According to the most recent Myers-JDC-Brookdale report (click here for full report), employment rates for Ethiopian Israelis are now nearly equal with all Jewish Israelis.    Between 2000 and 2016, employment rates for Ethiopian-Israelis ages 22-64 rose from 37% to 74% for women, and from 62% to 80% for men (compared with the 2016 rate of 80% for all Jewish women and 81% for all Jewish men).   This represents strong and steady growth from 2000-2016.

However, income is still about 40% lower – about 11,254 NIS per month net ($3,242 U.S.) for Ethiopian Israelis  , compared with 15,751 NIS net  (about $ 4,400 U.S. ) per month for the overall Israeli Jewish average.   These figures indicate that, although employed, Ethiopian Israelis are working in lower-level, lower-paying jobs or professions.

The income gap is even more critical when taking into account that Ethiopian Israeli families are larger than the national average with 4 family members versus 3.  11,254 NIS per month net, compared with 15,751 NIS net.

Programs such as Tech Career, Olim Beyahad and Keren Hanan Aynor all work to ensure that Ethiopian Israelis are educated in high-paying professions and receive assistance in job seeking, placement and mentoring.    The economic disparity of Ethiopian Israelis must end with today’s generation!

Read full Myers-JDC-Brookdale report, here.