Uprooting your life, leaving behind friends, family, and familiarity to build a new life in Israel isn't easy.
Here are ten important tips from people have successfully made the monumental move.
1. Keep an Open Mind
Elad Gefen, 27, who works in film and journalism and currently lives in Tel Aviv, highlights open-mindedness and lack of expectations as the number one ingredient for Aliyah success. He cautions against regarding the move to Israel as a "cure-all" or as a "flip of the switch" which will automatically change a person's life. "You've got to work at it," he says.
He offers a good suggestion to avoid this pitfall: Make a detailed list of all the reasons why you're making aliyah (moving up to Israel) before coming. Then, if things get tough, pull out the list and re-focus on the real reasons you came to live in the Holy Land.
2. Keep the Kids Happy
When the Saar family began thinking of making aliyah, they took two pilot trips before making the final move. During both these trips, they focused extensively on a singular mission: finding the right schools for their children. In fact, they built their entire Aliyah around education, with their children's happiness being the focal point.
"We figured if our children are happy, we'll be happy and our aliyah will be successful," points out Yehuda Saar. He was right. After touring schools and neighborhoods, the Saars decided to settle down in Ra'anana, where their children are thriving. Yehuda works as a commodities trader and is enthusiastic about his family's relocation to Israel.
In general, education and social environment are the biggest keys in ensuring a family's happy aliyah. There may be some compromising or conforming necessary to fit in, but it's worth it since they help achieve good peer relationships and fulfilling school experiences. Bear in mind that Israeli culture, religious views and spectrums, and even ways of dress can be completely different from those abroad. It's worth spending significant time deciding where your family wants to find a niche in all these areas, and then work on transitioning into that chosen lifestyle.
3. Keep the Connection Alive
One of the most difficult challenges new immigrants encounter is the loneliness of leaving loved ones behind. Keeping up with family and friends is critical for a successful aliyah. Too much loneliness and homesickness are definite success-busters, and it's important to make the effort. Immigrants would do well to consider getting an all-you-can-talk phone line which can be used to make international calls for a set fee each month.
4. Gear Up for a Financial Reality Check
One of the biggest issues in making aliyah is money. Economic opportunities in Israel may seem less appealing or available to immigrants due to the language and cultural barrier or the need to retrain or recertify. Very often, the aliyah dream dies with the words "We'll come when we have ‘x' amount of money stored up..."
Ellen Solomon knows the financial equation inside and out, yet she and her family are managing beautifully -- despite some challenges they encountered along the way. While she came to Israel with some savings as a nest-egg, she also kept her cool about finances, always being willing to take the chance.
"We went in with the attitude that we were going to bleed a little." The Solomons appreciated the Sal Klitah -- Absorption Basket -- which every new oleh (immigrant) receives, but when it ran out after the requisite seven months, reality hit hard and they had to make adjustments.
"It's important to learn how to live like an Israeli," advises Solomon. "Pick and choose the American products you're going to buy, and give up things wherever possible." She cautions against becoming too tight-fisted, though; it can sour the aliyah experience considerably.
Aaron Katsman, a financial planner, helps keep new immigrants economically stable. He advises immigrants to consult with financial planners who are dually licensed in both Israel and abroad to better advise them on how to invest their money or save for the future.
While immigrants may feel the pinch of lower salaries, there are a lot of economic benefits that Israel offers over other countries. Day-school tuition is the oft-cited biggest financial savings. Health insurance, too, can be cheaper in Israel, along with other services. Even Israeli taxes -- which can be higher than in the U.S. -- come with some advantages, such as paid maternity leave and tax breaks for women in the workplace.
At the end of the day, though, the reality check is important and can be summed up by this well-told joke: How do you make a million dollars in Israel? Come over with two million!
5. Live, Laugh, Love
There are very few people who wake up one morning, roll out of bed and say "Honey, let's get up and move to Israel for no reason in particular." Ninety-nine percent of those who come on aliyah do so for very concrete reasons: ideological, religious, and spiritual, to name a common few. There is beauty and depth in Israel which touches the heart of nearly every visitor. The lifestyle here is completely different from that abroad, and therein lies the appeal.
Make sure you keep a good attitude and take time to enjoy the life here.
To ensure aliyah success, make sure you keep a good attitude and take time to enjoy the life here. Take a family trip to recharge your batteries -- the farthest you can travel in Israel is six hours to Eilat! Go to the Kotel, (the Western Wall) to remember why you wanted to relocate to a country where your ancestors served in the Temple. Even a brief walk in many neighborhoods can reveal archaeological treasures and ancient ruins. If aliyah is a marriage between Israel and the immigrant, keep the spark alive. And remember: Despite the over-fond memories at times, America was no cake-walk either!
6. Get Help; Lots of It!
You can find an inch-thick listing of "Gemachs"-- free loan projects run by modest individuals who lend out anything from baby strollers to medicines to crutches. The culture here is a warm, tight-knit one where every heart feels another heart. And most Israelis have a soft spot for the new immigrant who "sacrificed fame and fortune" to move to their humble country.
When you get offers of help, you may initially be surprised and even embarrassed by them. After all, in your country of origin you might never have received an offer from a six-year-old next-door neighbor to watch your three children while you sleep! Stifle the urge to act the martyr. Smile and say, "Okay -- thanks." You will find that most people are offering out of pure good-heartedness; they generally do not dream of being compensated. One day you will give back to others, but for now it's your turn to accept all the help you can get. From learning which products to buy in the grocery store to finding out the best way to clean Israeli stone floors, reach out to your neighbors, taxi drivers, and store owners. They love to help!
The popular Hebrew saying, loosely translated, goes: "A near neighbor is better than a distant brother." It couldn't be truer.
Also take advantage of the myriad services offered by organizations such as Nefesh B'Nefesh, AACI, and others. Workshops, courses, lectures, and support groups all add to a smooth Aliyah experience.
7. Think Things Through
As our family planned aliyah, one day my daughter, then six-and-a-half, had a total meltdown. We offered her the chance to write out her fears: leaving her friends and school, as well as her frustration with seeing our entire house filled with boxes in anticipation of sending our lift shipment. Today, we treasure that piece of paper, and she laughs every time she reads it -- a sure sign that her fears are long gone, replaced by abundant friends and a positive Israel experience.
It's important for everyone contemplating Aliyah, young and old, to acknowledge and express their feelings and fears about the prospect, and face them before they get here. Any relocation is tough, and being thrown into a totally new environment like Israel can be even tougher if the wrong kind of baggage is brought along!
8. Time is a Healer
Leah Barkan made aliyah from the Former Soviet Union as a teenager, during the Israeli government's mass emigration project which sought to bring youngsters over in the hopes that their parents would follow. As luck would have it, Leah's parents never came, but she considers her Aliyah extremely successful. Her Hebrew is fluent and she has a secure job as mortgage consultant in a major bank. Leah's advice to new immigrants is to be patient and give enough time to really progress. Even if things start off stressful, circumstances generally improve as time goes by. It's hardly ever advisable to jump the gun and do an about-face back to the Diaspora, even when disappointment sets in. Instead, keep the faith, call a friend to commiserate, and know that there's an excellent chance that one day you'll look back at this moment and laugh!
9. Plan Ahead
The face of aliyah today is a lot more pleasant than it's ever been. New immigrants are entitled to many services, both before they move and afterwards, and many times they're given preferential treatment.
The best way to assure a successful aliyah is by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about every aspect of the before and after. Take advantage of aliyah resource websites, Israeli community email lists, and anyone else who can give you additional information.
It's important to be smart about your rights. For example, immigrants are entitled to a special tax bracket when purchasing an apartment, but it can only be used once in a seven-year period. Knowing this, the savvy oleh will take this perk into consideration when contemplating a home purchase.
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh, offers this advice: Plan ahead, do lots of research, network professionally even before you arrive, and above all make sure your timing is right. Families often choose to come when their children are young so they can better adjust; sometimes couples wait until after retirement to make aliyah so they can take advantage of Social Security.
"Making aliyah is a significant life-changing move and requires a lot of planning to ensure a smooth and successful transition," he emphasizes. Nefesh B'Nefesh offers a dedicated support team to provide immigrants with all manner of financial, logistical and social support in the form of workshops, events, and reunions.
10. Take on the Right Pace
There are differing opinions on the best technique for acclimatization to life in Israel. One school of thought says jump right in and hope you don't drown, while others advise swimming lessons first. Some immigrants buy a house even before they come; they put down roots and are here to stay, for better or worse. Others choose to rent at first and feel out the neighborhood before they make a big commitment.
Chances are, immigrating to Israel is not going to re-mold your personality overnight. If you're a cautious person, don't make the mistake of jumping into anything -- a house, a car, a synagogue membership, or a job -- just because it's thrown at you or you're worried there's nothing else available. Instead, get plenty of advice, pray hard, and make an informed, calculated decision.
On the other hand, setting down roots in Israel is one of the best ways to achieve successful aliyah. It only feels like "home" when you've got your home established on terra firma.
(18) lior, June 21, 2017 1:35 PM
some extra tips :)
Pretty good article!
I just would like to add some other Tips always good to know when you do aliyah:
- If you are looking for buying a house in Israel by using a mortgage, notice that you have to bring a contribution to the bank of at least 30% of the total amount (which is huge compare to France, with 0% contribution like this past Year).
- For those who dont speak Hebrew very well (yet) , it can be pretty hard to buy online in Israel, like Appliances for home. The only multi lingual marketplace I know in Israel is Zabilo.com .
They have a good delivery service -which is very not usual in Israel, you should also notice that -and a true English Hebrew and French customer service.
- You will need to be strong and patient with everything linked to administration office and paperwork. It takes time, it goes slow, and never forget to duplicate your original document (they sometimes lose some of them).
- In Israel, we dont sell alcohol in grocery shop after 10.00 p.m.
- Moovit is a great app to go from a place to another by public transport in Israel. Notice that Israeli buses aren't very punctual.
Welcome Home !
(17) Stan, December 7, 2015 12:45 PM
Finding work in Israel
To me, finding work will determine where I live - so I guess this is the best starting point to making Aliyah.
Unfortunately I have not had any success in even finding out what the potential is for me to find out what possible jobs I might be able to find as I do not understand the language, and my Aliyah consultant says this is not their job.
Anyone have advise on how I go about this as I am ready to live anywhere (Golan, Sederot, etc) so long as I can find work as I do not have big bucks saved up?
(16) Brad Simmons, June 16, 2015 11:52 PM
Savings account
How does one establish a savings account in an Israel Bank before aliyah?
(15) Anonymous, January 15, 2014 11:01 AM
lonely after aliya
i made aliya alone several years ago and I'm desperately lonely :( i have acquaintances but no real friends... if anyone is in a similar situation and wants a friend I would love to meet. (I'm a girl in mid twenties, looking for similar)
Daniel, June 1, 2014 8:08 PM
Sending Love
Hello. I'm a Jew from Florida. I just want to send you love and tell you are loved by at least one other Jew and Hashem.
Daniel (tasitfome at gmail )
Sorah Weiss, June 10, 2016 2:44 PM
I'm about to make the jump to Israel
I'm old but single and alone.... kinda. My son is in Jerusalem but he's never home... even on Shabbos. I may not be your ideal friend (an old lady, lol) but I still want to meet a man to marry and
be with a friend while at a restaurant or whatever..... do you want to connect, once I'm settled in? I'll be going to Ulpan.
(14) Anonymous, April 17, 2013 5:28 AM
Percent
I am interested in making Aliyah but am curious about two things. Does anyone know what percent Jewish you have to be to make Aliyah? Also since I am married to a wonderful non-Jewish man, can he make Aliyah since I am Jewish?
shmuel, May 20, 2014 9:57 PM
answer
Yes he can make aliyah
(13) Bryan Johnston, September 12, 2012 5:14 PM
Aliyah
Thamks for the advise. I've been wanting to move to Israel ever since I found out I was Jewish. My mother's great great grandmother was a Jacobsen from Iceland. For whatever reason (war time and racism I'd guess) they married off their daughter to a Christian (Stephenson) and because Jewishness is passed down on Mother's side, my mother and her three sons are all considered Jews, according to Jewish law. Even though my mom and brothers don't really care, I do. I've always had Jewish friends and have studied the history of Jewish struggles. The way we've stuck together and always remembered where we came from before exile and our awsome traditions and religion kept us strong is humanity's greatest story. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we always rise above and take our place at the top of the food chain. I just wish I had known I was Jewish from childhood. Life could have been a lot different. Anyways..I want to visit Israel and plan to never leave once I finally get there. I'm a welder and plan on applying for jobs as soon as I get there. There's a few volunteer programs I've checked out. I will make my dream come true..I pray for it every day..thank you.
michelle, December 16, 2012 5:25 AM
your story and mine are very similar!
wow. i also found out recently, as an adult, and am the only one in my family who has taken up judaism (i took a conversion class to learn about our heritage). it was also my great great grandmother who married outside the clan in germany, but perhaps only to assimilate jews. it was kept secret until my mother found out from a cousin in 2008 - a cousin who she had not seen since childhood. i would like to find out more about your journey, if you are open to comparing notes. i am also interested in making aliyah, but a bit on the fence...i am a very patriotic american and on my father' side a daughter of the american revolution. please email me if you'd like: bella DOT shopgirl AT gmail DOT com. :)
(12) Anonymous, November 14, 2010 6:31 PM
Learn Hebrew, Make English speaking friends, and make your own "Protectzia"
I've been in Israel since 1987, and here is my advice: LEARN HEBREW--spoken and written! A must!! Make English speaking friends your "family." Israelis are very different from North Americans and you may never have true friends who are Sabras. That's okay--leave that to your kids. "Protectzia" is the Russian/Hebrew word for connections. You need it in Israel, but you can establish it for yourself by being friendly and warm. Good luck!! It's not easy, but it's home.
(11) Anonymous, May 8, 2007 6:03 PM
If it's so great.....
Our Northeast Ohio community - and one shul in particular - is filled with Sabras who immigrated here. Supposedly, they miss Israel - but always have all Israeli parties, etc. If Israel is so wonderful, why do so many Israelis leave, all the while talking about how great it is?
Anonymous, May 13, 2012 9:58 PM
There is a divine reason why Israelis come to the U.S.
If you do NOT follow Gd's commandments and teachings then the land (eretz Yisroel) will vomit you out. For more information on your purpose in life, goto www.divineinformation.com This is authentic Jewish site
(10) shoshana dolgin, May 7, 2007 3:53 PM
good - sensible - but not complete without Ivrit/
It is important to mention that one should try to study and learn Hebrew before coming on aliyah, and/or to continue learning to feel part of society, be able to talk with teachers, colleagues, attend lectures, etc. This is vital. Not easy as everyone wants to talk English with you, but truly essential. Go to Ulpan wholeheartedly. Good luck.
(9) marcel, April 30, 2007 12:34 PM
false dreams
Israel is not just un other part of USA!
Israel is a part of the Middle east. Most spoken languages are: hebrew, arabic, russian, english it's only the 4-th spoken language!
(8) Ben Matti and wife, April 28, 2007 3:49 PM
An interesting article
Thank you for this good and helpful article! My husband has for a long time thought about moving into Israel, because he is partly of Jewish descent. Though, because of our poor financial situation we have not been able to do the aliyah, at least not yet.
Yaakov, May 13, 2012 9:53 PM
If your husband;s birth mother is Jewish, then he is as Jewish as Moses.
If your husband;s birth mother is Jewish, then he is as Jewish as Moses.If you are not Jewish then please convert as soon as possible. It will take 1 to 3 years for an authentic Jewish conversion. Pleaase do not be fooled by reform or conservative conversions they are useless. Why? Because the Torah is eternal. Please do NOT convert because of your husband, do it for Gd.If you want more information goto www.divineinformation.com Find out what your purpose in life is before it is too late.
(7) Adam, April 26, 2007 9:56 PM
commodities trading in Israel
I work in the finance industry and am seriously planning on moving to Israel. I do not know much about the finance industry there, but I noticed that Mr. Saar works as a commodities trader. Is there any way I could get more information from him or someone else about what is available in Israel?
Thanks you so much.
-Adam
(6) Sarah Bourne, April 23, 2007 10:00 AM
I would love to make Aliya,
I am a Jewish Hand quilter and I embroider Torah art work and sell it to use some of the money for mitzvoths and to save some for Aliya someday ! I want to make trips to Israel to get my fabric and for insperation ! Sarah Bourne
(5) Golda, April 23, 2007 7:19 AM
I would love to make Aliyah but...
I would love to make Aliyah but I have been on Disability payments for many years and am too ill to work. I don't have family (except for a big fluffy cat & I would love to take her with me)so everything is difficult. I saw the Aliyah shaliakh but he said I have to be able to work before I can make Aliyah. Israeli disability payments are not enough money to pay for all expenses such as rent, food, utlities, public transport, health care and other necessary expenses. Also I live in Australia & we don't have Nefesh B'Nefesh here. The shaliakh couldn't find me anywhere to live in Israel. I keep praying that my health will improve so that I can make or Aliyah or that the Israeli welfare system will improve to the point where I can survive in Israel.I just have to remain positive & trust Hashem (as we all do) that I (& my cat) will soon be able to return home to Israel. Hopefully Mashiakh will soon arrive and solve all these problems for me and other Jews & Jewesses to return home.
(4) s. zangvil, April 23, 2007 3:30 AM
Grace: to answer your question...
Hi Grace, my family made an Aliyah 7 years ago. About the money, I think the best way to go (what we did..) is- if you have an American check card you can pull money from any ATM here in Israel (a certain ammount of money each day). The fees are lower than money transfers and things like that. Anyways, that's definitely an option but you should check your options with your bank and hear more opinions!
good luck!!
(3) agnes csato, April 22, 2007 2:44 PM
Love Israel more then life itself!
I am a Holocoust surviver, female, live in Chile, 75old, dreamd to live in Israel my whole life everytime I go there I cry when I leave.But this is no age for aliyah.I speak 7 lang. and am a writer.What can I get there bymyself? I have a pension of 1000US$ until the day I go for good.This is more a dream then somthing I could accomplish. BY,BY, agnes
(2) shoshana, April 22, 2007 12:14 PM
one more thing
EMUNAH! Fait- Hashem is our best and only hope. It takes a lot of trust that if you were brought all the way here, then Hashem would not let you fall- He is our loving father. He wants our success!
(1) grace milstone, April 22, 2007 9:27 AM
very informative
we would like more information on getting money from usa to israel. what is the best way to ahndle it. thanks