Are you thinking of making Aliyah to Israel? That’s great! But what comes next? Luckily, many organizations can help you with your journey, including Olim Paveway, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and the Jewish Agency.
This blog post will give you a summary of their services and what to expect — so you can make your landing in Israel smoother. Whether you’re moving to Israel from the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, or anywhere else in the English-speaking world, the Aliyah process follows the same basic steps. The key is knowing which organizations handle which part.
Before You Leave Your Country: Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency
If you’re planning Aliyah, two organizations can help make your transition smoother before you arrive. Nefesh B’Nefesh offers an array of services and programs before and during your move, including pre-immigration seminars in North America, financial incentives for specific populations making Aliyah from different countries, guidance through the government bureaucracy, and a series of activities to help acclimate on the ground. Their job board (jobs.nbn.org.il) is one of the best resources for English-speaking Olim looking for job opportunities in Israel before they even land.
The Jewish Agency also provides material aid in arranging personnel transport, temporary housing, Absorption Center processing for initial registration, and access to social services such as schools and healthcare — including helping you choose your Kupat Cholim (health fund) upon arrival.
Utilizing the tools available from both organizations will enable Olim Chadashim to connect with others looking to make their home in Israel.
Studying Hebrew at the Ulpan
Studying Hebrew at the Ulpan in Israel is one of the most important things a new Oleh can do to integrate into Israeli society. Every new Oleh is entitled to 500 hours of free Ulpan instruction — valid for 5 years from your Aliyah date. At the Ulpan, you don’t just acquire language proficiency; you also get familiar with Israeli social and cultural topics, and connect with other new Olim going through the same experience. See our full guide to learning Hebrew at Ulpan for the different formats available and how to register.
Decide Whether You Will Study, Work, or Serve After Ulpan
After learning Hebrew in Ulpan, Olim Chadashim have several paths forward. Working, serving in the army, and/or studying are all viable options. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) offers the ability to study many subjects — particularly relevant to the high-tech sector — while serving. Many IDF tech unit alumni go on to work in Israel’s thriving startup ecosystem, where the average salary in Israel for senior tech roles is globally competitive.
For those focused on employment in Israel for English speakers, Israel’s tech sector in Tel Aviv, Ra’anana, Herzliya, Haifa, and Beer Sheva actively recruits Olim with relevant skills. Many companies operate entirely in English and don’t require Hebrew fluency. See our full guide to finding a job in Israel as an Oleh for a sector-by-sector breakdown of where the opportunities are and what to expect on salary.
Other Organizations That Help Olim Chadashim in Israel
Of course, we couldn’t finish this article without mentioning Olim Paveway! We are here to help Olim Chadashim settle completely in Israel as easily as possible — taking care of bureaucracy with you, helping you find a community, hand-vetting amazing service providers, and a lot more.
The Aliyah Hotline is operated by The Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and provides information on all matters related to the absorption process. You should also check out Hadassah, the New Israel Fund, and the American Friends of the Hebrew University. Many others also offer free courses for you to start working in Israel as soon as possible.
Beyond employment, don’t forget the practical financial steps: registering with Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) within the first few weeks to access child allowances and the reduced new Oleh contribution rate, choosing your Kupat Cholim within 90 days, and opening an Israeli bank account to receive your sal klita payments. For a full checklist of what to do and when, see our complete guide to making Aliyah and our guide to Oleh Chadash benefits.
With so many incredible resources available for those new to making their home in Israel, these organizations will be there for you every step as you seek to integrate into this vibrant nation.
Aliyah is a big journey and understanding what services are available to you can make all the difference. By preparing ahead and researching these different options carefully, you’ll be able to make informed decisions as you become part of Israel’s vibrant society. We are here for you every step of the way — comment below and share this article with people who might need it!