Aliyah
The WUJS Guide to making Aliyah
What is Aliyah?
Making Aliyah means to go and live in Israel. Israel is considered the homeland of the Jewish people, thus it is a refuge for people escaping from countries plagued by economic problems or/and Antisemitism.
Who can make Aliyah?
According to the “Law of Return” Every Jew has the right to make Aliyah, as well as the child and a grandchild of a Jew, the spouse of a Jew, the spouse of a child of a Jew and the spouse of a grandchild of a Jew,The Law of Return is an Israeli legislation that allows Jews to settle in Israel and gain citizenship. You should first contact your local Aliyah Shaliach (emissary of the State of Israel overseas).
What shall I do when I make Aliyah? Shall I go to ulpan/university/find a job?
It is good to do something which will settle you in to Israel, new country, new language, therefore ulpan is a good option.There are many different types of ulpans.
You could go to university, especially since you can get financial aid with your studies if you have recently made Aliyah
Contact The Student Authority to learn about study options
The Website of the Student Authority
Contact the Student Authority
If you want to go to university in Israel to study for a BA, you may have to take the psychometric exam, or go for a year’s preparation course – Mechina. Your Aliyah Shaliach should be able to help you.
If you feel that your Hebrew is good enough and you would like to look for a job straight away then here are some links:
The Jewish Agency – dozens of links
What rights do I have as a worker?
Who can help me? You can get telephone advice in the office of “Kav Laoved” (Line for a worker)
03-6883766 between 17:00 and 19:00
Going to kibbutz is also a nice way to get acquainted with the country. It is very cheap to live in Kibbutz, is a stress free lifestyle.
Jewish Agency Website with lots of handy information about kibbutz.
You could volunteer for a short while on kibbutz whilst learning Hebrew at the same time and spending little money.
Where do I live?
- In an Absorption Centre Absorption Centers
- In an apartment with flatmates – Where? How do I find an apartment?
How can I find an apartment in Israel?
- In Israel people stick up posters on bus stops and lampposts
- University students always have rooms to let, or are looking for flatmates
- Websites:
There are a number of excellent websites to help people find appartments:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/flathunting/ – to find an apartment in Jerusalem
http://www.geocities.com/flathunting/ – To find an apartment in Tel Aviv
http://www.homeless.co.il – Website in Hebrew
www.themercaz.org – Mercaz Hamagshimim, has cheap accommodation for new immigrants
In a kibbutz
Some very useful links:
Preparing for Aliyah – A checklist, by Eli Birnbaum
Some useful information
When you arrive in Israel: First steps in Israel
Also on WUJS Website:
Studying in Israel
Volunteering in Israel
Also on the web:
Nefesh B Nefesh is an American organisation which gives financial assistance to North Americans who make Aliyah.
www.nbn.org.il
Their website also has some useful information about employment, what city to live in and much more.
