Amir Course
Cultivating the Integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into Military and Civilian Society

Ethiopian-Israelis tend to have exemplary service records: 90% of Ethiopian-Israeli combat soldiers complete their full military service as opposed to 70% of combat soldiers from other populations. Yet, IDF research shows that the integration of Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers into the military system is not as successful as that of other communities.

Through special training and orientations, the Amir Course seeks to better integrate Ethiopian-Israeli enlistees into the army and enable them to access more challenging and influential positions in the IDF. Since one’s military service can play such a critical role in a soldier’s civilian life, the Amir Course is also an investment in these soldiers’ future. The course improves their personal and professional development, providing these soldiers with the opportunity to pursue university studies, integrate into civilian institutions, build careers, and realize an improved quality of life.

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Amir Course Brochure
In a study conducted during the years 2005 and 2006, the achievements of Amir Course graduates were compared with those of other Ethiopian-Israelis serving in the IDF. This study demonstrated that the vast majority of Amir Course graduates complete higher-level professional military courses and successfully integrate into the military system. These facts indicate a significant improvement in the possibilities available to Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers.





  • 400 soldiers of Ethiopian descent participated in the Amir Course in 2009.

  • Cost: $550 enables one soldier to participate in the Amir Course.
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