8 Awesome Things To Do In Tel Aviv During Chanukah
Sara Klaben, Founder of Nativertravel.com Chanukah is here and it’s time to celebrate with [...]
Starting Your Own Business in Israel: Real Life Examples
Rachel Berger NBN Director of Post Aliyah Most Anglo Olim follow this path: [...]
Arnona (Reduced Municipal Tax)
All cities and towns in Israel charge Arnona (property tax). Olim are customarily granted a discount of 70-90% on the Arnona payments (for up to 100 sqm.) and are usually entitled to take advantage of this discount during one of the first two years after Aliyah, i.e., for one 12-month period.
Meet The King of Wings
At the intersection of Tel Aviv’s hipster, yuppie and financial districts is Wings, a brand [...]
When Do You Stop Calling Yourself an Oleh Chadash?
Marc Rosenberg, NBN Director of Pre-Aliyah When do you stop referring to yourself [...]
Aliyah Flight: Luggage Guidelines
Nefesh B’Nefesh & The Jewish Agency For Israel are thrilled to offer free Aliyah group and charter flights from different EL AL hubs, that include government processing for your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) & Teudat Oleh (Oleh certificate) , and the experience of making Aliyah together with other Olim.
Rent Subsidy Offices
Amidar 1599-505-700 *6266 Milgam 1599-563-007 M.G.A.R. 1599-500-301 Afula -- -- 13 Harav Levin Floor [...]
Supermarket Vocabulary
Here are some key phrases and words to know when shopping for food in Israel.
Sal Klita Calculator
The Sal Klita calculator allows you to determine exactly how much money you will be receiving as part of your Sal Klita. This calculator does not cover all possible scenarios; the amount of your Sal Klita is related to your Aliyah status, as determined by The Jewish Agency for Israel. Please be in touch with your Shaliach for further details.
Why Retirees are Thriving in Israel
Meet three families who have chosen to spend their golden years in Israel and see how they are enjoying the social, familial and health benefits that Israel provides.
Pumpkin Krembos and Lone Soldiers: An NBN Thanksgiving Meal
We celebrated the traditional holiday the NBN way – by putting an Israeli spin on it. Read more about who was there, what they did, and of course, what they ate.
Daniel & Chavi Eisenberg
This Thanksgiving, Daniel and Chavi Eisenberg are thankful to have finally made it to Israel. After years of planning, and with many obstacles to overcome along the way, the Eisenbergs are thrilled with their new life in Israel.
Touchdown: The Surprising Story of American Football in Israel
Featuring both tackle and flag leagues, Israel now boasts over 79 football teams. Read about the growing popularity this iconic American sport in Israel.
#thankstoaliyah
#thankstoAliyah I was able to run the Jerusalem marathon in my home city! Best feeling [...]
In Israel’s defense: Eric Schorr
If anyone was born to be a Jewish leader, it’s Eric Schorr. Growing up just [...]
Peter Halmagyi: Oleh in Focus
As the official photographer for the Israeli Embassy in LA for 24 years, Peter Halmagyi has photographed the last seven Israeli prime ministers, starting with Yitzhak Shamir. Throughout his time at the embassy, Halmagyi has photographed the who’s who among Israel’s politicians and celebrities. This spring, after more than seventy trips to Israel, and logging thousands of kilometers from Rosh Hanikra to Eilat, Halmagyi decided it was time to call Israel ‘home’ and made Aliyah to Herzliya.
Windy Rohde
Windy Rohde is a 3rd generation ice skater with 28 years experience performing, teaching, and [...]
Ari Nahmani: A sense of home
When Ari Nahmani spent two months in a high school Israel program, the far-away land of his childhood legends became real. Over the next several years Nahmani found himself returning to Israel again and again until moving there permanently in 2006 at age twenty-three, making Aliyah officially the following year. Nahmani finally felt that he was home.
Making Aliyah and Juggling Debt, Loans or a Mortgage
Living in Israel is awesome – and for many people it is a true dream come true. To make the dream of living in Israel a reality, there are many practical steps that one must take to ensure successful absorption into Israeli society. From my experience, having proper expectations is one of the key ingredients to a successful Aliyah.
Wills & Inheritance – Where There’s a Will There’s a Way
What arrangements can be made in a Will? Does it matter if you already have a will that you executed abroad? What happens if you don’t have a will? Learn about Israeli laws regarding to wills and inheritance.
Buying a Car Passport to Passport
There are a number of steps to be followed when buying a car passport to passport. Read a personal account of an Oleh who went through the process.
Traveler’s Health Insurance
While the health plans cover your health needs while physically in Israel, this coverage does not extend to visits abroad. In light of this, it is important to purchase traveler's insurance for short and long visits outside of Israel, to cover routine and emergency medical care for yourself and your children.
Renewing Your Driver’s License
Your driving license (photo ID) is valid for a limited time and it is your responsibility to renew it when the time is up. The renewal process not complicated and you can read about the steps here.
FAQ
The Application Process | Applying Online | Aliyah Rights & Benefits | Israeli Documentation | [...]
Transfer of Car Ownership
Transfer of ownership is a critical stage in the purchase of a used vehicle. Pay attention and carefully check the vehicle license to make sure that every detail matches the vehicle you are buying, and that the seller is indeed the owner of the vehicle.
Health Insurance for Returning Citizens (through Bituach Leumi)
Any Israeli citizen who returns to live permanently in Israel will have a waiting period before receiving medical services through Bituach Leumi (the National Insurance Institute).
Car Registration Renewal (Rishayon Rechev)
Vehicle Registration (licenses) are renewed annually. On receipt of your new vehicle license and before your current license expires, you must first pay the license renewal fee and then take the vehicle to an authorized Vehicle Inspection Station for a road worthiness test, colloquially known in Hebrew as the "Test".
Israel Inspired – July 2012
Israel Inspired: Nefesh B'Nefesh Celebrates a Decade of Aliyah - July 2012. Read it online [...]
Government Forms
The following is a list of useful links to often used Government forms, for your [...]
The Long Road Home
It has been a long road, both literally and figuratively, to our aliyah -- to home.
This Is My Israel – March 2013
This Is My Israel: A look at life after Aliyah. NY Jewish Week Supplement - [...]
Ani Lo Maveen Ibrit
Marc Rosenberg, NBN Director of Pre-Aliyah As an Aliyah professional, I am often [...]
5 Resources for Developing your Career in Israel
Finding a job that’s right for you is integral to making you feel at home [...]
Veterinary Medicine
Job opportunities for qualified veterinarians are available throughout Israel, though competition for open positions can be stiff. Most veterinarians in Israel are employed under government auspices or are self-employed in private practice.
Social Work
Social workers in Israel work with a wide range of populations including families of the physically and mentally handicapped, underprivileged communities, children and youth at risk, hospital patients and their families, the elderly, drug rehabilitation, immigrants from non-Western countries, trauma and abuse victims, and victims of terror.
Speech Therapy & Audiology
There is a strong demand for speech therapists to work in various areas such as Kupot Cholim (health funds), hospitals, clinics, special-ed schools, etc.
Psychology
In the private sector, Psychological services are offered at private clinics, residential treatment centers, institutions for the elderly, family therapy clinics and non-profit organizations.
Scientific Research & Academia
Israel's scientific researchers and academics boast a disproportionate number of accomplishments and internationally-recognized breakthroughs, which disguise the small size and nature of the community and its limited resources.
Living Israel – Fall 2014
Introducing our Fall 2014 Living Israel supplement to the Jewish Week. Now you can read [...]
Podiatry
Podiatrists must be licensed by Misrad Habriut.
Physical Therapy
There is a demand for Physical Therapists in Israel. PT's are employed in health funds, hospitals, clinics, old-age homes, child development centers, special-ed schools, etc.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists are employed by health funds, hospitals, clinics, special-ed schools, etc.
Pharmacy
In order to obtain a license from the Misrad Habriut, you must personally submit your request at the Misrad Habriut office closest to your home (according to the address written in your Israeli Identification Card).
Midwifery
Before you can obtain recognition as a midwife, you must first become recognized in Israel as a registered nurse. This involves meeting all of the qualifications for nurses and passing the nursing exam.
Nursing
In order to be recognized as a nurse in Israel, one must hold a license issued by the Nursing Division of the Ministry of Health.
Students
Considering getting a degree in Israel? The following articles will help you find the [...]
Young Professionals
Israel is an incredible and dynamic platform for young people to grow personally and [...]
Retirees
A growing number of North Americans are choosing to spend their retirement years in Israel. [...]
Undeterred: 338 North America Olim Arrive in Israel this August
Hundreds of family, friends, past Olim, and native Israelis came to Ben Gurion Airport to [...]
Lazer & Mookie’s Journey to Success
When Lazer and Mookie Cohen talk about their dreams, they are full of confidence. They [...]
Aliyah: Rising Up in Trying Times
Nefesh B’Nefesh’s first Aliyah charter flight of the summer will go down in the history [...]
Step-by-Step Overview: Planning Your Aliyah
Overview of Aliyah Planning
Guide to Choosing After-school Activities
There are many informal education opportunities for kids in Israel. Olim kids can really benefit from these activities for it offers them an informal, non-academic environment to make friends and improve their Hebrew.
How to Obtain Your Israeli Senior Citizen Card
The Israeli Senior Citizen Card, Kartis Ezrach Vatik is available to women over the age of 62 and men over the age of 67. This card provides a variety of discounts and benefits on public transportation, attractions, and several other services.
Registering for Marriage
Open a marriage file ("tik nissuin") at your local religious council anytime between 90 and 21 days before the wedding. If you previously opened a marriage file with another partner, you must first cancel the earlier file at the religious council where it was opened before opening a new file.
National Emergency Preparation
It is important to be prepared for all eventualities, to have a plan in place and to know how to protect yourself and your family in the event of a national emergency.
Registering a Baby with the Israeli, U.S., or Canadian Governments
There are a number of steps involved in registering your newborn with the necessary Israeli government offices. You also have the opportunity to register your newborn as a citizen of your country of origin. This guide will outline the steps and explain what you need in order to complete each step.
Registering a Newborn Born to an Israeli Abroad
According to Israeli law, every child born to an Israeli citizen residing abroad must be registered at the Israeli Consulate in their region.
Applying for a New Passport for a Minor at the Israeli Consulate
Please follow the steps below if your child is already registered as an Israeli citizen. If your child is not yet registered as an Israeli citizen, you will first need to register them as Israeli and then apply for their Israeli passport.
Replacing Lost Documents
In order to issue a new Teudat Zehut you will need to visit your local branch of Misrad Hapnim (the Ministry of Interior). No appointment is necessary.
Bituach Leumi
Bituach Leumi (The National Insurance Institute of Israel) is the body responsible for the payment of various pensions and allowances to those who are insured and eligible under the National Insurance Law.
The Israeli Elections
The Central Elections Committee has released detailed information in English on the electoral system and the voting procedure. It will give you all the information on how, where and when to vote.
Misrad Harishui Branches
As part of the process of converting a foreign driver's licence, Olim will need to pay a visit to their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Misrad Harishui). Below you will find the list of Misrad Harishui branches.
Biometric (Smart) ID’s
Please note: The process of applying for a smart ID is not available upon Aliyah at Ben Gurion airport, only at the Misrad Hapnim local branches.
Lishkat Hata’asuka (Employment Office)
The role of the Employment Office (Lishkat Hata'asuka) is to help you find suitable employment. You must register with your local Lishkat Hataasuka before filing a claim with Bituach Leumi. A list of branches can be found below.
Student Authority Tuition Benefits
In total, Israel has 61 higher education institutions, with 10 universities and 51 colleges [...]
Shlichim in North America
The Aliyah Shaliach is a representative of The Jewish Agency for Israel who is responsible for validating your Aliyah documents and meeting with you. You can make an appointment to speak with the Shaliachdirectly, as per the listing below.
Income Tax Offices
Olim are entitled to set income tax (Mas Hachnasa) reductions in the three and a half years following their Aliyah. Please see below for a list of income tax authority branches in Israel.
Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) Branches
Israel's National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) provides a wide range of services including pensions, health insurance, unemployment payments, and more. Please see below for a list of Bituach Leumi offices.
Israeli Embassies and Consulates in North America
Israeli Embassies and Consulates in North America
Misrad Ha’aliyah V’haklita
The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (Misrad Ha'aliyah V'haklita) is responsible for providing government assistance to new immigrants and to returning residents.
Population &Immigration Authority Branch Locations – Misrad Hapnim
Israel's Ministry of the Interior (Misrad Hapnim) is responsible for citizenship, identification cards, travel documents, birth certificates and visas. Please see below for a list of Misrad Hapnim offices.
Applying for Visas
There are several visa options available for those who wish to try out Israel before making the commitment of Aliyah. All of the visas listed below are issued by Misrad Hapnim (the Ministry of Interior) in Israel. Additionally, student and temporary resident visas may be issued abroad through the Israeli Consulate. Anyone wishing to issue a temporary resident visa from abroad should contact The Jewish Agency for Israel
Living in Israel as a Tourist
Disclaimer: The article offers general information about living in Israel prior to making Aliyah. Nefesh B’Nefesh does not schedule appointments for visa renewals and is unable to facilitate the procedures mentioned herein. For more information regarding bureaucratic procedures, benefits, and the various implications of living in Israel as a tourist, please refer to the relevant Israeli government offices.
Benefits Affected by Previous Stays in Israel
If you've spent extended time in Israel prior to making Aliyah, certain benefits may be affected. Different government offices have their own policies regarding these situations, and consequently the implications vary depending on the benefit in question.
Benefits Affected When Marrying a Veteran Oleh
Misrad Hapnim: Refer to Misrad Hapnim in your area to register as a married couple. You will need to present your civil marriage certificate with Apostil certification
Mishpachat Olim (Family with Olim Status)
A Mishpachat Olim is a family where one spouse is a new Oleh, Katin Chozer (returning minor) or Ezrach Oleh (Oleh citizen) and the other spouse is a Toshav Chozer, or returning Israeli citizen. In order to qualify as a Mishpachat Olim
Timetable of Aliyah Benefits for Olim Chadashim
Upon Arrival Go to the Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration) office at [...]
Meches (Customs Tax)
Ashdod2 Habana'im st.Tel: 074-761-1989074-761-1985074-761-1987074-761-1988074-761-1990Fax: 04-8628469For general inquiries, contact the Customs Authority at: [email protected] [...]
Benefits for Toshavim Chozrim (Returning Residents)
Toshavim Chozrim who lived abroad for over 6 years, and were not employed by an Israeli company during the last 5 years, may import or purchase a car at a reduced tax rate, with the following restrictions
Monthly Child Benefits from Bituach Leumi
Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) offers a monthly stipend to all Israeli citizens based on the number of children under age 18 in their family. You are eligible for this benefit immediately following your Aliyah.
Extension of Rights for Olim
Anyone who made Aliyah in the past or held an A/1 Temporary Resident visa, left the country, and is now considering moving back to Israel. Anyone who made Aliyah previously and didn't use all of their Aliyah benefits as Olim (including the Oleh mortgage).
Rental Assistance
Misrad Hashikun (Ministry of Housing) offers Olim Chadashim rental assistance beginning from the 13th month after Aliyah. During the first year of Aliyah, rental assistance is distributed through Sal Klita (the Absorption Basket).
Mortgage Benefits in Israel
Israel’s Ministry of Construction and Housing oversees a mortgage benefit program that assists new Olim in funding the purchase of a home in Israel. This is part of an Israeli government benefits program which is commonly referred to as the Zakaut mortgage benefit.
US Social Security in Israel
As a US citizen, you may be concerned about working in Israel if you [...]
The Law of Return
The Law of Return, granting every Jew in the world the right to settle in Israel, was passed by the Knesset on July 5, 1950, and published in Sefer HaChukkim
Aliyah Flight: Options & Schedule
Nefesh B’Nefesh & The Jewish Agency For Israel are thrilled to offer free Aliyah group and charter flights from different EL AL hubs, that include government processing for your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) & Teudat Oleh (Oleh certificate) , and the experience of making Aliyah together with other Olim.
Aliyah Flight: Booking Requirements
When your Aliyah application is received by Nefesh B’Nefesh you will have the ability to select a flight preference by logging into your Nefesh B’Nefesh Account.
Benefits for Ben Olim
If you have children ages 17 to 21 who make Aliyah within 12 months of your own Aliyah (either before or after), they will be considered "Ben Olim." This means that they will be listed on your family's Teudat Oleh (Oleh booklet) and they will have limited Oleh benefits.
Unemployment Benefits for New Olim
Olim who have been in Israel for at least 6 months and are not employed, are entitled to a monthly living allowance through Misrad Haklita, known as Dmei Kiyum. Amounts for Dmei Kiyum are as follows. Note that unemployment benefits begin AFTER Sal Klita payments finish.
Optometry
The role of optometrists is to provide vision care, not to function as eye doctors, and many of the responsibilities held by optometrists in North America are only performed in Israel by ophthalmologists.
Art Therapy
Art therapists utilize art to help people with physical, psychological or emotional problems to communicate more effectively and to express their feelings. Art therapists work with clients who have physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems, in schools, hospitals, clinics, and prisons. Many people become art therapists after building up many years of experience in a related area such as art and design, occupational therapy, or social care. Knowledge of Hebrew is critical in order to work in an educational institution
Importing Goods by Postal Packages
As an Oleh who is entitled to customs benefits, you may consider a postal [...]
Israeli Trust Law
What is a Trust? Someone (Grantor/Settlor) can create a trust by signing a trust deed in which he transfers legal title of his assets to a trustee, whom he designates in the trust deed. The trustee, while having legal title to the assets, has no beneficial entitlement from the assets. The trust deed names beneficiaries, who do not have legal title to the assets, but are able to enjoy the income and the assets in accordance with the terms and conditions under the trust deed.
Glossary of Employment Terms
Useful employment terms in Hebrew.
Vocational Training Courses & Upskilling for Olim
Listing of vocational courses, retraining programs, and job placement centers for new Olim.
Telecommuting
There are an increasing number of professions that lend themselves to telecommuting, i.e., continuing employment remotely. Do you want to explore the option of telecommuting after you make Aliyah? Here are some suggestions for presenting the idea to your employer. The following contains excerpts from an actual proposal that an NBN Oleh successfully presented to his employer.
Converting your Foreign Driver’s License
To obtain an Israeli driver’s license, the following steps must be completed. As part of the process, you will need to take a Mivchan Shlita, a practical driving test.
Tips for Successful Interviewing in Israel
There is a well-known adage that says: you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. Studies have shown that within one minute, you've already made your impression! As there are many cultural differences between North American and Israeli workplaces, the following are some important tips to prepare you to make a great impression on your potential Israeli employer.
Is Your Currency Broker Abroad Secure
Make especially sure that you check the regulatory credentials of any non-bank foreign exchange specialist. Ensure the company operate segregated client accounts & have a proven track record in business
