Ethiopian-Israelis

When they arrived in Israel, most Ethiopian immigrants had no formal education and could not even read or write their native language, Amharic. The severity of this transnational culture shock cannot be underestimated. In many instances, Ethiopian immigrants have been forced to acclimate to technological and informational differences that have separated them from the rest of the Israeli community for hundreds of years. In addition to adjusting to life in a developed and technologically advanced society, Ethiopian immigrants must acculturate to an unfamiliar climate, a new language, and foreign religious rituals and social customs. This influx of Ethiopian Jews to Israel has given way to major issues. One of the greatest challenges has been determining how this group can integrate itself into Israeli society, and correspondingly, determining how this community of Jews can adapt to major cultural and social differences that accompany their relocation. 

The Central Bureau of Statistics in Israel released a report on November 11, 2020 regarding the Ethiopian-Israeli community:

  • Approximately 170,000 Ethiopian immigrants are living in Israel today. Of these, 67,800 were born in Israel.
  • The average household size in the Ethiopian community was 3.82 persons, higher than the average for the general population (3.03).
  • In 2019, children aged 0-14 comprised 26.7% of the Ethiopian population, compared to 27.1%  in the population of Jews and others.
  • The majority of the Ethiopian population lives in two districts: the Central District (38%) and the Southern District (25%). At the end of 2019, Netanya had the largest number of Ethiopian residents (12,000 persons).
  • 87% of married Ethiopians are married to Ethiopians.
  • In 2019, the net money income per household among Ethiopian-Israelis was of NIS 14,027 compared to NIS 17,276 for all households. The monthly expenditure on education, culture and entertainment among Ethiopian households was NIS 1,234, compared to the NIS 1,798 national average.

Facts and Figures on University Students (From the Central Bureau of Statistics 2020)

Current Situation

  • About 3,546 Ethiopian-Israelis comprise the student population, ages 20-30, and are enrolled in institutions of higher learning – 1.3% of the total student population in Israel.
  • Number of students in Masters programs - 452.

Goals/Challenges

  • Provide Ethiopian-Israeli students with the proper coping mechanisms to handle academic and social challenges that they may encounter throughout their studies. 
  • Enable Ethiopian-Israeli students to complete their degrees. 
  • Decrease school dropout rates.
  • Increase the number of students who go on to complete second and third degrees.
  • Make higher education more accessible - goal of increasing college matriculation by 700 students per academic year.

Facts and Figures on IDF Preparation (From the IDF website, 2017)

Current Situation

  • The enlistment rate among Ethiopian-Israelis to the IDF is 88% for boys and 64% for girls.

Goals/Challenges

  • Improve opportunities in army service - increase the percentage of commanders and officers who are placed in important positions.
  • Reduce army discharge - 24% of Ethiopian-Israelis are discharged before they complete their army service.
  • Decrease rates of imprisonment - national indexes state that 16% of Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers are imprisoned at least once over the course of their army service.
  • Improve education - 10% of Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers have completed only 10 years of schooling.
  • Assist in personal affairs - 36% of Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers are eligible for personal support services.

For Further Reading