The Jewish Agency operates the Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center in Israel, which houses around 1,200 new immigrants from Ethiopia. The Center aims to help new immigrants transition to life in modern Israeli society and become independent within a year. It provides language classes, educational and social programs, health services, and other support to help new immigrants of all ages integrate successfully. The supportive environment of the Center serves as an essential first home for newcomers as they adjust to their new life in Israel.

1. Inseparable from aliyah – and equally
important – is the smooth integration
of Jews who come home to Israel.
Successful absorption is essential
to fulfilling their dreams and Israel’s
potential. The Jewish Agency takes a
multidimensional approach to soften
the landing for new immigrants– with
absorption centers serving as the first
critical step.
Printed at the Jewish Agency
www.jewishagency.org PARTNERING WITH PURPOSE, ALL OVER THE WORLD.
Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center
The Jewish Agency is funded by The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, major Jewish communities and
federations, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world.

2. Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center Facilities include a mother-baby health center, day care facilities,
a nursery school, health clinics, classrooms, a youth center,
Starting a New Life
in Israel
The Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center, established in 1999, is
a computer room and a multi-purpose sports field.
the largest Jewish Agency Absorption Center in Israel. Located
in the town of Mevasseret Zion, five miles west of Jerusalem, the Innovative programs include:
Absorption Center houses some 1200 new immigrants. Close to
fifty percent are children and youth under the age of 18.
• Yesodot/Foundations - multi-level enrichment initiatives For new immigrants from Ethiopia,
that prepare children and teens for a lifetime of learning the supportive environment of the
The goal of the Absorption Center is to bridge the and address their social, emotional and scholastic needs.
overwhelming gap from Ethiopia to Israel’s modern, fast-paced
Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center
• Building Healthy Teen Relationships - workshops that
society and to assist new immigrants to purchase their own focus on the complex issues faced by teenagers, especially
provides an essential sheltered
home within a year of their arrival. A large staff of dedicated new immigrants, with emphasis on building healthy “first home” during the difficult
professionals, including veteran Ethiopians, and volunteers,
assist the new immigrants, from toddlers to seniors, in starting a
relationships. period following arrival. It is
new life in Israel. • Caring about Education - workshops to introduce parents to here that newcomers receive the
the Israeli school system and assist them in taking an active support, guidance and tools they
Adults are immediately immersed in Hebrew language classes role in their children’s education.
(ulpan), where they also learn about their entitlements as Israeli need to achieve independence and
• A Big Smile - teaches children aged 3-5 good dental
citizens. All of the school-age children are streamlined into local
hygiene, from brushing daily to healthy eating habits.
acclimate to their new life in Israel.
religious schools. Afternoons are filled with a broad range of
tailored enrichment activities for children and adults, tutoring • Senior Center - engages seniors in art and exercise classes
and periodic trips to become acquainted with the land and the taught by professionals.
people of Israel.
During their stay at the Absorption Center, all new immigrants
learn about and celebrate Jewish holidays and life-cycle events.