Ok so you are finally here, or you are planning on making the big move to Eretz Yisroel! First,
Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov!!!
Second, let’s get down to business. No matter where you made Aliyah from, Israeli bureaucracy has no rhyme or reason. Accepting this ahead of time and knowing this ahead of time will make your processes much easier. The Israeli government offices system is baffling to almost every new Oleh — and understanding how it works before you arrive makes an enormous difference.
How Israeli Bureaucracy Works
Whether you speak Hebrew, some Hebrew, or no Hebrew at all, the Israeli bureaucracy system is trying. You must have a lot of patience and know that in the end everything will work out. You need to know that no matter what obstacles are in front of you, do not lose your cool — ever — if you want to get any results at all. The setup of all Israeli government offices makes it very frustrating and even seem backward. But you are now in Israel, and you need to learn how the bureaucratic system works.
You need to create a binder/folder with all your documentation. And you need to take this with you wherever you go. Even if you think it is not needed, more times than not, it comes in handy. You must never give your original documents; you will not get them back. It is best if you have 2 copies of each document so that you can provide it immediately.
Going Back a Second Time
One thing that I must stress about Israeli government offices: no matter what office you go to, more than likely you will have to go again. Knowing this ahead of time will make it less frustrating. It is also important that before you go to any office in the Israeli bureaucracy system, you double check their hours of operation — these can change randomly.
You must carry your teudat zehut card (your identity card) at all times. Every single place in the Israeli bureaucracy system uses this ID number (similar to a social security number) for any and all filings. I also recommend having your teudat oleh for at least the first two years of making Aliyah. You should also memorize your ID number.
Any changes in your life after moving to Israel — address change, marriage, divorce, new baby — you must update Misrad HaPnim (the Interior Ministry). By updating Misrad HaPnim, you are registering all changes to yourself or your family in the Israeli population registry. If Misrad HaPnim is not updated, this could cause problems when flying in or out of Israel.
You must also disconnect all utilities when you move, otherwise you will be billed for the usage even if you no longer live there — and it is difficult to “find” the tenant who moved in after you to take over the billing.
I recommend opening accounts online wherever possible — Bituach Leumi, banking, utility bills, Arnona, Myvisit.com (for Israeli government offices appointments), health insurance, and more. Navigating Israeli bureaucracy online will make your life so much easier. It can take months for an appointment at Israeli government offices, it can cause you to return multiple times to the same office, and it will make your life more difficult without doing so.
Records
Always get a copy of any decision in writing when dealing with Israeli bureaucracy. It is quite possible that “they” will not have a record, and you can turn blue in the face and they will not accept what you tell them. It is vital that you keep organized records for at least 5+ years so that you can refer back to them when needed. Never get rid of them — you may still have a need for them for online applications or in-office appointments at Israeli government offices. The best option is to scan them into a folder and be able to access them whenever needed. And always keep originals in a safe place.
There is so much more that can be shared, but you just have to be ready to accept that the Israeli bureaucracy system is completely different from what you were accustomed to. Being prepared, knowing that, will make the transition so much easier. Just take it one step at a time.
I do not want to dissuade you from moving here. I can tell you that I would not live anywhere else. Once everything is set up, children are in the right schools, settled in your home, and everything is in place, you will see that you will love it here like the rest of us, and never want to leave!
Wishing you much hatzlaha!!
Shira Zimberg