Jerusalem, May 28, 2024 – The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration hosted hundreds of new Olim from Ethiopia who participated in a job fair held at the Altshul absorption center in Be’er Sheva. The fair was designed to offer immigrants opportunities for employment in southern Israel and to provide them with an occupational roadmap for their first years in Israel.

At the fair, about 30 leading companies and organizations presented the Olim with a variety of employment opportunities in communities such as Be’er Sheva, Sderot and Ofakim. Sessions were also presented on the job market in Israel, labor laws and workers’ rights, targeted resume writing and more.

Olim who participated in the job fair came to Israel from Ethiopia in the last wave of Operation Tzur Israel. They live in absorption centers operated by The Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in the south of the country (in the cities of Be’er Sheva, Arad, Kiryat Gat, Ashkelon and Sha’ar Hanegev) and receive comprehensive support during their initial absorption period to help them integrate optimally into Israeli society.

According to data provided by The Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, approximately 95% of working-age olim living in absorption centers throughout the country have already found employment in Israel. The job fair held in Be’er Sheva aims to expand the range of jobs offered to academic and non-academic Olim, in a variety of fields. The Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration intend to hold a similar fair in the future for immigrants living in the north of the country.

Head of Ethiopian Aliyah at The Jewish Agency, Avtamo Yosef, said, “The world of professional training for Ethiopian olim living in the absorption centers has been significantly expanded and today we offer a diverse array of professional training adapted to experience and level of education.”

Yosef added that in the past two years, over 900 immigrants from Ethiopia participated in various training programs run by The Jewish Agency, including in the fields of industry, paramedical professions, education, and more. Intensive high-tech training for Ethiopian olim has also recently begun to better help them integrate them into the tech industry.

Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Avichai Kahana, said: “Israel is currently marking the 40th anniversary of Operation Moses, which was a significant moment in Aliyah from Ethiopia. The journey to Israel and the process of integration into Israeli society is integral to the unique story and the building of the State of Israel. One of the most important aspects of Aliyah is integration into the labor market. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will continue to work towards the aim of every new immigrant who comes to Israel having all the options and means to ensure optimal integration into the workforce. That’s the only way to build a strong and united civil society. As we say in Amharic: Ankvan Dahana Matachao. – welcome home.”

Jewish Agency CEO Amira Ahronoviz, noted: “This job fair, which is unique in its scope, connects hundreds of Olim and employers – when both parties emerge enriched. Integration into the workforce is a key element in the successful absorption of olim, therefore, in addition to forging connections between olim and employers, we emphasize the development of diverse training programs, which create new opportunities and allow olim to choose their professional path in Israel.”

The job fair was organized by The Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, in cooperation with the General Workers’ Union, the Federation of Industrialists and the Israel Employment Authority. Employers from the fields of food and beverage, manufacturing, cosmetics, healthcare, hospitality and distribution participated in the job fair.

Media Contact:
Noa Amouyal, JCubed Communications
noa@JCubedPR.com
058.784.8148

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.