Government approves new integration plan for Ethiopian community
New five-year plan to address all aspects of community life, offer assistance for housing, schooling, employment; government allocated NIS 870 million for project. 'We've created a program based on community's real needs,' says Olmert
The government approved Sunday a new, comprehensive integration plan aimed at facilitating the Ethiopian community's assimilation in Israeli society.
The five-year work plan will enjoy a budget of NIS 870 million ($24 million) and is expected to address welfare, education, military service, housing and employment issues. Out of the overall budget, some 10% will be utilized in 2008.
The program will also offer job training and the logistical and educational support needed to boost the number of Ethiopians finishing their high school education, taking the matriculation exams and attending university.
Increased housing grants and mortgage benefits will be made available in order to help those still living in absorption centers relocate to new communities; more social workers will be assigned to the community and those who wish will be able to use personal coaching.
Addressing community needs
The integration program was initiated by the Prime Minister's Office, the Immigrant Absorption Ministry and the campaign headquarters for the social equality of Ethiopian Jews.
"The involvement of the various government bureaus as representatives of the Ethiopian community allowed us to create a program based on the community's real needs," said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "I am convinced it will lead to an improvement in their assimilation in Israeli society."
Minister of Immigrant Absorption Jacob Edery reiterated: "It is Israel's national duty to give this community a real opportunity to face its absorptions problems."
Head of the campaign headquarters for the social equality of Ethiopian Jews, Gadi Yaberkan, welcomed the program: "The Israeli government is finally assuming responsibility for the Ethiopian community in Israel."
The Ethiopian community in Israel spans some 110,000 people, about half of whom are children and teenagers, and 31% of them were Israeli born.
Unemployment rates in the 18-35 segment of the Ethiopian community are 20.6% among men and 18.3% among women. Only 38% of the community's teen are eligible to take the matriculation exams.
