Home / Rights & Programs / Urban Renewal — Ramat Eliyahu (Rishon LeZion)
Urban Renewal — Ramat Eliyahu (Rishon LeZion) in Rishon LeZion
Evacuation-rebuild program in Ramat Eliyahu (Rishon LeZion) — one of 5 priority neighborhoods for the Ethiopian community. Residents receive a new apartment.
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?
Current residents of buildings in Ramat Eliyahu, Rishon LeZion. The neighborhood was marked priority in 2024 with a dedicated administration and community-bridge mandate.
What's included
- New apartment in place (typically 15-25% larger)
- Temporary rent during construction (~30 months)
- Purchase tax treated as first-home
- Separate budget for neighborhood infrastructure
Process
- Eligibility check at the administration
- Sign resident agreement (66%-80% of building residents)
- Independent attorney for residents (Tebeka can assist)
- Local committee approves
- Construction 2-3 years → return
⚠️ Consult independent attorney before signing.
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
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 Urban Renewal — Ramat Eliyahu (Rishon LeZion) 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
Urban Renewal — Kiryat Moshe (Rehovot)
Urban renewal program in Kiryat Moshe (Rehovot) — one of 5 priority neighborhoods for the community. Residents receive a new apartment under evacuation-rebuild or TAMA 38 agreement.
Urban Renewal — Netanya (Dora / Ramat Yadin / Neot Shaked)
Evacuation-rebuild in three Netanya neighborhoods: Dora (=Ramat Yadin), Neot Shaked, and Kiryat Nordau. Priority areas. Netanya hosts the largest veteran Ethiopian community.
Housing Grants for Ethiopian Immigrants Living in Absorption Centers or Absorption Sites
For a family, senior citizen or individual who immigrated from Ethiopia and is leaving an absorption center or absorption site, and meets the Ministry of Construction and Housing's "lacking housing" definition. Based on Government Decision 1103 (10.2.2022), valid through end of 2031.
Tenant Rights in Demolish-Rebuild (Pinui-Binui) Projects
Apartment owners in pinui-binui projects are entitled to a larger new apartment, rental compensation during construction, and capital-gains tax exemption.