Tight budgets places Olim in Catch 22

As much as it is unpleasant to be the bearer of bad news, it seems that until further notice the Voucher Project has been suspended due to budget cuts.

The Voucher Project, a great initiative by the Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Absorption), offered Olim Chadashim the opportunity to retrain themselves or take on vocational courses to enhance and further their career by paying for up to 80% of the course (up to NIS 10 000). With this benefit put on hold, Olim are now put in a problematic situation. Olim who were hoping to use this benefit are now in a vicious "catch 22". Without the Voucher Project, many people may be left out of work without the funds to retrain themselves to become more employable.

Let's just hope that in 2011 the budget is restored and this wonderful benefit is reintroduced to help the hundreds of Olim that use it every year.

They did it again!

Once again, the Jewish Agency has made history by successfully bringing over 170 Olim Chadashim from all around the world, on a group experience dubbed "Aliyah on a Red Carpet".



October 14th marked a special day for dozens of Olim who, upon arrival were bussed to Jerusalem for their first days as new immigrants in Israel. The Olim we taken to the Shalom Hotel where they would spend 2 days filled with welcome ceremonies, Aliyah fairs - allowing them to set up all the first steps in the space of 4 hours, as well as have an opportunity to network and meet many other Olim who together share the same meaningful Aliyah date.

Before being sent to their final destinations, the Olim received their Teudot Zehut at a wonderful ceremony on the grounds of the main Jewish Agency building in Jerusalem. Attended by the Minister of Absorption and other honoured guests, the ceremony truly was a celebration of Aliyah. These new immigrants no doubt felt like royalty, as the "Red Carpet" was rolled out to greet them as Olim Chadashim in Israel.

We wish them the best of luck and an easy, smooth klita!