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Sigd Event Funding — Community Holiday in Jerusalem
Sigd (29 Cheshvan) — Beta Israel holiday officially recognized as a state holiday. Budget for funding events in cities, schools, and pre-army academies. Via Ministry of Culture + municipalities.
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.
What is Sigd?
A Beta Israel holiday on 29 Cheshvan (~50 days after Yom Kippur). Marks renewing the covenant with God and yearning for Zion. Recognized in 2008 as an official state holiday. Jerusalem — center of national celebration.
Who is eligible for funding?
- Schools: Sigd-themed teacher training + student content — Ministry of Education budget
- Municipalities: neighborhood event funding
- Community orgs: IAEJ, Heritage Center, local councils
- Pre-army academies & yeshivas: Sigd workshops for HS graduates
- Urban culture: concerts, exhibitions
Typical budgets
- Neighborhood event: up to ₪10,000 (school/community)
- City event: ₪30,000-100,000 (mainly in mixed-community neighborhoods)
- National event: ₪500,000+ (central ceremony in Jerusalem)
How to apply
- RFP launch: on Ministry of Culture website (June-July annually)
- Submit via municipality: event plan + budget
- Partnership with IAEJ: cultural accompaniment and audience
- Deadline: September (for November holiday)
