Sapir Absorption Center

The Kfar Saba Sapir Absorption Center sits perched on a small hill with an expansive view of the mountains to the east, and the newly-built villas to the west. In the heart of the Sharon Valley, the Center offers a taste of quiet suburban life, with easy proximity to Israel's cultural and financial centers.

The Center's entrance resembles a small cafe, as residents sit around tables, sipping coffee, watching television and discussing the world and each other. Singles and young couples, largely professionals, as well as university students, from all around the world, make up the bulk of the Center's residents.

The absorption center has strong ties with the local community and the region. Vounteer organizations such as Bnei Brith and Rotary,  and Bnei Akiva and Scouts Youth Movements contribute to the young adult community at the absorption center. Members of the community host immigrants for the holidays and volunteer at the absorption center helping academic immigrants in computers, medicine, etc..

Hebrew/Ulpan

Hebrew Ulpan is offered in the various programs at the Center.

Culture/Recreation

Club for lone soldiers: for soldiers living in the Kfar Saba area and/or immigrant soldiers graduates of the Sela and Kedma programs who participate in preparatory workshops for education and work,  receive social support at the clubs, material support (blankets, heaters, furniture, cinema tickets, gift vouchers for cafes, etc.).

Accommodations

The Absorption Center comprises 139 housing units. The one-room apartments, suitable for two singles or couples (without children), all have a kitchenette and adjoining bathroom. Basic furniture provided includes two beds, table and chairs, cupboard, desk, refrigerator and gas stove. Residents make use of three washing machines and a dryer for public use at minimal cost. The absorption center is connected to cable and satellite television (three connection points).  Additonal public buildings include a staff room, dining room, deluxe club for lone soldiers, spacious classrooms, a sound room, library, video room, computer room, gym, television room, internet room, function hall, synagogue and basketball field.

Services

With tried and true frameworks offering academic studies, cultural activities and counseling services, immigrants in the Selah, Kedma and Professional Retraining programs in the Sapir Absorption Center in Kfar Saba, are on their way to becoming the productive citizens that Israel needs.

• Selah, or Students Before Parents is a nine-month program which prepares high school graduates from the FSU for higher education and a smoother integration into Israel. In addition to Hebrew, English and computer studies, they learn Jewish heritage and the history of the Jewish people.
• Kedma (Progress in Personal Preparation) program, is a year-long program which prepares Ethiopian young adults, aged 17-27, for higher education in Israel.  Throughout the duration of their time spent, they study Hebrew, math, computers and English. In addition they attend Judaism class and complete a conversion process that is overseen by the Ministry of Religion. Nurtured in a caring environment, they are prepared for everyday living in Israel. Graduates of Kedma continue their absorption process in the program for professional training and the mechinot of the Association for the Advancement of Education 
• Professional Retraining program. Highly motivated young adults aged 20-35 who complete their academic studies in their country of origin are assigned to Shlavim, an initial Hebrew ulpan, where they receive counseling and guidance on licensing, retraining and employment options. Most of the academics learn in one ulpan class in the absorption center. Doctors and nurses learn at the Ra’anana absorption center on a special medical program. Most academics find work during the afternoon hours, showing their interest in integrating into their new society.

The Selah and Kedma programs are run simultaneously. Both groups have a great relationship with each other.  They both courage and root for the other to succeed.  Each program has a counselor and  a social worker/psychologist who speaks the various languages to aid in emotional difficulties, adapting, crises, educational stress, separation anxiety.

Contact Us

Sapir Absorption Center
30 Moshe Dayan St.
Kfar Saba 44238
Tel: 09-765-9254
Fax: 09-765-0580
e-mail: avigz@jafi.org

Last updated: Wednesday, August 23, 2006