FIDEL Association for Ethiopian-Israelis

The arrival of the Ethiopian community in Israel is an important milestone in Israel's history but the journey towards full integration is an ongoing challenge. Fidel has been meeting this challenge since 1997. Originating from the Amharic word for ‘alphabet’ (ፊደል), Fidel's vision is of a socially and economically integrated community, proud of its unique identity, sharing its strengths with Israeli society and partaking in its leadership. Our belief is that education, both formal and informal, is the key to the success of the community. Fidel provides high-impact programs nationwide for more than 8,000 Ethiopian-Israeli children, teens and parents each year. Our Main Programs: • Educational Mediators – 10 Mediators reaching over 1,000 students liaising between parents, children and teachers while serving as advocates in the schools in order to overcome obstacles and ensure achievement. • Youth Centers – 7 centers (reaching 800+ teens) across the country serving as a "home away from home" for Ethiopian-Israeli youth to receive professional counseling, vital enrichment and scholastic support • Youth Leadership - Lead 7 empowerment groups cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community by developing leadership skills while receiving personal and professional mentorship • Parent Empowerment - Host 20 groups (reaching 500+ parents yearly) to support skill-building for parents including advocacy and involvement in a child's education • High-Tech Mentorship - 300+ participant teens receive academic support, leadership coaching, and professional mentorship over a three-year period from a high-tech partner company employee • Public Education – Host over 40 lectures and media engagements every year to familiarize the public with Beta Israel Ethiopian heritage and values while cultivating awareness and understanding