(Courtesy of Olim Paveway)
Pace Yourself: The Secret to Successful Aliyah and Absorption
Making aliyah may be the most monumental life decision you can make. The impact of that decision will be even clearer when you finally get there. No doubt you’ll be brimming with excitement, but you may also feel some apprehension. Yes, the big move is behind you, but ahead of you is a to-do list that seems interminable. This is the time when some would-be olim feel they’ve bitten off more than they can chew and go home. That’s why, instead of taking a big gulp, take a deep breath, and pace yourself.
Key Tasks to Complete, Appointments to Make
As a new oleh, you’ll need to do the following:
Register at Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration). Arrange to meet your personal absorption counselor and confirm your eligibility for benefits like financial support and Hebrew classes.
Open an Israeli bank account. This is necessary for receiving benefits and salaries.
Register for health insurance. You have to choose one of Israel’s four health funds (kupot holim).
Apply for a biometric Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). This is your official identification for accessing most services.
Enroll in ulpan (Hebrew language school). Start learning Hebrew to ease your integration.
Visit Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) to update your status and address.
Get a SIM card and internet plan, which is essential for staying connected.
Sign up for utilities and local municipality services: electricity, water and municipal tax (arnona).
Why You Shouldn’t Cram Multiple Appointments
Don’t try to cram multiple appointments into a single day. Set up one appointment per day instead. That way, you don’t have to worry about racing from one appointment to the next. Think of it this way: Every task completed is a small victory. Take time to celebrate it! Finish your task. Then use the rest of the day to relax, explore your new surroundings or enjoy a coffee at a local café. Israel is your new home — don’t let administrative errands overshadow the joy of your arrival.
When You Feel Stuck, Help Is Available
Israeli bureaucracy can sometimes feel slow-moving — often because it is — and overprogramming yourself can lead to frustration. If you’re unsure how to schedule appointments or feel overwhelmed by the processes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Olim Paveway.
A personal guide can help you book appointments, accompany you to offices and navigate the process step-by-step. With their assistance, you’ll feel confident and supported. What’s more, you’ll get things done!
Final Thought
Remember, aliyah is a journey, not a race. Spreading out your tasks will not only help you complete them with less frustration but also give you the space to appreciate the amazing new chapter of your life. You’ll already have accomplished something incredible by making aliyah. Whatever follows is just a series of small, manageable steps. B’hatzlacha!
Olim Paveway’s Toolbox is a regular series offering timely tips for anyone moving to Israel. Olim Toolbox presenters will show you how to find a reliable mortgage broker, furnish your home, choose the right healthcare insurance, even shop like an Israeli — whatever you need to integrate successfully into Israeli living. Join our live Zoom chats on Sundays at 2 p.m., at tinyurl.com/2xkewrd4 and Paveway’s Olim Toolbox WhatsApp at chat.whatsapp.com/Ic8dNfdNlspGAPtmcCKtbf. If you have a question or suggestion for a topic, please write to [email protected].
