Ask the Aliyah Survivor

 

If you have any questions about Aliyah, please post your question in the comments box on this page and I will provide a response.

 

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Answer to Nina:

 

The first few months can be financially difficult. There is no doubt that you will be leading a more “modest” lifestyle. That being said, there are a few solutions:

 

1. Contact Nefesh B’Nefesh – They offer amazing financial support to new immigrants.

 

2. Get a job – Ulpan is only part time and if you get a job, even as a waitress, you will get practice using your Hebrew.

 

3. Live at the Ulpan – Ulpans are fairly cheap and you will meet a lot of other Olim, who often become some of your best friends. Plus the government will help you pay your rent at Ulpan.

 

4. Live modestly and on your savings.

 

5. Make sure to get all of your financial support from the Israeli Government and Absorption Ministry!

 

6. Start a “Help me make Aliyah” Fund and ask your friends and family to contribute!

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 I received the following question from Daniel:

 

 “Jessica just joined am reading your blog love it. i am in the early stages but when i read you left your pets are you forbidden from bringing them. I have a little pekingese whom I adore. she is my family I could not leave her. There must be some way of bring pets. I lived abroad for many years and we were allowed to bring them, there was of course paperwork and sometimes a quarantine period. Please get back to me. Thank you for your time and insight. Mazel tov! as well.”

 

Answer to Daniel:

 

My pets were technically my parents’ pets and they would much rather part with me, their daughter, than with their pets.

 

You are allowed to bring pets on Aliyah. There is of course, paper work involved – as there is with anything in Israel.

 

So don’t worry, you don’t have to leave your furry loved ones behind!

 

Hope to see you and your pekingese in Israel soon. Good luck with your Aliyah!

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 I received the following question from Rosemary:   

 “Have any of you brought your dog from the U.S. to Israel? If yes, how did the dog do? Was the dog mildly sedated and had to ride in a cage in the luggage compartment underneath the plane? Is it cold in that compartment? Are any dogs allowed to ride (sedated) in their crate in the passenger area?

We also hear from bloggers that there is some financial help to Olim for the airplane ticket to Israel. Is this true for everyone or only for those who qualify due to lower income? We make enough money and do not qualify for any assistance but we live modestly and don’t have a lot left over. Is there an agency who will help financially to get us and our stuff to Israel? Is there any help for the pilot trip that is required by NB’N? Perhaps there are some free or low cost hotel rooms for people on their pilot trips? Any information would be helpful. Thanks”

 

Answer to Rosemary:

A woman on my flight brought 9, yes 9 cats! I will be writing more about that experience during the next few posts. Her cats were in the passenger compartment. (I remember Nefesh B’Nefesh checking with everyone to ensure that no one had allergies.) I do not know the exact rules as to bring dogs on El Al planes, but I have seen dogs, large dogs, traveling on El Al with their owners. Large dogs are typically in the bottom part of the airplane. I do not know the specific regulations. Nefesh B’Nefesh should be able to tell you more about this. I also recommend talking to your vet and El Al (as all Aliyah flights are through El Al).

 

In response to your question regarding the flight: Last I heard, The Jewish Agency does pay for your flight to Israel when making Aliyah and the connecting ticket from where you live (if on the same day). There are also many other benefits that you are eligible for as a new Oleh, including, as I last heard, a trip from the airport to your new residence. I recommend being in touch with Nefesh B’Nefesh to get the most updated information. Nefesh B’Nefesh is a great resource and I recommend using them.

 

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I received the following question from Eli:

 

Hey!
My girlfriend is coming to live with me she is Jewish and wants to learn Hebrew. What is the easiest and cheapest way?
Thanks,
Eli

 

Answer to Eli:

 

Ulpan is a great way to learn Hebrew in a systematic way. If you are in Jerusalem, then Ulpan Etzion is best. Etzion is known to be a more academic Ulpan. If you are in Tel Aviv then Gordon is the most popular. Universities also offer Ulpans. You can also inquire about a personal tutor, typically placing an announcement on jaanglo or taanglo is a good way to find a good tutor. Lastly, is practice! Tell your girlfriend not to be afraid to make mistakes and speak in public. Another great way to practice reading is to buy Sha’ar L’matchilim – which is a newspaper for beginners. This newspaper provides Hebrew at all levels and is a great way to get a weekly news update in Hebrew and get some new vocabulary. You can typically buy this newspaper at different kiosks and central bus stations. B’Hatzlacha!

 

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Answer to Josh:

 

I came to Israel right out of University, but had a profession in mind that I had some background in. I had never worked in the US and my only career experience is in Israel. There are work opportunities for English speakers in Israel, but the job market is tough and competitive. A lot of English speakers end up in marcom (marketing communication) positions at hi-tech companies, but there are also a lot of other professions. The salaries are not like those of the US.

 

Both Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Merkaz Ha’magshamim offer advice and other support for job hunting.  Also, check out my Useful Links Page, under the Employment Section to see what type of jobs are typically offered in Israel.

 

One of the most important things to know about job hunting in Israel is to use any connection that you can! (Just like everything else in Israel.)  

 

 

 

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Answer to Michael

The key to surviving the army is not dodging bullets, it is actually learning to make the system work for you. Unfortunately, people that made aliyah do not have special rights in the army, but if your cousin is a lone soldier then he does can turn to his “mashak’ee’tash” which is sort of like a social worker for soldiers. However, your cousin should know that the most important thing in the army is not to give up. He has to make his point clear and be persistent that he wants to move. I DO recommend that he emphasize the fact that he made aliyah, choose to enlist in the army and try to take advantage of people’s weakness for lone soldiers – you’ve got to use whatever you have got in this country. Other than that, he should keep in mind that in the army, unless it is written, it does not exist – he should not simply settle for someone’s promise.

 

Lastly and most importantly, the biggest lesson that I learned in the army is that if you manage to navigate through the army then surviving Israeli bureaucracy will be like a walk in the park.

 

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Answer to Gena:

 

Since I did not make Aliyah with children, I can not give you much advise regarding this; however, I would get them started on Hebrew lessons so that they will have an easier transition. I would also start getting them mentally ready. Have you looked into apply for Nefesh B’Nefesh? Either way, Nefesh B’Nefesh should have great advise for families planning Aliyah as they have helped many families make Aliyah.

 

To prepare, I recommend getting all of your families documents in order and making multiple copies – this will help you dealing with bureaucracy.

Don’t expect to live the same standard that you live in US! Things are more expensive and you get paid less. The winters are not very cold, but the houses are built to keep the cool in and the heat out – so it feels colder. Many houses don’t have central heat or air, but the newer ones do. It is standard to have water heaters that you have to turn on before you need hot water – however, in the summer, most water heaters have a solar heater which saves energy and there are timers that can be used. There are 2 cable options – satellite and terrestrial cable – both have a lot of English stations.

 

I’m not sure about the RN job market, but I have heard that there is a demand for nurses. It is important that you check what you have to do to get your license in Israel – so that you will be able to work as an RN.

 

Hope this has been helpful. Good luck with your Aliyah process!

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