Q: How do I go about starting the process of aliyah?
A. While bureaucratically, the first step is to set up an appointment with your shaliach (aliyah counselor), the best first step in my opinion is to do a little reading. The Ministry of Absorption puts out brochures with info about the first steps of aliyah as well as detailed booklets on specific aspects such as studying and working in Israel: http://www.moia.gov.il/Moia_en/Publication/BasicBooklets.htm. Once you have an over-all sense of what’s involved, find the shaliach nearest you via: http://jafi.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/; the site also provides a good intro to the topic of aliyah, and pre-aliyah options.
Feel free to contact Shira with any questions along the way: meida@themerkaz.org
If you’ve never been to Israel, nothing can replace the experience of actually visiting Israel to help you decide if aliyah is right for you. Birthright trips in many different forms exist for people age 21-26; Anyone can arrange a pilot trip through the AACI www.aaci.org.il, Tehilla http://www.tehilla.com/pilotTrips/ and other organizations, or do an internship through the stagerim program: and both Livnot www.livnot.org.il and Sar-El www.sar-el.org offer people of all ages the option of volunteer placements. If you can arrange your own accommodations, The Merkaz’s own Project Shinui can also set up a volunteer placement for you. Contact shinui@themerkaz.org. For more short and long-term options to get to know Israel, check out www.israelexperience.com
Q: Where can I find info about the army? How much time will I need to serve? Can I defer my service and complete my BA first? What is Shlav Bet?
A. The Ministry of absorption puts out publications about all aspects of living in Israel, including the army. Check out:
Normally the army calls up new immigrants to begin serving about a year from their arrival, but it is possible to request an earlier entry date. As to deferrals for study (called atuda), while possible, keep in mind you will then be serving with fellow soldiers younger than you, which may be a little isolating.
Q: How can I find an ulpan that’s right for me?
A. Ulpans exist in many flavors, intense 5 hour a day / 5 mornings a week, slightly less intense evening ulpans 5 nights a week, and even less intense two-three days a week, a few hours each time (either morning or evening). Ulpans also differ in their style, some focus more on conversation, others on grammar, etc. The best thing is to sit-in on an ulpan before formally deciding which is for you. The government pays for a 5 month ulpan, and I highly recommend taking one, even if you have a job in English lined up. It is an investment in your future, and is only free if you begin it within the first year of aliyah. It is also a great way to meet other olim.
Q: What are the various forms of benefits /government assistance that an oleh is eligible for?
For a clear, simple listing, contact Shira requesting the list, and she will be glad to e-mail you the information.
Q. What is the Career Mentors Project? How do I receive a mentor, or serve as one?
A. Career mentors are, for the most part (though not exclusively) Young Judeans who have been in Israel for some time, and have gained experience in a given field of employment. They offer advice/guidance/tips and information to people we refer to them. The contact is either via phone, e-mail or in person (depending on the wishes of the mentor) and the frequency of contact (ie whether you are in touch once or a few times or on a regular basis) is up to the pair. While the mentors are not in a position to offer mentorees a job, the info they provide will hopefully help the mentored individual on their way.
If you are interested in receiving or serving as a mentor (we are always looking for additional mentors), write to Shira at meida@themerkaz.org
Q. What translation services do you offer?
A. Once a week (Thursdays 6-8pm) a volunteer from the Sochnut helps people by translating any Hebrew document they have (orally, she does not write out translations). So if you have a bill you don’t understand, a rental contract or official letter you received that is giving you trouble, a bank statement, etc, Ravit will be happy to help. Appointments are made by e-mailing Shira at meida@themerkaz.org. You can sit with Ravit for up to an hour, and schedule subsequent visits directly with her.
|
