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Right to Public Housing — Waiting List and How to Apply in Rishon LeZion
Low-income families with long residency can apply for public housing. Average wait: 8-15 years, but special eligible groups receive priority.
About Rishon LeZion
Rishon LeZion is home to a large, active Israeli-Ethiopian community, historically concentrated in the Ramat Eliyahu neighbourhood — originally built as absorption housing and now a long-standing community centre. The neighbourhood is at the heart of urban-renewal efforts, alongside a growing second-generation presence across the city.
What is Public Housing?
State-owned apartments (Amidar/Amigour) rented at subsidised prices (~20-30% of market rate) to low-income families.
Who Qualifies?
Israeli resident for at least 12 years; no property ownership; income below threshold (by family size). Priority: severe physical disability, homeless elderly, family with disabled child.
Average Wait Time
8-15 years nationally. Apply regardless — the clock starts from application date.
Special Priority for Ethiopian Immigrants
Falashmura and Operation Solomon olim may have priority on the waiting list under special government decree — check with Ministry of Aliyah.
📞 Amidar: 03-9533333 | Ministry of Housing: *5442
Ethiopian community in Rishon LeZion
- Community population
- ~12,000
- Share of city
- ~8%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אליהו, נחלה
- Community services
- תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי
More rights in Rishon LeZion
This right in other cities
FAQ — Rishon LeZion
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Rishon LeZion?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rishon LeZion numbers approximately ~12,000 residents — around ~8% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אליהו, נחלה.
- How do I claim Right to Public Housing — Waiting List and How to Apply in Rishon LeZion?
- Apply via the Government Housing Authority website or the local Ministry of Construction office in Rishon LeZion. For support: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
- What community support is available in Rishon LeZion for this right?
- In Rishon LeZion, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
Related rights
Free Mortgage Counselling — Guide for Those Entitled
The Ministry of Housing funds free mortgage counselling for housing benefit recipients. A certified adviser saves tens of thousands of ILS in interest.
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.
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.