If you are already here, you might as well...

Changing your status within Israel from tourist, student or other types of visas to Oleh Chadash has always been a daunting and scary thought. For years one had to present a series of documents to the Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior), have an interview and then wait 6-8 weeks for an answer as to whether you have been approved. Heaven forbid you should forget a document or a small detail on your form, as this would lead to an even longer wait.

Thankfully, the Jewish Agency has now introduced another option to changing your status within Israel. Essentially, you will be required to present all the same documents and details, but the main difference is that now you will have someone following you case and letting you know if there is any element of you file that needs to be updated or clarified. Furthermore, they will help you liaise with the Misrad Hapnim to ensure that you understand all the requirements, that your file is being processed appropriate, as well as leaving you feeling that you experienced a pleasant and easy process.

All that being said, just because the Jewish Agency is there to help it does not mean that they will do all the work for you. It is very important that you make sure you have all the appropriate and relevant documents with you, but just to be sure, here is a list to help you check that you are on the right track.

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!

Good luck to an old friend...

For many Olim arriving to Jerusalem, there is a place that is hidden in the back streets of the German Colony, in a lush, green campus that is a haven for friendly, easy going people.

Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah, affectionately known as The Merkaz, for many years has serviced the Oleh community. It has acted as the first home for hundreds of Olim Chadashim and has offered them a sense of community from the first day they arrived. The Merkaz has been a unique combination of Abosption Center and Community Center with regular events, chugim, theater productions and much more.

For years, The Merkaz has been nestled in the quiet suburb of the German Colony, where it housed the many Olim. As of December 31st 2009, The Merkaz will be taking up new residence at 6 Rehov Tzippora in Baka, Jerusalem. With the move, The Merkaz will be transitioning into a new Community Center, offering the favourites from the old and introducing the best of the new.

Let's continue to support this great project! Let's welcome The Merkaz to there new home and show them the appreciation they deserve!

A Job Seeker's Solution

Once again, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption has decided to step in and help those Olim Chadashim seeking employment.

In what seems to have become an annual event, The Employment Fair for Tel Aviv-Yafo & Central Israel 2009, is set to have many job opportunities in various fields. The event will take place on Tuesday September 8th, between 12 noon and 5 p.m at the Tel Aviv-Yafo Fairgrounds, Pavilion 20.

For more info on the event, click the image below.

Hope you make it down there and land yourself a great job!

Back to school!

With the summer coming to an end and the kids a little older (and full of sand), the time has come to begin planning for the next school year. But it seems that not only families are getting themselves ready.

Bituach Leumi, in a new initiative, has decided to give a stipend to single-parent and large families grants to help cover back-to-school costs. Those families who are eligible to receive the grant should find the money deposited in their accounts some time this week, intended to be used for school supplies.

It seems that the families that qualify will receive NIS 1,383 for children aged 6-11 and NIS 768 for each child aged 12-14.

As always, it is worth checking the terms and conditions with Bituach Leumi first...

Good luck in the new school year!

Aliyah from the UK: Making Zionistic history

After many months of preparation and hard work, the Jewish Agency for Israel, in conjunction with UJIA and Ebenezer, made history on Tuesday 11th of August and brought over the first Jewish Agency flight from the United Kingdom, followed by a 24-hour welcoming ceremony.

Over 100 Olim Chadashim (new immigrants), ranging in age from 3 months to 90 years, travelled on the late-night El Al flight. After a 10:06pm landing, the group of Olim were welcomed at the gate by Jewish Agency, UJIA and Ebenezer staff and then escorted to Terminal 1 where they were processed by the Ministry of Absorption within a speedy hour and a half.

With their new Teudot Oleh in hand and bags on the bus, the Olim were brought to the Shalom Hotel in Jerusalem to spend the next two nights on account of the Jewish Agency.

The next morning the Olim gathered for a UJIA presentation which explained the host of services provided by the British organization. The Olim met with UJIA staff for private consultations, spoke with representatives from the Kupot Cholim, organised their bank accounts, took care of their shipments with the Customs Authority, signed up for mobile phones, and even received free one-month subscriptions to an English-language newspaper. It was a truly jam-packed opportunity for the Olim to organise their new start - all before 1:00pm.

After a hearty lunch, the Olim were driven to the Kotel for an emotional welcoming ceremony in which they received their Teudot Zehut. In attendance were guest speakers, ministry representatives and community leaders. Even regular passers-by stopped to applaude the Olim as they were called family by family to collect their documents of Israeli citizenship.

After a few minutes to digest their new status, the Olim approached the final event of the day: a festive, celebratory dinner sponsored by the UJIA. A stunning view of Jerusalem's Old City was the backdrop of the evening, with dinner being held at the Beit Meirsdorf hall in Mt Scopus. With live entertainment, cocktails and a four course dinner, the event was reminsicent of the newlywed excitment of a wedding.

The evening ended with the Olim being presented with goodies, including decorative mezuzot for their new homes in Israel.

The following morning, all the Olim were taken to their final destinations across the county, including Kibbutz Ulpan, Ra'anana, Modiin, Haifa, Eilat, and others.

This was truly a fantastic event and a wonderful experience for all, including the organizers. Yet another great achievement was had by the Aliyah movement.

We at UJIA wish all of the Olim the best of luck and extend our support and services.