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 hailing primarily
from the Eastern Bloc make up the bulk of
the Center's over 270 residents.
On-site ulpan classes offer varying levels
of Hebrew. Taught by Ministry of Education
licensed instructors, Hebrew classes are held
five hours a day, five days a week. Due to the large
number of immigrants in the health professions,
the Center periodically offers, in addition to the
five month ulpan, a special three-month
ulpan with emphasis on medical terminology.
Kfar Saba, located in the heart of the Sharon
valley north of Tel Aviv, has grown into a city
of close to 90,000. Although very residential in character,
with tree-lined streets and small parks, the city boasts
one of the country's most elegant downtown malls and
shops of every sort along its long and easily accessible
commercial boulevard.
Culturally self-sufficient, the municipality regularly
sponsors a variety of music, theater and
art programs for adults and children. The music
conservatory and concert hall in the city are
frequented by residents and visitors.
On the Center grounds, one can
spot residents playing basketball,
volleyball or soccer. Inside, they take
advantage of the gym and fitness
room. The cafe in the lobby and
computer room are also popular
gathering sites. Seminars, lectures and
workshops are held in the Center,
and residents enjoy frequent field trips
around Israel.
Top: Relaxing on a shaded patio. Bottom:
Keeping in shape in the fitness room.
Young new immigrants email family and friends in the computer room.
The Absorption Center comprises 139
housing units in a central building with
classrooms, a lounge and offices. The one-room
apartments all have a kitchenette, bathroom,
and include basic furniture - beds, table,
chairs, a closet, desk and shelves. Residents
make regular use of public telephones and
the token-operated washers and driers.
Information sessions are provided to
assist the oleh in the intricacies of
finding and acquiring a home and finding
employment. The staff are readily available to help olim
obtain health insurance or an identity card,
open a bank account, and negotiate the unfamiliar
technicalities of a new country. In addition,
they introduce olim to higher education and
retraining options, as well as assist with registration
and financial aid.
Click here to
read the feature article on the Kfar Saba Sapir Absorption Center in the Aliyah Spotlight
(Note: The Aliyah Spotlight is a quarterly magazine outlining the major activities of the Immigration and
Absorption Department of The Jewish Agency for Israel.
It is published by the department three times a year, to coincide with the Board of Governors meetings.
The magazine includes eight pages of both the latest update and focus of the departments energies in
addition to features of on going programs and projects. The articles are geared towards donors as well as
others interested in reading about the variety of activities that the department initiates.)
Enjoying a light moment in Hebrew class.
Top: Relaxing on a shaded patio. Bottom:
Keeping in shape in the fitness room.
Young new immigrants email family and friends in the computer room.
Catching up on news in the lobby cafe.