Why is Israel so bent on tree planting? Maybe it’s because of its obsession with paperwork. Most olim find out just how far that obsession goes when they make the rounds of government offices. Seasoned olim (and Israelis!) will tell you it’s all part of the klitah (absorption) sprint! Here are some rules to help you prepare — plus one final one to take you through the tape at the end of the track.
Rule #1: Bring Everything (and Then Some)
When dealing with Israeli offices, assume that no one knows anything, and that you’ll be asked for documents you didn’t even know existed. Always bring originals, photocopies and digital copies of every possible piece of paperwork—teudat zehut, teudat oleh, birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, rental contract, proof of address and any other piece of paper that proves you are who you say you are. Even if they don’t ask for it, having it can save you an unnecessary second trip. And yes, you will probably need to make a second trip anyway.
Rule #2: Hold Onto Your Fax Machine
Believe it or not, many offices still insist that you fax documents rather than email them (yes, fax machines still exist here!). And while some web sites may include a link for uploading a pdf, just as often the files won’t go through. So find a fax machine and send your papers that way. But don’t forget to call three days later to confirm they received the paperwork, no matter how you submit. Sadly, “We didn’t get it” is practically a standard response.
Rule #3: Follow Up … Twice
Once your paperwork is submitted, it goes into the black hole of Israeli bureaucracy, where time stands still and processes move at their own leisurely pace. Be proactive. Call to check on your status. Call again in a few more days if they say it’s being processed. Keep records of whom you spoke to and when, and if you get conflicting answers (which you probably will), ask for a supervisor.
Rule #4: Prepare for The Unexpected
You might think you’ve come prepared, but Israeli bureaucracy has a way of surprising you. Maybe the website said you need X, Y and Z, but the clerk now insists on W and Q. Maybe the rules changed last week, and nobody updated the system. Or maybe you just got the clerk in the office who interprets the rules differently. Be flexible. Be patient and expect to come back at least once again.
Rule #5: Assume No One
Speaks English
Most government clerks will only speak Hebrew, and they won’t slow down just because you don’t understand. If you don’t speak Hebrew fluently, bring someone who does. It makes all the difference between walking out with what you need and walking out empty-handed. And no, offices don’t communicate with each other. Just because misrad hapnim has your information doesn’t mean bituach leumi does. You might have to submit everything again and again at different offices.
The Final Rule: Get Help!!
Big organizations can give you advice, but when you actually need someone to get you through the process call Olim Paveway. We help you arrange your meetings, make sure you have the right documents, and most importantly—we’re there with you. Sure, it’s important to get tips before you go. It’s another thing to have someone by your side to get you where you need to go. After all, you made aliyah for a new life, a fresh start and an opportunity to thrive. Israeli bureaucracy is frustrating, but not impossible. So get your papers together. Make photocopies of everything and scan them just to be safe. Then go to your meetings with the confidence of a native Israeli who thinks they can translate Hebrew into English without the benefit of a dictionary –— or an English-speaking proofreader. And bring an Olim Paveway guide with you, because they know how to get you to the finish line.
Want to arrange for a melaveh (personal guide)? Looking for fully-vetted service providers in Israel? Write yaakov@olimpaveway.com. Join our WhatsApp at https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ic8dNfdNlspGAPtmcCKtbf for more tips. Chat with our experts every Sunday at 9 PM Israel time (3PM EST), at https://tinyurl.com/y2sj3z72 — a new topic every week.
