Beit Ofer | 5 Nachum Hefzadi | Givat Shaul, Jerusalem  02 659 5700 | 02 659 5701 (fax)
from the US & Canada | 1 866 4 ALIYAH      www.nbn.org.il | info@nefeshbnefesh.org
February 2008
Adar A 5767
In This Issue
 
NBN News edited by Dudy Starck
 
Oleh Spotlights
 
VIP Visits
  
A Falafel Story
New Aliyah Grants
 
Gad Ben Rosen – Dog Day Aliyah
NBN Around Israel
 
NBN Spotlight
 
Lonnie Frank
Chayalim Packages
  
NBN Updates
 
Bituach Leumi Update
NBN Announcements
 
Toshavim Chozrim Updates
 
Ulpan Update
Your Child… A Published Writer!!
 
Business Directory Update
Up'N'Coming NBN Events in Israel
  
New on NBN.org.il
Mazal Tov to...
 
From the NBN Desktop
NBN News edited by Dudy Starck






VIP Visits

This month Nefesh B'Nefesh welcomed a number of high profile visitors, among them were Minister Ruhama Avraham, who is heading Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations; MK Ze'ev Elkin, member of the Committee for Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs and Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Absorption of Immigrant Children and Youth and US Consul-General, Richard Beer.

In addition, Amir Gerson, manager of Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 1, visited together with his full team of Israel Airport Authority officials, to discuss procedures for summer 2008 flight arrival ceremonies.
 
Minister Ruhama Avraham and Ambassador Danny Ayalon
 
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New Aliyah Grants
Physicians Aliyah Fellowship Program and Henry Meyer Soldier Aliyah Fund

 

A Physician Aliyah Fellowship Program is now being introduced by Nefesh B’Nefesh to encourage North American and British physicians to move to Israel. The program has been initiated in response to figures released by the Council for Higher Education's Planning and Budgeting Committee, suggesting that in the next ten years, Israel will experience a serious shortage of doctors. Nefesh B'Nefesh, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, is planning to bring an increased number of western doctors to Israel. According to the report, due to a projected population increase – especially among the elderly – coupled with the noticeable trend of doctors leaving the medical profession, the current ratio of 3.5 physicians for every 1,000 Israelis is predicted to plummet to less than 2.5 per thousand in the next few years.

The fellowship program will consist of grants in the form of an initial fellowship upon arrival in Israel, and monthly supplementary income for the first two years, total approximately $60,000. These grants are available for doctors under the age of 45 who have completed their training in North America and the UK and are willing to practice at least nine months a year in Israel.
“Nefesh B’Nefesh recognizes the seriousness of this national need and is honored to be able to leverage our existing infrastructure to strengthen the medical community here,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh.  “While currently many physicians making Aliyah prefer to continue their practices abroad, this fellowship will enable doctors to remain in Israel and sustain their careers domestically.” 

Support for the Physician Aliyah Fellowship has been generously made possible by Legacy Heritage Fund Limited – Keren Morasha of New York and Jerusalem, in partnership with Nefesh B’Nefesh, who have helped close to 90 doctors make Aliyah to date. If you know a physician overseas considering Aliyah please visit www.nbn.org.il/md/

In a related update, a fund has been created in the memory of Henry J Meyer, specifically earmarked for NBN Olim who will be serving in the IDF. The initial endowment amounts to $25,000 and will be distributed between five new young Olim.

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NBN Events
One year anniversary

Once again the rooms of Genesis Hall in Bet Shemesh rang with the sound of Olim reuniting, laughing, and trading "war" stories as they came together for the One-Year Anniversary Dinner for the Olim of 2006. As most recall, Summer 2006 was a precarious time to make Aliyah due to the conflict in Lebanon. The evening took on a theme of "overcoming challenges" as Oleh Shmuel Katz spoke openly about his wife defeating cancer during their first year on Aliyah and how the family pulled together. Olah Rachel Gluck shared the trials and tribulations of a young married couple trying to establish their businesses and lives in Israel. The evening's keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Stewart Weiss, director of the Raanana Jewish Outreach Center and founder of Ohel Ari.

On the lighter side, the zingers flew fast and furious as four couples battled it out for bragging rights in everyone’s favorite dinner competition, The Newly Oleh Game. Throughout the evening, all the guests enjoyed the musical stylings of classical jazz pianist, Ariel Rosen. New to this year's annual dinner was the UK representation. Since NBN expanded services to the UK in 2006, the dinner included British Olim for the first time.

Oleh Shmuel Katz

Olah Rachel Gluck

Rabbi Stewart Weiss
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  Chayalim Packages
 

In honor of Tu B’Shvat, over 70 people - mostly new Olim helped NBN and Merkaz Hamagshimim put together 280 packages for chayalim bodedim (lone soldiers). The event took place at Merkaz Hamagshimim in Jerusalem and the volunteers were duly rewarded with a pizza dinner. The packages consisted of essential food items, t-shirts / sweatshirts, toiletries, thermoses and of course dried fruit.

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  Tu B’Shvat Intergenerational Seder
 

For the first time ever, in conjunction with Ezrat Avot, Nefesh B’Nefesh organized an intergenerational Tu B’Shavat Seder at the OU Israel Center. Ezrat Avot (www.ezratavot.org) is a non-profit organization that provides Jerusalem's seniors with nutritional, educational and social programs. Ezrat Avot's intergenerational programs facilitate relationships between youth and older adults of diverse backgrounds.

Over 50 people, young adults & senior citizens alike, came together to extol the virtues of agriculture from Eretz Yisrael and dried fruit. The participants went around the room reading passages from the Seder booklet while introducing themselves and saying a few words about their new lives in Israel. NBN Olah, Ray Walker, 87 years young, read one of her beautiful poems which conveyed much emotion.  The diverse composition of the group lent a special and meaningful air to the evening, which is sure to be repeated in other variations for future events.


NBN '04 Olah Ray Walker


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Olim Spotlight Stories and anecdotes shared by NBNers

A Falafel Story


When trying to explain to people the uniqueness of Israel and Israelis, I find that a story speaks volumes. This story, however, speaks a whole bookstore.

One evening, on our way back from a trip, we stopped at an unfamiliar falafel store in Jerusalem. We were hungry and tired, and looking forward to some quick food, and then our return home. We glanced around the place, determined that only falafel was sold there, all the while the proprietor watched us expectantly. As I moved toward the counter he asked, "Do you want falafel?"

Seeing as there was nothing else on the menu, I said, "Yes, just deciding how many."
He replied that unfortunately there was no pita left, but would I like him to run to the store and buy some? Not seeing any other way to hold the falafel balls and salad together, I replied that yes, I would very much like for him to get some pita for our falafels. It was then that I realized that his hesitation was due to the fact that he was the only one manning the store. I therefore graciously offered to watch the store while he was gone. He accepted and dashed off.

While waiting, I marched self-importantly around the store, vaguely wondering why the owner would trust a total stranger, and what I would do if someone actually came in and wanted falafel. Then I realized I would tell them we were waiting for the pita. This was true of course. Suddenly a customer who had already eaten got up to pay. This, I wasn’t ready for. He seemed to have lots of change, so I offered to take his money for him. After all, that was my job at the moment, wasn’t it?

The customer briefly sized me up, perhaps a bit suspicious, then finally explained that he only had 11 shekels, while the falafel he ordered was priced at 14. He wondered if he could come back the next day to pay the difference.

I was momentarily stumped (though not any more than I'd have been if he'd asked me for change!) I asked the man if the proprietor knew him, but he said that he didn’t. But he suggested I describe him as "the religious man who sat at the corner table." I thought, hmm, kind of describes 90% of the customers, but what the heck.

Moments later the owner returned and I gave him his money along with the explanation. He was positively delighted – I had done exactly what he would have. I was even more delighted. Realize that in Israel, a perfect stranger may tell you to lose weight; but that same stranger will also trust you with the shirt on his back. In five years I may have learned how to navigate the Israeli system; but in those 15 minutes, I was the Israeli system. And it felt really good.
Laura Ben David ('02)

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Gad Ben Rosen – Dog Day Aliyah

Image I made Aliyah on Sept 6th 2006 with NBN. Up until two years prior I had not even been to Israel or been in a synagogue. The Chabadniks got a hold of me in Seattle and it started a chain reaction. After visiting Israel for the first time in March of 2005, I returned to Seattle with the "vacation" under my belt with no intentions of making Aliyah. I didn't even know how to pronounce the word correctly. A couple at our synagogue in Seattle said if I was interested though, I should
check out NBN on-line. I did just that and knew within three hours of scouring the NBN website that I was going to take the plunge. I remember clearly spending a full week trying to talk myself out of it. Even one of my best friends spent two hours telling me every reason not to do it.
I organized my own pilot trip and brought a business plan and met with everybody and anybody that could be instrumental in helping me open my own business. Through a lot of contacts and protectzia provided by NBN, I had an overwhelming and successful pilot trip.
I returned to Seattle, packed my bags and started organizing my Aliyah and business venture. I knew Raanana was the place for me and had visited it for two days on my pilot trip. It has a large Mercaz Klita with multi-level ulpan, above average income and most importantly… thousands of dogs! PetSplash, my new business venture, was going to be Israel's first American style dog bath house, which gives you an option of washing your dog yourself or having us do it for you.
 
With a lot of patience and persistence I finally opened PetSplash in Raanana on July 25, 2007. We had a grand opening benefit for HaBayit Shel Benji. This was the fund in memory of Major Benji Hillman who gave his life in the war with Hizbullah. We raised and donated all of the 1500 NIS to the Hillman family.
 
Since then PetSplash has had continued success. We now have two dog groomers and one part-time employee. PetSplash products are now on the shelves. We sell only natural and organic products such as all-natural flea shampoo, organic flea spray and chemical-free flea collars made from 100% cotton and manufactured here in Israel at the Ethiopian Sewing Center sponsored by ESRA. We emphasize "Keep Israel Green" and give 2 shekel credits to all collars and bottles that are returned for refills or replacement. The cotton collars are completely recyclable. PetSplash just received its patent pending approval for the collars and more patents are coming.
My goal for PetSplash is to create a cleaner and safer home for Israeli pet owners while making our products exclusively here in Israel. PetSplash has been featured on ISRA TV, Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, Candida Latina and most recently in "Globes", Israel's #1 business newspaper with 200,000 weekly readers.

You can learn more about Gad's enterprise atwww.petsplash.net
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NBN Spotlight

Lonnie Frank


I grew up in Chicago, the windy city. I was very involved in Bnei Akiva and worked for many years in Camp Moshava in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. After spending my year after high school in Israel, I came back for another half-year to learn and decided that Israel was where I belong. I saw it as the Land that G-d gave us as a gift- a place to belong, build up and be a part of. I felt it was my responsibility to help build up this Land.

I returned to Israel in 1985 with a BA in psych, a BS in physical education and a Masters in social work. I lived in Jerusalem, did my second year of field work in social work in Tel Aviv, and worked for the renewal project of Shchunat Hatikva. Although my roommates and friends were all Anglos, at work I was in a completely Israeli atmosphere with little or no opportunity to speak English.  It enabled me to learn and speak Hebrew fluently, a skill that has been important for me throughout my career. 

I have worked in many different settings including, Ellwyn Jerusalem, Melabev, Maon Roglit, a rehabilitation department in Bet Haelah, and a day program for the elderly in Bet Shemesh. In addition, I taught aerobics for a few years and taught a gymnastics /exercise class for children.

I started working for NBN two years ago. After being in Israel for so many years, it is a pleasure to help others live out their dream of making Aliyah. I work within the Department of Guidance and Community Resources. Our purpose is to be a source of support for the new Olim and refer them to the appropriate resources in their community so they will achieve a successful Klita. I work in cooperation with eight other staff members, all of whom are dedicated to helping wherever and whenever they can. It is a pleasure to work in a department that works together for the bigger goal. I personally represent the Jerusalem region, working very closely with families, older singles and retirees. I am in consistent touch with the Olim whom arrived here within a year, of their Aliyah. I speak to them on a monthly basis to check in and discuss how their Aliyah is progressing. I am in contact with veteran Olim as well. At the end of the day, it is a privilege to be part of this organization.

On a more personal note, I reside in Ramot, Jerusalem, have three lovely children and am very blessed with a wonderful family.

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NBN Announcements

2008 Aliyah Planner
When an overseas pre-Oleh calls the NBN toll-free number or downloads an application, they are invariably offered what is fast becoming an indispensable tool in mapping out one’s Aliyah. The Aliyah Planner is a handy book that is similar to a weekly planner and is divided into specific sections. It was originally introduced in 2006 but is now being distributed in its new and revised second edition. The planner enables Olim to better organize their Aliyah in areas of First Steps, PilotTrip, Budgeting, Life in Israel, Home Setup and more. The book comes packed with helpful "Aliyah Tips" and provides ample space to record personal notes. There are three versions of the Aliyah planner: a standard edition, one for singles and a retiree version. Each one of these planners is available in North American and UK versions.

Your Child… A Published Writer!!

We are looking for your children's writing's about their Aliyah experience for a unique publication project!

Whether you arrived six years ago or six months ago... if you have children between the ages of 5 and 16, encourage them to compose and submit their personal musings and reflections on Aliyah and Israel.

They can be poems, haikus, prose, sonnets, short anecdotes... anything creative! Submissions may be in English or Hebrew.
Entries must include:
Child's full name
Year of aliyah
Age
Current Address
Pre-aliyah city of origin
Parents' names, phone number and email.
All submissions are subject to editing and become exclusive property of Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Please send submissions by Thursday, Feb 28th to dstarck@nbn.org.il

Up'N'Coming NBN Events in Israel - February/March

For event registrations and more details on NBN Events in Israel go to; www.nbn.org.il/calendar/calendar_israel

February

Six month Stretch
An evening for appreciating what we’ve accomplished, finding support for the challenges, and reconnecting to the reasons why we did this in the first place.
Yad Binyamin: Sunday, Feb 3rd, 8pm
Raanana: Wednesday, Feb 6th, 8pm
Jerusalem: Wednesday, Feb 13th, 8pm

Super Bowl Monday
New York Giants vs New England Patriots. See it Live, See it Large. SuperBowl XLII on the big screen. For NBN Olim.
Monday Morning February 4, 1am – NBN Aliyah Center
By registration only: www.nbn.org.il/registration_form/superbowl

The Taxed Oleh
A CPA with expertise in ex-pat taxation will discuss filing U.S. and Israeli tax returns, tax planning for commuters and opportunities for tax refunds. Similar seminars for Canadian and UK citizens will be arranged in the future. Please stay tuned for dates and locations.
Monday, Feb 4th, 8pm - NBN Jerusalem
Tuesday, Feb 5th, 8pm - Tel Aviv, location TBA

Commuter Spouse Support Group
How to make successful Aliya when your husband is commuting.  Connect with other wives in the same position.
Share your concerns and give each other support. Insights, strategies, techniques, and tips.
Wednesday, Feb 6th, 10AM - Modiin Area 

"Israel: Up Close and Personal" Cinema Series
Enhance your Israeli cultural experience- watch an Israeli film followed by a stimulating post film discussion. Refreshments will be served.
Thursday, Feb 7th, 7:30pm - Jerusalem

The Rotating Kiddush Club
Meet the Olim in your neighborhood for a communal Kiddush.
Shabbat, Feb. 9th 11am- 12:30pm Jerusalem Location TBA

A Social Evening for Olim and buddies: 55+
Entertainment and Light Dinner
Tuesday, Feb 12th, 6:30 PM - Beit Shemesh
For reservations and information contact:
Miriam Naiman at mnaiman@nbn.org.il or at 02-659-5659
Michele Kaplan-Green at Michele@nbn.org.il or at 054-626-5269
Beit Shemesh and Modiin Areas

Winter Retiree Get Together
Join other Nefesh B’Nefesh retirees for an informational presentation and socializing.
Thursday, February 14, 2pm - NBN Jerusalem

Extreme Israel: Skiing in the Hermon
Join other singles and couples for the best (and only) skiing Israel has to offer.
Thursday - Friday, Feb 14th-15th (weather permitting)
Register at www.nbn.org.il/registration_form/ski_event

Bringing Your Parents on Aliyah
Have your retired parents made Aliyah in the recent past? Are they thinking of making Aliyah in the future? Join us for an evening to discuss the rewards, challenges and practical considerations of bringing your parents on Aliyah.
Monday, Feb 18th, 8pm - NBN Jerusalem

Halfway Through the School Year: Where are we holding?
How can you gauge your child's academic and social progress? How is your child acclimating to school? How are you, as a parent, handling the new system? Gain an understanding of the social, educational, and family issues we face with Aliyah.
Sun, Feb 24, 8pm - Modiin Area

Israeli Film Series in the NORTH
Join us for a fun evening watching and discussing an Israeli film, Shlomi’s Stars – הכוכבים של שלומי (2003)
and socializing with fellow Olim. Light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, Feb 26, 7:30pm Netanya, hosted by Derek & Marion Baum, 17 Dankner Street.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Rachel Goldwag 054-733-6021 rgoldwag@nbn.org.il or Michele Kaplan-Green 054-626-5269 michele@nbn.org.il.


 




 

March

A Morning of Chesed
Join other NBN Olim for a morning of helping others.
Friday, March 7th, 10am

What to Expect When you are Expecting in Israel
Are you thinking about your first childbirth experience in Israel? Learn about the system, the benefits, and the potential pitfalls.
Monday, March 10th, 8pm - Ramat Beit Shemesh

Pre Purim Spirit with a Talent show for Olim, by Olim.
Come out for a night of entertainment, good laughs, and delicious desserts.
Thursday, March 13th

Buying a Home: Where do I Begin? When does it End?
Learn the ins and outs of home buying, including mortgages, legal requirements, Olim benefits, and other considerations.
Sunday, March 16th, 8pm - Modiin

"Israel: Up Close and Personal" Cinema Series
Enhance your Israeli Cultural Experience-watch an Israeli film followed by a stimulating post film discussion. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, March 26th, 7: 30pm - Tel Aviv

קום התהלך בארץ – Arise and Walk through the Land!
Of Dreamers and Builders: In the footsteps of the First Aliyah 
 NBN Retiree Study Tour 
Thursday, March 27, 9am
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Mazal Tov to...
Sigal & Tzvi Moskoff ('05) on the birth of a boy Yehuda Chaim
Ora & Michael Harshaw ('05) on the birth of a boy Yaakov Yisrael
Eva & Eliyahu Speiser ('05) on the birth of a boy, Netanel
Elana and Yonatan Kohn ('04) on the birth of their third sabra, Ezra Yisrael
Yona & Guillame Stern ('07) on the birth of a girl, Esther Naomi
Adina & Netanel Livni ('02) on the birth of a girl Rachel Emunah
Ilana & Noach Roth ('03) on the birth of a boy Yehonatan Eli
Sarah & Yehuda Halper ('07) on the birth of a girl, Naomi Smadar
Malka & Gil Garalnick ('06) on the birth of a girl, Adina
Debra & Oren Massey ('05) on the birth of a boy, Ari Yakov
Aryeh & Penina (Eisenberg) Dienstag ('06) on the birth of a girl Tiferet Tehila
Rabbi Joseph Daina('06)on the birth of a grandson to Azriel David & Sora Rivkah Daina
Menachem & Devorah Reichert ('06) on the birth of their first grandchild, in Israel
Devorah & Meir Simcha ('05) Panzer on the birth of a girl Eden Yahav
Shushu & Robbie Frohlinger ('05) on the birth of a girl Nava Ilanit
Yocheved & Avraham Nadell ('04) on the birth of a boy Yehuda Noam
Jon & Sara Kowal ('06) on the birth of a granddaughter to Shoshan & Shmaaya Levy in Yad Binyamin
Sabrina & Maimon Chalom ('07) on the birth of twins, Mordechai Eliyahu and Sarah Bracha
Esti & Yitz Shapiro ('05) on the birth of a girl Tamar Yael
Eva (NBN staff) & Matt Zalen ('03) on the birth of a boy Yonatan Eli
Gila & Go'el Jasper ('04) on the birth of a girl Hodaya Rivka
Shiri & Oded Sher ('05) on the birth of a girl Keren Yeshuah

Baruch Hershcopf ('06) on his engagement to Yael Sevy
EJ Glatt (’07) on his marriage to Miri Book
Rabbi Modechai & Ella Weiss ('03) on the marriage of their daughter Chaya to Joel
Rachael Dahlben ('07) on her marriage
Ariel Johnston ('05) on her engagement to Hagai Bernstein
Mordechai Kashuk ('07) on his engagement to Gina Ramage
Adele Joanne Fink ('07) & Ori Murray ('06) on their engagement
Daniel Gutman ('04) & Sara Sanders ('07) on their engagement
Moshe Friedline ('07) on his marriage to Yael Nussbacher
Britni Lauren Caplan (04) & Shai Jalfin ('06) on their engagement
Jarred Sarfin (06) & Rachel Levy ('07) on their engagement
Baruch Avraham Ganz ('05) & Ariella Anouchi ('05) on their engagement
Hillel Katchen ('05) & Talya Frolich ('05) on their engagement
And to the parents, Yisrael Katchen ('07) and Harold & Vicky Frolich ('07)
Yosef Mark ('04) on his engagement to Rachel Hazazi
Rachael Dahlben ('06) on her marriage to David Masri
Michael Dickel ('07) on his marriage to Aviva Frankel

Rob Zenilman & Lisa Weinsoff ('05) on the bar mitzvah of their son Eli
Rabbi Modechai & Ella Weiss ('03) on the bar mitzvah of their son Menachem Mendel
Albert & Anat Schlocker ('06) on their bar mitzvah of their son Elie Michael

Condolences to:
Abraham Jacob ('07) on the loss of his sister
David Kaufman ('06) on the loss of his father, Dr. Burt Kaufman z"l in Chicago
Gavriel & Carole Golding ('07) on the loss of their son-in-law in Ramot

NBN Updates

Bituach Leumi at the airport service

The Nefesh B'Nefesh Absorption Department is coordinating a new initiative in cooperation with the National Insurance Institute of Israel (Bituach Leumi) for Returning Residents, Returning Minors, and Citizens born abroad. Upon arriving in Israel, the returning Olim will meet with representatives from Bituach Leumi in order to register for health insurance. This new initiative will save Returning Residents a trip to their local Bituach Leumi office and will expedite the time it takes for their residency to be recognized.
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Incentive for Toshavim Chozrim
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (Misrad Haklita) has launched a campaign to encourage Israeli citizens residing abroad to return home.  As part of this endeavor, Misrad Haklita is offering reimbursement for the special payment made to the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) for the purposes of receiving health coverage under the State Health Insurance Law.
For more information about this incentive and to down load the necessary paperwork, please visit the Misrad Haklita website at our website at http://www.moia.gov.il/Moia_en/ReturningHomeProject/HomePage60.htm
Remember to check out our website for additional information pertaining to Returning Residents: http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/returning_residents_incentive.htm.
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Ulpan Update
"I hear that Ulpanim are undergoing budget cuts… How will that affect me as a new Oleh!?"
There has been much discussion in the past two months about the budget cuts for Ulpan education. While it seems clear that some changes will be made to the number of Ulpanim that will operate come September 2008, the number of students per class, and the number of Ulpan teachers , incoming Olim may rest assured that none of the changes involve cutting out the free Hebrew instruction to new Olim in the country.

At the heart of the issue is the cut in funding to the Ministry of Education, which staffs the Ulpanim.. Without funding, the Ministry of Education does not see a way to continue offering the courses students need, and are proposing that the Ministry of Absorption, which has been in charge of providing the facilities and logistics of the Ulpanim take on the entire enterprise. The Ministry of Absorption has not agreed to this proposal and so there have been ongoing meetings at the Knesset level about how to proceed with this important aspect of Aliyah.

One of the more widely accepted proposals is to privatize Ulpanim, and those who can produce an ongoing quality program would be given government contracts.

At this stage of the process it is unclear where the final cuts will come and how each community will be affected. As this issue develops, NBN will keep you abreast of the decisions.

Avi Silverman - Community and Education Advisor

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NBN Business Directory Update
The NBN business directory offers services to make pilot trips more affordable for NBN Olim.

Specifically, our pilot trippers can go online to www.nbnbusiness.co.il to obtain discounts on:

  • Car rentals
  • Hotels
  • Cell phones
  • Educational consultants/special needs consultants (to find the right school for your child)
  • Real estate agents/interior designers  (if individuals are considering purchasing a property)
  • Israeli accountants (for questions about financial planning)

A few comments:

  • Post-pilot-trip (but pre-Aliyah), the discounted services from Shippers (also listed on the directory) become particularly important.
  • Please introduce people you know who are planning Aliyah the directory! It offers a wealth of information and contacts for people making their Aliyah preparations.
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New on NBN.org.il

Teen Aliyah: Making Aliyah WITH Your Teen can be found under "Families and Aliyah" > articles
http://www.nbn.org.il/social/teen_aliyah.htm

The family challenge of Aliyah can be found under "Families and Aliyah" > articles
http://www.nbn.org.il/social/fam_challenge.html

Post Secondary - Educational Opportunities and Seminary Listing can be found under "Students, Singles, Army " > Education
www.seminarycentral.com 

Resource link for Electrical Info: 110v in Israel can be found under "Setting up your home" and "Aliyah Planning"> Shipping
http://www.megavolt.co.il/

Link to special needs resource 
http://www.science.co.il/Medical-Organizations.asp

Resources for Disabled Individuals in Israel (go to bottom of page )
http://www.nbn.org.il/social/disabled_individuals/dw_01.html
and
Organizations/agencies that give support to specific disabilities (top of page )
http://www.nbn.org.il/social/disabled_individuals/dw_11.html

The Community guide has had some new entries and new breakdown by region
http://www.nbn.org.il/social/community/community_map/index.html

The Hadas program - geared for observant girls who wish to serve in the IDF in either the Education Corps or Intelligence Corps while spending a year prior studying in Midrasha, immersed in textual study and strengthening spiritually can be found under "Students, Singles, Army"
http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/hadas.html

A new article that explores the difference between Katin Chozer and Ezrach Oleh in terms of previous stays in Israel, benefits, IDF and more http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/Ezrach_Oleh_and_Katin_Chozer.html
A new article about the special incentive offered by Misrad Haklita for Toshavim Chozrim http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/returning_residents_incentive.htm

A new article about buying and importing cars to Israel, including information about the tax reduction for new Olim,  passport to passport process, Customs rules when buying a car in Israel with Oleh rights and more-   http://www.nbn.org.il/planning/car_import.htm

A list of all Misrad Harishuy branches where a foreign drivers' license can be converted to an Israeli one - http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/misrad_harishui.html  

An article about rental assistance  for new Olim http://www.nbn.org.il/housing/rent_assist.html and the different locations that one can apply for this benefit http://www.nbn.org.il/housing/rent_subsidy.html

New purchase tax rates for new Olim and Israelis http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/purchasetax.htm

A new Customs guide for Olim http://www.mof.gov.il/customs/eng/mainpage.htm 

 

Others additions and updates:

     
From the NBN Desktop

Know Any Aliyah-Minded People Back in America, Canada, or England Who Would Like to Help Others Make Aliyah?
Over the next few months, Nefesh B’Nefesh will be hosting numerous events throughout the USA, Canada, and England. These events are geared towards helping people learn more about the Aliyah process; whether it be employment, education, finances, or general life in Israel. We need your help to find people that can help us get the word out about these events in the many communities that we will be visiting. If you know anyone that might be interested in helping out, please contact Dani Stieglitz at DaniS@nbn.org.il

Employment Services
The NBN Employment Department is your resource for contacts in your field, job placements, assistance with resume writing, interviewing and negotiation tips and any other employment related issues. If you are currently employed and are aware of any potential job openings, please let us know! We are available Sunday through Thursday for individual consultations in person or by phone. Please contact us at: employment@nbn.org.il to set up a meeting.

Project Kesharim: Connecting Olim to Olim on Shabbat & Chagim
Olim can now find places to spend Shabbat and Chagim all over the country!  This is an incredible opportunity for Olim to make connections in Israel, or to just have a new and fun experience away from home.  To participate, as a host or guest, please email NBN at kesharim@nbn.org.il.
Hosts: Please note in your email where you live, how many Olim you would feel comfortable hosting, whether for meals, and/or sleeping, and for which dates.
Guests: Please include in your email whether you are looking for sleeping accommodations or just meals, how many Olim are looking to be hosted, and date you wish to be hosted (if specific).

The NBN Community Guide
Planning your move to Israel or thinking of relocating within? The NBN online Community Guide boasts over 30 community profiles with more being added all the time! Visit www.nbn.org.il/social/community/community_intro

Become an Aliyah Buddy!
 Nefesh B'Nefesh is expecting an unprecedented number of Olim this summer, and we need your help. By sharing your personal experience and Aliyah know-how, you can directly help new Olim acclimate to their Israeli surroundings. We are looking for volunteers to be community and/or employment buddies.

  • Community buddies: Be in touch with Olim before and after their arrival and provide them with a warm welcome, offering guidance about local resources and introducing them to other people in the community. To register, please go to:http://www.nbn.org.il/buddy
  • Employment buddies: Help Olim learn about employment opportunities in their fields by speaking to them prior to Aliyah and helping them identify job openings after their arrival. To volunteer, please email: employment@nbn.org.il and include your profession and contact information.

Unemployment Benefits in the First Year
If you have been in Israel for at least 6 months and neither you nor your spouse is employed, you are entitled to a monthly living allowance through Misrad HaKlita, which continues until a year after your Aliyah date. To begin receiving this living allowance, please contact your Misrad HaKlitah counselor.

Nefesh B’Nefesh Singles
If you’re an NBN Single who has made Aliyah (or is about to make Aliyah), the Nefesh B’Nefesh Singles YahooGroups listserv is an invaluable resource, allowing you to network and connect to others going through the process. Sign on and participate! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nbnsingles/

Stay Connected
NBN Yahoo NewsGroups is an online community of Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim and potential Olim. Share advice, tips, experience and encouragement by following and responding to the posts on the listserv.
Go to: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/nefeshbnefesh

Submissions
The Nefesh B’Nefesh Newsletter is always looking for your submissions. Please send us your personal announcements and smachot, Aliyah-related observations, frustrations, anecdotes, tips, tricks and discoveries! We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections. To friends and family of NBN Olim who live abroad, this means you as well! If your friends and family abroad would like to receive future editions of this newsletter via email, please submit their names and email addresses to newsletter@nbn.org.il or call 02 659 5706.

Where are you?
Have you moved? And then moved again? Keep us in the know so we can keep you in the loop. Please send all updated email/home/mailing addresses and telephone/cell numbers to updatenbn@nbn.org.il or call 02 659 5700.