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Absorption Basket for Immigrant Students in Rishon LeZion
For every new immigrant student, including Ethiopian-Israelis. The amount varies by aliyah date, age group and country of origin — check the exact figure with the school or Ministry of Education.
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 the absorption basket?
The absorption basket — also called "education fee" — is financial support the Ministry of Education transfers to every immigrant student's school, to help cover start-of-year education costs: textbooks, cultural activities, trips and events that parents of veteran students usually have to pay for themselves.
Who is it for?
Every new immigrant student in the Israeli education system, including Ethiopian-Israelis. The support amount is set individually per student, based on three factors:
- Aliyah (immigration) date
- Education stage — elementary, middle school or high school
- Country of origin
Because of this, there is no single amount that applies to everyone, and it also changes from year to year.
What's included?
- Funding for textbooks at the start of the school year
- Funding for activities that parents at many schools are otherwise expected to pay for themselves — trips, cultural programs, school events
- The money is transferred from the state to the local authority / school ownership entity, which passes it on to the school for the student
Important: the exact shekel amount depends on the student's aliyah date, education stage and country of origin — check the relevant figure with the school or Ministry of Education directly, rather than relying on a fixed number found online (including outdated figures still circulating from old circulars).
How to apply / check eligibility
- In most cases there's no separate application — the school receives the basket and is required to inform parents of the amount received and what it was spent on; parents sign to acknowledge receipt.
- If the school charged you in advance (for trips, books, etc.) and a balance remains after the basket is received, the school must refund the balance to parents.
- To check eligibility and the exact amount for your child — contact the school office, the local Ministry of Education district, or the official sources:
- Ministry of Education: Absorption basket for immigrant students
- Kol-Zchut: Education fee (absorption basket) for Ethiopian-Israeli students_%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%93%D7%99%D7%9D_%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A6%D7%90%D7%99_%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%94)
- Freedom of Information portal: Absorption basket for Ethiopian-Israeli immigrants
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 Absorption Basket for Immigrant Students in Rishon LeZion?
- Apply via the relevant government body 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
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.
Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants
The Ministry of Aliyah funds vocational courses through a voucher covering up to 80% of the cost, capped at ILS 7,000. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia.
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.
Daycare Subsidy for Working Families
Subsidized daycare (ages 3 months – 3 years) for families where both parents work. Amount calibrated by combined income.