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.

Let's Celebrate!

The Jewish Agency has organised a group flight of 100 Olim Chadashim that are expected to arrive in Israel on the 11th August. As this is a very big and exciting event, they decided to spread the word and invite all to the Kotel for a welcoming ceremony...

Hope to see you there!

The opening of the Lone Soldier Center in Jerusalem

In honour of Michael Levine z"l, a new Lone Soldier Center will be opening at Tzeirim BaMerkaz in Jerusalem.

The new center is designed to help the needs of lone soldiers by giving them a place to come and be with people and friends, to socialise and to receive support. The center will have internet access, laundromat and other services that lone soldiers will be able to benefit from.

The center is located at 42 Agripas St, Jerusalem and can be contacted on 02 623 2224.

A very worthwhile initiative for the soldiers who need all of our support.

Living it up in Tel Aviv!

Living in Tel Aviv as many advantages - that is of course if you can stomach the humidity. From a vibrant business district to an "always happening" night-life, Tel Aviv is a unique non-stop shop...

But as an Oleh Chadash, how do you know where to go to find the right atmosphere you are looking for?

Thankfully, a dedicated Oleh decided to remedy the issue and create Telalivit, a social network site that shows you the ropes, publicises events, and helps you find friends.

It is certainly worth checking it out.