Community Integration

​​Netanya is a city of immigration absorption, and this is reflected in the large number of immigrants among its residents. Between 1989 and 2001 alone, approximately 100,000 immigrants from various countries settled in Netanya.

The Absorption Department of the Netanya Municipality is responsible for supporting new immigrants and facilitating their integration into Israeli society. Each year, the department initiates, develops, and operates projects and activities for immigrants throughout the city. To this end, an annual assessment is conducted based on the needs of immigrants living in the city as well as those planning to relocate to it. Based on this assessment, an annual work plan is developed, aimed at ensuring optimal integration for immigrants in Netanya. The department makes its activities accessible across all neighborhoods and local communities in order to encourage participation in the programs it offers.

​Activities for Immigrant Children and Youth

Since 2018, the Ya’el Program (Immigrant Children Learn) has been operating in some elementary schools in Netanya, and since 2008, the PeLa Program (Alternative Educational Activity) has been operating in some secondary schools. These programs are intended for immigrant students who have been in Israel for up to 10 years.

The Ya’el and PeLa programs combine academic support with enrichment activities aimed at promoting the advancement of immigrant students. Both programs take place after the school day ends, with operational responsibility resting with school principals and program coordinators acting on behalf of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Ministry of Education.

The programs are funded and overseen by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (PeLa and Ya’el) and the Ministry of Education (Ya’el), in cooperation with the Municipal Absorption Department and the Municipal Education Administration. All activities are subsidized by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Netanya Municipality.

In addition, the Absorption Department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, operates enrichment activities and extracurricular classes for immigrant children according to criteria established by the Ministry. These programs vary from year to year depending on the number of immigrant students arriving in the city and are tailored to their needs based on field assessments.

Enrichment activities include reading clubs for immigrant children (by age group), language enrichment, a summer Ulpan for children (held in August), preparatory workshops for first grade adapted for immigrant children (also in August), and more. The opening of each group or activity is subject to a minimum number of registrants.


Cooperation with the Sports Department

The Absorption Department collaborates with the Municipal Sports Department, with activities subsidized by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. This cooperation has led to the establishment of dedicated groups for immigrant children and youth at several locations across the city. Activities in dance and movement promote personal development while supporting social and linguistic integration.


Activities for Seniors

Netanya operates leisure and enrichment clubs for senior citizens. Recognizing the need for tailored support for immigrants within this population, some senior clubs offer dedicated activities for immigrant retirees. For additional information and guidance, residents may contact the Absorption Department of the Netanya Municipality (contact details appear on this page).

The clubs are located in residential neighborhoods throughout the city, enabling immigrants to integrate into the community while participating in social and cultural activities, alongside specialized programs aimed at enriching Hebrew language skills among senior new immigrants.

פעילויות לגיל הזהב, תמונת אווירה

​​Beit HaYedidut (House of Friendship)

As part of the municipal initiative to establish public and recreational facilities for the benefit of Netanya’s residents and to support the optimal integration of the Ethiopian-Israeli community while strengthening ties to its cultural heritage, the “Beit HaYedidut” (House of Friendship) was established in the Dora neighborhood. It is a social and cultural heritage center designed to bridge the gap between the older generation of Ethiopian immigrants, who are deeply familiar with the community’s traditions and roots, and the younger generation, who grew up in Israel and in Netanya.

The unique building, planned and adapted specifically to the needs of the community, was established in 2013 through a donation from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, led by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein of blessed memory, in partnership with the Netanya Municipality.

The center serves as a focal point for Ethiopian immigrants and offers activities primarily focused on youth and community life throughout the city. A central part of the programming is dedicated to members of the Ethiopian community, alongside the provision of integrative services.​

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