NBN-Aliyah-Guidebook.Pdf
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Welcome In 2002 we asked ourselves (and others), why are so few North Americans making Aliyah? What is holding people back? How can Aliyah be done differently? Can the process be improved? And if it can, will Aliyah increase? Will answering these questions encourage more people to make the move? What would a wave of increased Aliyah look like? 15 YEARS AND 50,000 OLIM LATER, THE ANSWER IS CLEAR. Imagining greater possibities was not a one-time exercise. It is the underlying principle that guides Nefesh B’Nefesh services, helps us The mission of Nefesh B’Nefesh identify where to improve, what resources to make available and the is to make the Aliyah process obstacles to help alleviate. easier, facilitate the integration BUT THIS IS ONLY HALF THE STORY. of new Olim into Israeli society and to educate the Jews of the It is our community of Olim who, on a very personal level, are asking Diaspora as to the centrality of themselves the same questions. the Israel to the Jewish People. The individuals and families who are choosing to imagine greater possibilities, seeing greater potential, a greater future… and are By removing professional, choosing a different path from the overwhelming majority of their logistical and financial peers, families and communities. obstacles, and sharing the AND WHAT ARE THEY FINDING? Aliyah story of Olim actively building the State of Israel,we Aside from the basics, they are finding warm communities, great jobs, and holistic Jewish living. They are tapping into something bigger – encourage others to actualize there is a tangible feeling of being part of Israel’s next chapter and their Aliyah dreams. having an active role in its future. We are dedicated to making Around our office we speak of Israel being the ‘greatest project of the each Oleh, and every Aliyah, Jewish people’. a success. SOUND BOMBASTIC? Let’s break it down: in Israel, no matter your age, religious outlook, TABLE OF CONTENTS profession, family status, gender, orientation or political leaning, you Welcome 2 can find your place. And by doing so, you are taking a proactive, vital What is Aliyah? 3 part in Jewish living. That’s just by making the move. The Aliyah Process 4 What often comes next is surprising to Olim. NBN Services 5 Soon after arriving and settling in, many Olim start to imagine even Go North 6 greater, seeing opportunities to grow and contribute at every turn. It Go South 7 then becomes, more than ‘what does Israel have to offer me’, and shifts Lone Soldiers Program 8 to ‘what do I have to offer Israel.’ Medical Licensing 9 WHEN WE IMAGINE GREATER POSSIBILITIES, WE ACTUALIZE GREATER REALITIES. Young Professionals 10 Olim are finding unique opportunities for themselves and their families Retirees 12 in all realms and are daring to imagine greater, professionally and Healthcare 13 personally, and are making an impact in Israel and, in many cases, Education 14 throughout the world. Communities 15 At today’s event, our staff and guest speakers are on hand to not only Employment 16 share the practical knowledge and guidance to help you explore and Rights & Benefits 18 plan your Aliyah dream, they will also help share a glimpse of greater Glossary 20 horizons, and possibilities you can find in Israel. Our Partners 21 NBN Stats 22 2 IMAGINE GREATER POSSIBILITIES What is Aliyah? The Hebrew word “aliyah” means ascent or rise, but for generations it has been used to mean “to move to Israel”. Beginning in the 1880’s, groups started to organize with the goal of building communities and the land. In 1948, the State of Israel opened her doors to the Jews of the world and passed the Law of Return, Aliyah took on a formal/legal meaning, thereby, “to make Aliyah” means to move to Israel and become an Israeli citizen. Why do people make Aliyah? Where can I find Aliyah guidance For some, making Aliyah, is a religious imperative, and information? for others an act of strengthening their Jewish At every stage, you can talk to a Nefesh B’Nefesh identity and the feeling of belonging, and for some Aliyah advisor, who will guide you through the it is the ultimate expression of practical Zionism, process, or attend our informational events. and truthfully, for many, it is a combination of all of We can help you plan your move, find the right these living a Jewish life out loud. community, start the job search, advise you about your rights and benefits and help you ease into Who makes Aliyah? your new life in Israel. Jews of ALL denominations and ALL ages – singles, young professionals, families, retirees – are making WHat happens after I arrive in Israel? the move and making Israel home. Your new life begins. As with any big move there are challenges, but you are not alone. How does one make Aliyah? Nefesh B’Nefesh will be there for you every step Practically speaking, the process consists of several of the way, helping you navigate the ins and outs steps, the first of which is the decision to seriously of life in your new home. explore your Aliyah options. The next steps are to fill out the Aliyah application, gather the required We invite you to explore the documents, interview with a Jewish Agency Shaliach (representative), await approval, get an Aliyah visa, possibilities of life in Israel. and then book your Aliyah flight. (SEE PAGE 4) 1-866-4-aliyah www.nbn.org.il 3 THE ALIYAH PROCESS Nefesh B'Nefesh works in cooperation with The Jewish Agency for Israel, to facilitate the Aliyah prcocess through our joint application. The following is an overview of the steps for submitting your application and required documents for Aliyah and the steps that follow. COMPLETE THE JOINT NEFESH B’NEFESH OBTAIN ALIYAH VISA & JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL APPLICATION An Aliyah visa is required unless you hold an 6-8 months before your estimated Aliyah date, Israeli passport. The Shaliach from the Jewish begin your Aliyah paperwork by completing the Agency who confirms your approval for Aliyah STEP 1 application. STEP 4 will give you instructions for applying for the visa. It can take two weeks or more for the visa In addition to the joint NBN-JAFI application for Aliyah and to be issued, depending on the time of year and where services, there is an option to apply for financial aid from you live. We recommend applying 1-2 months before Nefesh B’Nefesh. Financial aid is awarded based on need, your estimated departure. Once issued, the Aliyah visa adequacy of Aliyah preparation, and likelihood of success. is valid for 6 months. We can provide a paper application if need be. You will be asked to upload copies of relevant documents which will be used to both determine your eligibility and STEP 5: THE ALIYAH FLIGHT your status with the Jewish Agency. Your Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim are entitled to a free, one-way, Aliyah advisor will be in touch with you throughout the process flight to Israel from any of the North American to ensure you are on the right track! EL AL hubs! STEP 5 Nefesh B’Nefesh offers three different flight INTERVIEW WITH AN ALIYAH SHALIACH options throughout the year: summer Charter flights (the whole plane is making Aliyah and will be welcomed As part of the Aliyah process, an interview with your with a ceremony); monthly Groups (a section of the local Aliyah Shaliach (a representative of the Jewish plane is making Aliyah and NBN staff is on-board to Agency for Israel) will be required. You will be help); and Designated flights departing from each hub STEP 2 asked to present original copies of your documents regularly throughout the year. Your NBN Aliyah advisor (see step 1) which will be returned to you during will help you determine your best option! your meeting. Call the JAFI Global Center from the US at 1-866-835-0430, or from Canada at 1-866-421-8912, when you are ready to book your meeting. NEFESH B’NEFESH SERVICES IN ISRAEL Arriving in Israel is only the beginning of the APPROVAL FOR ALIYAH Aliyah journey! Dedicated to making each Oleh, The Jewish Agency for Israel will approve your and every Aliyah, a success, a full program of NEXT Aliyah based on the criteria set by the Israeli workshops, events and personal outreach, helps government. They will let you know directly that ensure new arrivals acclimate, integrate and thrive in STEP 3 you can make Aliyah and will confirm your status Israel. In addition, Nefesh B’Nefesh has recently launched based on your family history. a dynamic online job board (www.nbn.org.il/jobboard) After receiving Jewish Agency approval to make Aliyah, which assists Olim in search of employment by NBN will confirm your approval for services and/or connecting them with Israeli companies seeking quality, financial aid. English-speaking, employees. 4 IMAGINE GREATER POSSIBILITIES NEFESH B'NEFESH SERVICES HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY... Our advisors help you actualize your Aliyah dream by providing you with support, information and resources for your research and planning. Our assistance continues after you arrive, helping you acclimate, integrate, and thrive in Israel. GUIDANCE & COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES RESOURCES PRE & POST-ALIYAH NBN Aliyah advisors help you identify Our advisors assist with professional community options, navigate the integration through career guidance health care system, find appropriate networking contacts and job placement. education for your children, build a Be sure to check out the NBN Job Board: budget and much more.