I took part in the Aliyah fair 2 years ago and was witness to people walking from one side of the building to the other, hearing about banking in Israel, listening to the difficulties of dealing with Israeli landlords, and learning about the challenges of finding a job in Israel. These were just a few of the many informational sessions throughout the day giving people a realistic picture of the upcoming life in Israel.
I had an inner discussion with myself about the pros and cons of giving all the worst-case scenarios at these informational fairs and whether it is better to show a rosy picture of what to expect when moving to Israel.
My conclusion is one of my mom’s favorite sayings. “Everything in moderation.”
Any change brings with it many new challenges, especially when people are moving to a new country where the language is foreign to most and the culture is pretty much the opposite of where they come from.
There will be ups and downs throughout the journey of settling into this wonderful country of ours. There will be lots of difficulties and well as many moments of fear of the unknown. But on the flip side there will be a growing sense of belonging and pride at overcoming hurdles.
I want to share a few stories of clients of ours over the last few years and their experiences.
“B” made Aliyah in late June 2016. When she went to open a bank account at the central bank in Jerusalem she had to wait over half an hour to see the manager who then went on to tell her she had two options. To open an account in this particular office and wait about a month for the account to be opened, or to go to a local smaller branch closer to her home. Olim Advisors was with “B” and translated everything that was going on. We then drove her to the second branch and sat with her for over an hour to open her first bank account. We explained all the paper work and translated all questions that “B” had. Then we were shocked when we were told this branch does not have tellers so in order to deposit money into the account we need to go back to the original bank in Central Jerusalem. In the car we went with “B” and waited on line again to deposit money in the original bank. When all was set and done we even managed to take “B” to Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Absorption) to get “B” in the computer and processed to get the Sal Klita (government subsidy that Olim get for the first 6 months of living in Israel. I know “B” would have managed eventually to take care of all of these tasks, but with Olim Advisors at her side, it was smooth sailing. Even when things come up, we know how to take care them as quickly as possible.
Today “B” lives a busy life in Jerusalem, meeting new people experiencing the richness and beauty of Israel. She is learning Hebrew, travelling the country, cooking foods from all over the world and making her dream of living in Israel a reality.
“H” and “J” made Aliyah in August of 2016 to Raanana. Olim Advisors met with them at the bank and started the procedure of opening a bank account. Three quarters through the procedure, IKEA called to say the delivery truck would be by the apartment in the next 15 minutes. The couple asked if one of them could stay and finish the process of opening the account and the other meet the truck. The answer was a definite “NO”. Both had to stay until the end to sign all the documents. They looked at each other and wondered how they could possibly be at 2 places at the same time. Luckily an Olim Advisor was with the couple at the bank. They offered to take the key of the apartment and open it for the IKEA truck. When the couple finished the opening up a bank, their furniture was being delivered and a crisis was averted.
Today “H” has opened her own practice and is working hard to build it into a success. Their kids are each adjusting and finding their own place in Israeli culture
“T” is a convert. He began the process twice of making Aliyah out of Israel but both times did not go through with it. Recently “S” was staying with friends in Israel and wanted to complete the Aliyah process. At this point he hired Olim Advisors. They spent hours mediating between Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior) and their client to make sure all the paperwork was filled out correctly. The process was not simple but thanks to caring people in government offices who help Olim Advisors with their clients, the paperwork was all accepted. Olim Advisors, through their contacts got the heads up for their client on exactly what was expected of him both with the papers and then with the step by step process of making Aliyah now from within Israel.
“T” is well on his way to finishing the process of Aliyah and to starting a new life he dreamed of in Israel.
“C” made Aliyah 2 months ago. She had visited Israel last summer and was advised to have an A-1 Visa at the time. When she came to make Aliyah this made things a bit more complicated. “C” hired Olim Advisors to guide her with her Aliyah. The first day after she landed she was met by an Olim Advisor representative at Misrad Hapnim to get a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). The clerk was claiming that “S” needs to get a document from the police back in the States saying she has a clear record – and of course this would have to be done only by her- which would mean going back to the States. The Olim Advisor representative explained quite clearly and probably a bit loudly, that “S” went exactly by the Jewish Agency guidelines and there is no way she needs to get this extra piece of paper. After going back and forth between the clerk and the OA representative, “C” got her new Teudat Zehut.
Today “C” has a job, is signed up for Ulpan and for a tour guide course and is well on her way to feeling part of the Israeli culture.
Everyone making Aliyah should contact Olim Advisors right away to see how we can serve you and your family.
Email us right now for a free consultation: litzhaki@olimadvisors.com
