Aliyah is one of the most meaningful and transformative journeys a Jew can undertake. It’s the fulfillment of a dream, a leap of faith, and for many — a long-awaited return home. But too often, families and individuals arrive in Israel unprepared for the full reality that awaits them. Not spiritually or emotionally, but practically.

Making aliyah is hard. The transition to a new country, language, culture, job ethic, medical system, religious environment, etc., can be overwhelming. Whether coming as a young individual, as one married with children, or as an older individual or couple, aliyah presents new realities for all involved. This often leads to a focus on struggling through the system, endless problem solving, and overwhelming confusion.

However, aliyah does not have to be this way. The idealism, excitement, anticipation and religious experience of making aliyah can be beautiful, enriching and exhilarating. Sometimes, the beauty in the experience can be enhanced just by being prepared.

Over the years, we’ve guided families, singles, retirees and students through every imaginable stage of the aliyah process. And if there’s one phrase we hear over and over, it’s this: “I wish someone had told me that before I moved.”

Here’s what people wish they knew before making aliyah, and how knowing it now can help you move smart, not just move fast.

Timing Is Everything —
And Often Misunderstood

Most people believe aliyah is as simple as picking a flight and packing a bag. In reality, there are dozens of time-sensitive steps that can dramatically affect everything from your benefits to your housing.

• Kupat Cholim enrollment is often misunderstood. If not done in advance or in the correct post-aliyah order, you may be left without the proper medical insurance for weeks.
• Shipping exemptions are time-limited. You must use your duty-free import rights within a specific period post-Aliyah.
• School registration can close months in advance. Families who move in August thinking they can register for the fall often find schools at capacity.

Building your timeline is crucial, so that you hit every checkpoint on time, with no last-minute chaos.

Bureaucracy Is Real — And It’s in Hebrew

• Even the most organized olim are stunned by the amount of bureaucracy required upon arrival and its almost exclusive use of Hebrew.
• Setting up utilities (water, gas, electricity) often requires Hebrew phone calls and signing contracts that you may not understand.
• Municipal property tax (arnona) registration involves in-person visits accompanied with documents from your lease, passport and Teudat Oleh.
• Bank accounts require notarized documents, signatures in Hebrew, and sometimes a local guarantor. Pre-booked appointments, bilingual assistance, and support at municipal offices make a huge difference.

Your U.S. Financial Life Doesn’t Pause — It Complicates

One of the biggest shocks for new olim is how intertwined and complex their U.S. and Israeli financial lives become.

• U.S. tax filing doesn’t stop just because you’ve moved. If you hold American citizenship, you must still report to the IRS.
• Israeli banks require FATCA compliance and often freeze accounts if not updated annually.
• Dual tax liability is real. Without strategic planning, you may end up paying more in taxes on retirement accounts, investment income or foreign-earned salaries.

Having the right tax advisors and accountants who specialize in aliyah-related transitions helps save time and avoid unnecessary complications.

Real Estate — Nothing Like the U.S.

Whether buying or renting, the Israeli housing market operates by completely different rules.

• There’s no central listing system like the MLS. Agents only show you their listings.
• Rental contracts often require 12 post-dated checks, Israeli guarantors and security deposits.
• Real estate fees can reach 2% per side, and apartments may be unfurnished — even without appliances or light fixtures.

Using vetted realtors and understanding the complexities of contracts transforms the purchasing experience.

Schools/Universities Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

Israeli education is deeply segmented. Understanding which school stream is right for your child is critical.

• Options include mamlachti (secular), mamlachti dati (religious), charedi and private/Anglo hybrid.
• Integration programs vary widely: some schools offer intensive Hebrew support, while others expect children to catch up on their own.
• Placement exams, behavioral interviews, and even psychological evaluations can play a part.

Understanding the educational system as well as application processes reduces stress and increases the chance for success.

Community Fit Can Make or Break Your Experience

Too many olim choose a location based on family, cost or weather — without realizing how crucial cultural and social fit is.

• Do you want a mixed or homogenous Anglo community?
• Are you seeking a more Zionist, dati leumi or charedi environment?
• Is proximity to public transportation important for work or yeshiva commuting?

Knowledge about community differences and their associations or lack thereof to the Anglo world can help people align their values, lifestyle and needs with the best fit in Israel.

Your Aliyah Doesn’t End at the Airport

One of the most underappreciated aspects of aliyah is what happens after you land.

• You’ll need to update your address with the Misrad Hapnim (Interior Ministry) within days.
• Bituach Leumi will not pay child stipends or health coverage without a properly linked Israeli bank account.
• Without a local lawyer, your U.S. power of attorney or will may not be enforceable in Israel.

Post-landing support allows people to settle themselves in their new home without additional worries and unknowns.

Emotional Transitions Are as Real as Logistical Ones

No one talks enough about the emotional toll of aliyah.

• Teenagers adjusting to a new school and language.
• Spouses feeling isolated or unable to work immediately.
• Elders struggling with a different pace and healthcare system.

English-speaking therapists, coaches and community mentors are available to help ease the cultural and psychological transition.

Conclusion — Successful Aliyah Starts With the Right Partner

Partnering with the right people helps reduce the challenges and increase the pleasures of aliyah so that you can enjoy the process and settle in the best and most efficient way possible. What you save in do-it-yourself costs may cost you time, benefits, peace of mind and opportunity. Prime aliyah was built on the idea that aliyah is too precious — and too complex — to leave to guesswork.

With our concierge-level planning, trusted partner network, and hands-on guidance, you’re never alone in your journey.

Aliyah is not just about getting to Israel. It’s about arriving ready to thrive.

Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation at jay@primealiyah.com or visit www.primealiyah.com.

This Thursday in Bergen County!

I am coming THIS Thursday, May 22 9am – Don’t Miss Out!

Come join other members of your community to find out all you need to know to start your aliyah journey and meet those who can help you make your dream a reality.

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Jay Kierman is the founder of Prime Aliyah, a VIP concierge service that provides expert, end-to-end support for individuals and families making aliyah. From timelines and school placement to tax strategy and post-landing help, Prime Aliyah is your trusted partner for a smooth and successful transition to life in Israel.