How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Haifa?

The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Haifa numbers approximately ~10,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: כרמל הצרפתי, הדר, כרמליה.

What community support is available in Haifa for this right?

In Haifa, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP חיפה, בית הספר לקהילה.

Home / Rights & Programs / Community Mortgage — 600,000 ILS for Ethiopian-Israelis

Community Mortgage — 600,000 ILS for Ethiopian-Israelis in Haifa

Govt loan for Ethiopian-Israeli families: ₪600,000 over 25 years, 0% interest for the first 10, 2% for the next 15. Allocated by annual lottery (~200 families).

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About Haifa

Haifa is home to an established Israeli-Ethiopian community, spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city. The local real-estate market offers a range of housing options — from modern projects in the Carmel area to neighbourhoods with urban-renewal potential in the eastern part of the city.

More about the city →

Who is eligible?

Any household where at least one criterion holds:

One of the spouses was born in Ethiopia
One of the spouses' parents was born in Ethiopia
The couple is defined as "Falash Mura" with confirmed aliyah

Loan terms

Amount: ₪600,000
Term: 25 years
Rate: 0% for the first 10 years, 2% for the next 15
Down payment: 5% of property value
Registration: ₪70 at a participating bank branch (annual lottery)

How to apply

Register at a participating bank branch (Leumi / Discount / Igud)
Wait for annual lottery results (~200 winners)
On winning, the bank sends approval to sign a purchase contract
Submit documents: ID, income proof, absorption-program confirmation (if relevant)

Quick eligibility check — mortgage calculator.

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Ethiopian community in Haifa

Community population: ~10,000
Share of city: ~4%
Main neighbourhoods: כרמל הצרפתי, הדר, כרמליה
Community services: ENP חיפה, בית הספר לקהילה

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FAQ — Haifa

How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Haifa?: The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Haifa numbers approximately ~10,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: כרמל הצרפתי, הדר, כרמליה.
How do I claim Community Mortgage — 600,000 ILS for Ethiopian-Israelis in Haifa?: Apply via the Government Housing Authority website or the local Ministry of Construction office in Haifa. For support: ENP חיפה, בית הספר לקהילה.
What community support is available in Haifa for this right?: In Haifa, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP חיפה, בית הספר לקהילה.

Mortgage Guide for Ethiopian-Israelis 2026

Complete guide to all mortgage programs available to Ethiopian-Israelis: the 600K loan, Homot grant, 90% financing eligibility, and special interest tracks.

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Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans

Ethiopian-Israeli discharged soldiers are entitled to a discharge grant of up to 120,000 ILS, an education scholarship, mortgage points, and preference in civil service.

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Free Mortgage Counselling — Guide for Those Entitled

The Ministry of Housing funds free mortgage counselling for housing benefit recipients. A certified adviser saves tens of thousands of ILS in interest.