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Rights for Ethiopian-Israeli Single Mothers in Jerusalem
Single mothers receive guaranteed alimony from BTL, subsidised daycare (80–100%), priority housing, and professional retraining support. Some benefits do not require finalised divorce proceedings.
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.
Guaranteed Alimony
If you have a court order for child support and the father is not paying — whether in Israel or abroad — the National Insurance Institute (BTL) will pay you directly and then pursue the father for repayment. Submit Form 551 with a copy of the court order and proof of non-payment. Amount: not per child. BTL pays the lower of the court award and the sum in the regulations, which is set by family composition and the woman's age (e.g. ILS 2,076/month for a woman under 55 with no children; ILS 4,049 with two or more children) — 1 Jan 2026.
Subsidised Daycare
Children of low-income single mothers are eligible for 80–100% subsidised daycare for children aged 3 months to 3 years. The mother must be working, studying, or registered as a job-seeker. Apply at the Employment Service office with proof of family status and income.
Housing Priority
Single Ethiopian-Israeli mothers accumulate double priority points — as single mothers and as Ethiopian-origin. Register with Amidar (the state housing company) and request the combined priority assessment.
When the Father Is Abroad
If the father is in Ethiopia or elsewhere, BTL will advance the court-ordered amounts and independently pursue the debt. You do not need to manage international collection yourself.
Key Contacts
- BTL guaranteed alimony (Form 551): btl.gov.il | *6050
- IEWA (Ethiopian women): iewa.org.il
- TEBEKA (legal aid): 072-2424622
- Employment Service (retraining): your nearest branch
Ethiopian community in Jerusalem
- Community population
- ~30,000
- Share of city
- ~4%
- Main neighbourhoods
- גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב
- Community services
- מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP
More rights in Jerusalem
This right in other cities
FAQ — Jerusalem
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Jerusalem?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Jerusalem numbers approximately ~30,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב.
- How do I claim Rights for Ethiopian-Israeli Single Mothers in Jerusalem?
- Contact the Jerusalem municipal welfare department — they are required to respond within 30 days. For support: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
- What community support is available in Jerusalem for this right?
- In Jerusalem, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
Related rights
High-Risk Pregnancy Benefit — Rights for Working Women
A woman ordered to bed rest by a doctor is entitled to 100% of her salary from NII directly. No employer approval needed.
Child Allowance — Full Rights 2026
Every child up to age 18 is entitled to child allowance. 2026: 162 ILS/month for the first child, increasing with each additional child.
Daycare Subsidy for Working Families
Subsidized daycare (ages 3 months – 3 years) for families where both parents work. Amount calibrated by combined income.
Employment Rights for People with Disabilities
The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations. Entitlements include a mobility allowance, tax benefits, and NII cost reduction.