Ashdod

Opportunities for Assistance:
Make a Difference in Ashdod

Your support will help create a brighter future for Ethiopian-Israelis in Ashdod!

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The Challenge

Ashdod, which dates back to the 17th century B.C., is Israel’s fifth largest city. The city is home to Israel’s largest port, which receives 60% of the country’s imported cargo. Ashdod is also well known for its natural beauty as Ashdod-Nitzanim, a twenty-kilometer stretch of sand dunes and nature reserves, lies on the city’s southern outskirts.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (2019), Ashdod has a population of roughly 226,000 and is home to one of the country’s largest Ethiopian-Israeli communities. Ethiopian-Israelis account for roughly 3% of Ashdod’s total population. Approximately 40% of Ethiopian-Israelis in Ashdod are aged 17 or younger.

A positive change for Ethiopian-Israeli citizens of Ashdod

While Ethiopian-Israelis have historically been of lower socioeconomic standing than the general Israeli population, a Brookdale Institute research study indicates that Ashdod’s Ethiopian-Israeli population is making positive progress:

•Unemployment rates have been on the decline for Ethiopian-Israeli men and women age 44 and under. More widespread proficiency in Hebrew means an easier time getting jobs.

•Since 2002, participations rates in after school activities (children ages 6 - 13) have steadily increased (43% of Ethiopian-Israeli households in Ashdod have at least 6 children).  

ENP's Response

Students preparing for Bagrut with the ENP Scholastic Assistance Program

ENP's Scholastic Assistance program encourages students to explore their passions by providing them with cultural activities. 

We are happy to show the results from our successful program in Ashdod:
•In 2013, 334 students attend the ENP Scholastic Assistance Program.
•From 2008-2009, 82% of “Reaching the Top” students were eligible for the bagrut (matriculation) certificate.
•From 2008-2009, 55% of students achieved scores that offered them admission to university. This figure is rising every year! 
•In 2009, 83% of Scholastic Assistance participants graduating 9th grade were tracked in matriculation classes, in contrast to only 71% of students in 2007. This figure is 5% higher than the average of their non-Ethiopian peers (only 78%)! 
•From 2008-2009, 75% of Scholastic Assistance students in Ashdod were eligible for matriculation certificates.
•In 2010, 58% of the students reported a "positive" or "very positive" change in their hopes for the future. 
•In 2010, 74% of the students reported "great" or "very great" improvement in their self-images. 

Did you know that…
In 2011, the 11th grade students at the Makif Yud school initiated a “big sister” program, and paired themselves with younger participants to provide guidance. "Big sisters" made sure that their "little sisters" arrived to the program activities on time, and participated in workshops with them, providing support and comfort in times of need. This program was beneficial in both directions, supplying youth with counseling, and empowering older students to become role models for the rest of the community.