor (community-familiar — see /en/professionals)
- Submit to the bank: ID, 3 months of pay slips, National Insurance confirmation
- Preliminary approval → sign the purchase contract → release of funds
📞 Ministry of Construction hotline: 5442 | Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: 3450
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026 in Ashkelon?
- Apply via the Government Housing Authority website or the local Ministry of Construction office in Ashkelon. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז 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.
Rental Assistance for New Immigrants — Guide 2026
New immigrants are entitled to rental assistance for up to 36 months: single 2,000 ILS/month, couple 3,100, family with children up to 4,400 ILS/month.
Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans
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.