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Unconditional Scholarships — 7 Lesser-Known Sources in Sderot
Lesser-known scholarships: JDC, Menachem Begin, Bracha, Joint, Shalem Fund and more. Some are specific to Ethiopian-Israelis.
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.
7 Lesser-Known Scholarship Sources
- JDC-Ashalim: up to 20,000 ILS/year. No minimum grade required — requires community involvement. jdc.org.il/ashalim
- Shalem Fund: 12,000 ILS/year for young leaders aged 18-25. Ethiopian-Israelis preferred. shalemfund.org.il
- Reshit (TAU): 10,000 ILS/year for high-achieving periphery students. No field restriction. tau.ac.il/scholarships
- Menachem Begin Fund: 8,000 ILS/year, all fields. beginheritage.co.il
- JNF/KKL: 6,000-12,000 ILS/year for agriculture, environment, engineering. kkl-jnf.org.il
- Penina-Bracha Fund: 5,000 ILS specifically for Ethiopian-Israeli women, first degree. brachafund.org.il
- Internal university scholarships: Every university has unpublicised internal grants — contact the social worker at your institution directly.
Scholarship database: milgapo.co.il | che.org.il
About Sderot
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.
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.
Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.