Home / Rights & Programs / Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026
Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026 in Jerusalem
Complete guide to all mortgage programs available to Ethiopian-Israelis: the 600K loan, Homot grant, 90% financing eligibility, and special interest tracks.
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.
Mortgage Programs for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Ethiopian-Israelis have access to several preferential programs not available to the general public:
1. The 600,000 ILS State Loan (Annual Lottery)
0% interest for the first 10 years, 2% for the next 15. Approx. 200 families win per year. Register at Bank Leumi, Discount, or Igud branches in January–February.
2. "Homot" Grant (Ministry of Construction)
One-time grant of 120,000–200,000 ILS for first-home purchase. Conditions: family income up to ~18,000 ILS/month, first apartment, age 21+. Can be combined with the 600K loan.
3. Up to 90% Financing
Approved banks (Leumi, Mizrahi, HaPoalim) approve up to 90% of property value — vs. the standard 75% — for government-program eligible applicants.
4. Military Service Mortgage Points
Army service qualifies for additional interest-rate points and more flexible repayment terms.
Application Steps
- Check eligibility: gov.il/he/service/first-time-homebuyers
- Meet with a certified mortgage advisor (community-familiar — see /en/professionals)
- Submit to bank: ID, 3 months pay slips, NII confirmation
- Preliminary approval → sign purchase contract → release of funds
📞 Ministry of Construction hotline: 5442 | Ministry of Aliya: 3450
About Jerusalem
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).
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.
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.