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National-Civic Service for Community Youth in Ashdod
Alternative to army: 1-2 years serving the community (education, welfare, health), with benefits identical to standing-army soldiers — stipend, study grant, tax exemption.
About Ashdod
Ashdod, one of Israel's largest cities, is home to a large and well-rooted Israeli-Ethiopian community that arrived in the first waves of aliyah. The city offers a variety of properties — from apartments in established neighbourhoods to new projects — alongside an extensive network of community services and institutions.
When is it the right path?
- When the army doesn't fit (medical, psychological, or religious exemption) — or when civic-service track is preferred.
- For women — legally easier to enter civic over military.
- For older immigrants — drafted but prefer service in their hometown.
Benefits
- Stipend: ~₪5,000/month (varies by role)
- Housing: rental subsidy or shared housing
- Study grant: up to 5 years after service for tertiary education
- Tax exemption: first three working years post-release
- Recognized service for Bituach Leumi + public-sector roles
How to start
- Registration: via sherut-leumi.co.il → "Candidates"
- Choose a role: list of partner orgs — ENP, Tene Briut, Tebeka, Olim Beyahad are most of them
- Interview: with the host organization
- Start: usually 1st of the next month
Idea for community youth: Service at ENP/Fidel/Tene Briut = direct community work + career development in education/welfare/health.
Related rights
Aharai! — Pre-Army Leadership Program
Leadership program for youth 14-19 pre-draft. Provides life skills, career path, and aim toward a worthy military role. Strong collaboration with the Ethiopian-Israeli community.
Youth Mentorship — PERACH, ENP, Fidel
Academic/social mentorship programs for Ethiopian-Israeli youth. PERACH (university student → school pupil), ENP (32 cities, school-based), Fidel (families + mediators).
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.
Daycare Subsidy for Working Families
Subsidized daycare (ages 3 months – 3 years) for families where both parents work. Amount calibrated by combined income.
