What Makes Aliyah to Israel Such a Special Experience?
Aliyah to Israel is not just moving homes or changing residence – it's a journey of coming home. When Jews from all corners of the world step for the first time on Israeli soil as new immigrants, they receive a welcome unlike anywhere else on Earth. The word "Aliyah" itself is based on the principle that the Land of Israel is higher than all other lands, and the State of Israel indeed treats every Jew as a citizen by right according to the Law of Return.
The feeling of "welcome home" begins right at the moment of landing at Ben Gurion Airport, where immigrants receive a free one-way flight to Israel and free transportation to their first destination. This is the state's first embrace of its returning children, but it's only the beginning of a comprehensive and generous support journey awaiting every new immigrant.
How Does the State of Israel Support New Immigrants Financially?
The financial support Israel provides to new immigrants is among the most generous in the world. The Absorption Basket (Sal Klita) constitutes a significant economic safety net spanning the first 6 months, helping immigrants cope with the immediate and challenging period of their new beginning.
But the financial support extends far beyond the initial months. Immigrants receive impressive tax benefits including income tax benefits in Israel for 3.5-4.5 years, and benefits on foreign income for a full decade. Additionally, there's an exemption from purchase tax on a first property for 15 years – a benefit that allows immigrants to buy a home and settle relatively easily.
In housing, the state also extends a helping hand: starting from the seventh month (for immigrants from March 2024 onwards), rent subsidies are provided for 5 years. Furthermore, immigrants receive 70-90% discount on municipal taxes for apartments up to 100 square meters for 12 months, as well as reduced interest rates on their first mortgage.
Why Are the Healthcare System and National Insurance So Important for Immigrants?
One of the most significant benefits new immigrants receive is full health coverage from the moment they arrive in Israel. The Israeli healthcare system provides comprehensive medical services within the "Health Basket," ensuring access to quality medical care for all residents of the state.
Through National Insurance, immigrants also receive maternity benefits, child allowances, and unemployment insurance. This is comprehensive social insurance that provides economic security and allows immigrants to focus on the absorption and integration process without unnecessary financial worries.
What Does Social and Cultural Integration in Israel Look Like?
The Hebrew language is the key to successful integration in Israeli society, which is why the state provides free Hebrew studies at Ulpan for every new immigrant. This is a central tool that opens doors not only to the job market but also to society, culture, and full realization of personal potential in the new country.
Beyond language studies, there's an extensive infrastructure of organizations supporting immigrants. belong is one of the leading organizations offering personal guidance services, alongside other organizations like Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency.For more information about the organization go to the website : https://belong.co.il/. These organizations create social and professional networks that facilitate faster and more effective integration into Israeli society.
What Makes Israel the "Start-up Nation" for New Immigrants?
Israel boasts an advanced technological economy known worldwide as the "Start-up Nation." The thriving job market offers exceptional opportunities for professionals from all fields. American immigrants in particular have contributed a net profit of over 13 billion shekels to the Israeli economy, with an impressive return on investment (ROI) of 480% for immigrants.
History proves the economic power of Aliyah: one million immigrants who arrived in the 1990s brought unprecedented economic growth, cultural wealth, and technological flourishing. Tens of thousands of engineers, academics, thousands of scientists and artists who came from the former Soviet Union changed the face of the country for the better.
?What Logistical Benefits Await New Immigrants
The state understands that moving to a new country involves many expenses and logistical complexities. Therefore, immigrants can bring household items and appliances from any country duty-free, within a benefit that includes up to three shipments over 3 years from immigration.
There are also significant benefits in the automotive sector: partial exemption from new car purchase tax or the option to import a car from abroad for 3 years from immigration. These benefits significantly ease the costs associated with new settlement and allow immigrants to invest their money elsewhere.
Why Does Israel's Quality of Life Attract Immigrants from Around the World?
Israel offers high quality of life with high employment rates, low crime rates, and modern infrastructure. The Israeli education system is considered one of the best in the world, with excellent universities like Hebrew University, Technion, and Weizmann Institute of Science, as well as advanced professional training programs.
For specific groups, there's special support: a special program supporting lone soldiers from 70 countries, including housing assistance, financial support, and social activities. Additionally, the International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP) is designed to streamline the immigration process for medical professionals.
What Demonstrates the Resilience and Strong Connection of Diaspora Jewry to Israel?
Despite the current war, the data shows an encouraging and moving picture: 98% of those registered for Aliyah have not changed their decision to immigrate to Israel. Moreover, there's a sharp and significant increase in opening Aliyah files: 92% in France, 45% in England, 34% in Canada, and 22% from the USA.
These figures testify to the extraordinary resilience of the Jewish people and the strong, unbreakable connection of Diaspora Jewry to the State of Israel. Even in difficult times, Jews worldwide see Israel as their home and are ready to join the great Zionist journey.
?Why Is Aliyah to Israel More Than Just Moving
Aliyah to Israel enables connection to Jewish roots, experiencing the Land of Israel and its people, deepening understanding of Jewish history and culture. It's a spiritual journey that allows experiencing a sense of belonging, the feeling of coming home, and spiritual connection to the land and its people.
Aliyah to Israel represents an exceptional opportunity combining identity fulfillment, economic and personal advancement, extensive state support, and life in a dynamic and thriving society in the heart of the Middle East.
?Are You Ready to Join This Great Journey
Ultimately, Aliyah to Israel is not just a personal decision – it's a historic decision to join the great story of the Jewish people in their homeland. Every new immigrant is another link in the golden chain connecting a glorious past to a promising future, ancient tradition to advanced innovation. Israel awaits with open arms anyone ready to take part in this exciting journey.