About the Department of Absorption

Background


The Absorption Department assists in the integration of new immigrants and guides them to appropriate frameworks and professional bodies, in cooperation with all departments of the Netanya Municipality.

Over the years, the city has absorbed immigrants from various countries, including: the CIS countries, France, the United States, Italy, South America, Ethiopia (since 1982), and more.

Since 1990, approximately 70,000 immigrants have settled in the city of Netanya, constituting about 33% of the city’s population.

The demographic composition and scope of immigration led the city to establish a municipal Absorption Department, which operates intensively to integrate immigrants into the social fabric of Netanya and Israeli society, while emphasizing the preservation of the unique identity, heritage, and culture of immigrant groups.

The department’s staff includes speakers of multiple languages who are able to assist new immigrants in most of the languages they speak, including English, French, Russian, and Amharic.

​Central Objective


The Absorption Department has set as a central objective assisting new immigrants and supporting them and their families throughout the complex transition process, helping them integrate into the city in the best possible way, while strengthening their sense of belonging to the city and the country and emphasizing cultural sensitivity.

Goals


Providing consultation and guidance to immigrants settling in the city or planning to do so, while coordinating and mediating between various entities, including municipal departments, government institutions, voluntary organizations, and others.

Providing ongoing support for immigrants’ needs within the community, with recognition of cultural differences and consideration of the immigrant’s functioning at the community, family, and individual levels, with the aim of enabling optimal integration.

Holding regular cultural and social activities for immigrants.

Initiating, developing, and promoting projects that encourage the integration of immigrants into the community through joint activities involving veteran residents and newcomers.​

​Contacts​

Beni Amar

Head of the Absorption, Community and Projects Department, Public Representative

Phone: 099678142

Member of the Absorption Department, governing body of the East Community Administration

Darina Lukyanov

Deputy Head of the Absorption, Community and Projects Department

Phone: 09-9678144

Member of the Absorption Department

Yehudit Barzilai

Secretary

Phone: 052-4719050 / 09-9678143

Member of the Absorption Department

Michael Velewitz

Logistics Coordinator, Absorption Department

Phone: 09-9678143

Member of the Absorption Department

Absorption Department – Beit HaYedidut

Phone: 09-8629078, 09-8856324

6 Nechama Viner St., Netanya

Reception days: Thursday, 8:00–16:30

Reception hours Sun–Wed: 8:00–20:00

Absorption Department – Netanya International Ulpan

18 Harav Kook St.

Reception days: Tue, Thu 9:00–12:30

Absorption Department – Center for Immigrants from the Former USSR

2 Yoel Salomon St., 1st floor, Netanya

Reception days: Sun–Thu 8:00–15:30 (appointment required)

Absorption Department – French-speaking Immigrants Center

2 Yoel Salomon St., 1st floor, Netanya

Reception days: Sun–Thu 8:00–15:30 (appointment required)

​Absorption Department – Community Relations and Projects Division

4 Yoel Salomon St., 1st floor

Public reception by prior phone appointment only (Sun–Thu)

Reception hours: Sun–Thu 8:00–15:30

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