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Unemployment Benefit — Complete Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis in Rishon LeZion
Anyone who worked at least 12 months in the last 18 months and lost their job is entitled to unemployment benefit. You must register at the Employment Service within 14 days of job loss. Benefit: 45–80% of last salary.
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.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who worked at least 12 of the last 18 months (with National Insurance contributions), lost their job without fault (dismissal, contract expiry, business closure — not voluntary resignation), and registered at the Employment Service within 14 days of job loss.
Benefit Rate
- Single, no children (months 1–3): 50% of last salary
- From month 4: 45%
- With children or sole breadwinner: 60–80%
- Daily cap: approx. ₪800 (2025)
Duration
- Age 25–35: 70 days
- Age 35–45: 100 days
- Age 45–67: 138 days
How to Apply
- Go to the nearest Employment Service office within 14 days — every late day means lost benefit.
- Bring: ID, termination letter, last 3 salary slips, employment-period confirmation.
- BTL entitlement activates automatically — no separate claim needed in most cases.
Appeal
If rejected: appeal in writing within 30 days. TEBEKA (072-2424622) can assist with representation before BTL and the Labour Court.
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
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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 Unemployment Benefit — Complete Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis in Rishon LeZion?
- Contact the Rishon LeZion Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. 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.
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