Bet Alpha and Hefziba, two Kibbutzim in the Gilboa Regional Council, have opened up new Absorption Sites for New Immigrants who arrived in June from Ethiopia. In Bet Alpha there are 185 people, 44 of them are children (0-18). In Hefziba there are 60 people, 40 of which are children.

The adults are up to 71 years old. The new immigrants learn Hebrew from 8 - 12:30 six days a week. The children have been occupied with day camp activities and will begin school on September 2nd. The counselors for the summer activities are veteran immigrants from Ethiopia who are part of the Bnei Avika Youth Movement. In addition to the formal education, the immigrants receive intensive education for life skills in preparation for living in their new home in Israeli society.

  Tishrei 5762 - September 2001