Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., February 10, 2008 Adar1 4, 5768 | | Israel Time: 21:05 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Ethiopian immigrants protesting their conditions in Israel. (Daniel Bar-On / Jini) Last update - 17:32 10/02/2008 Gov't okays program to help Ethiopian immigrants integrate better By Ruth Sinai, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Education, Israel  The government on Sunday approved the budget for a five-year program aimed at helping Ethiopian immigrants integrate better in Israeli society. The initiative, which was consolidated by six government institutions headed by the Prime Minister's Office and in cooperation with Ethiopian community leaders, is intended to increase the participation rate of Ethiopian immigrants in the Israeli labor market. Moreover, the program aims at increasing the percentage of Ethiopian pupils eligible for matriculation and enrolled in university, as well as helping soldiers from the community reach higher positions in the Israel Defense Forces, and assisting newly-weds to move into better neighborhoods. Advertisement The budget runs at NIS 870 million for the five years. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting that the program's chances of success depended on the level of cooperation with representatives from the Ethiopian community. One of the initiative's main goals is to reduce unemployment numbers which currently exceed 18 percent, and increase the level of immigrants' participation in the labor market which stands on 50 percent, compared with 60 percent among the Jewish sector. The program includes helping unemployed immigrants integrate in the job market, as well as assisting families with child-care so that both parents will be able to work. Pupils will be provided with extra schooling hours in preparation for the matriculation exams. Recent research findings show that the percentage of IDF recruits among Ethiopian immigrants is particularly high and stands on 90 percent. Nevertheless, a large majority of those recruited serve in less-esteemed positions, and therefore the initiative would also help provide them with pre-army preparation courses. Related articles: Ethiopian immigrants protesting discrimination block Petah Tikva streets Report: Ethiopian immigrants earned half of average salary last year Bookmark to del.icio.us   Will power Shas Minister Yitzhak Cohen says only a complete Gaza power cut will bring results. The cost of security U.S. estimate: Preparing Palestinian security forces for statehood will cost $7 billion.

Today Online IAF kills top Hamas man; 2 brothers hurt in Sderot Qassam strike Responses: 80 Livni: No hope for Palestinian state while Qassams presist Responses: 101 IDF: Hezbollah Katyushas, missiles back in S. Lebanon Responses: 54 Gaza and Israel - more like partners than enemies Responses: 43 Silvan Shalom: For Israel, sanctions on Iran are best option Responses: 18 Rosner's Domain Think Clinton won the Jewish vote in California? Think again McCain found a tool with which to woo conservative Republicans: Israel Why many Jewish men go beardless (WTR) New poll: Is it legitimate to cut electricity to Gaza? Factor: How's McCain better than Obama More Headlines 20:25 PM: Terror can't be wiped out in one hit or explosion 20:26 AG: Single-sex couples may adopt child not biologically related to them 20:56 IDF troops kill Palestinian who opened fire at Gaza border 20:50 Rabbis fear prayer to convert Jews will harm ties with Vatican 20:12 Tunisian-born Israelis win state compensation for Holocaust suffering 17:03 Sharon documentary examines reasons for 2005 Gaza pullout 18:27 Trade Min. orders recruitment of workers to Sderot vital services 21:01 FM Livni: No Palestinian state possible until rockets stop 15:37 McCain found a tool with which to woo conservative Republicans: Israel 19:04 Israel's Sela, Levy lose to Sweden in tennis Davis Cup World Group 18:49 Abdullah warns that Annapolis conference offers last chance for peace 18:30 Hamas closes newspaper over caricature of MPs loyal to group Previous Editions Select Day 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan 29 jan 28 jan 27 jan

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