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National-Civic Service for Community Youth in Sderot
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 Sderot
Sderot, located adjacent to the Gaza border, hosts a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community that has dealt with security challenges alongside economic hardship. The community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, and development projects in the city offer new housing opportunities.
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.
