you’ve decided to move to Israel. Moving to any country can be stressful, but Israel in particular has a lot of cultural and bureaucratic differences that can be hard to understand at first. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help, and with good planning, the decision to move is totally worth it.
1. The fastest way to move to Israel (ocean International shipping)
The simplest and quickest way to move is to use a shipping service. This way, you don’t have to worry last-minute about baggage allowances, what will fit where, and so on. Ocean international shipping allows you to have a worry-free transition. The shipping is door to door, takes care of customs, and handles the paperwork.
You will also be assigned a client manager, who will take into consideration your personal needs and tailor the moving plan to you.
2. The cost of living In Israel vs USA
The cost of living within the US varies drastically from state to state. However, unless you currently live in New York or California (and maybe even if you do), you can certainly expect an increase in cost of living upon moving to Israel.
Israel is an expensive country to live in. Essentials such as housing, groceries and gas are, unfortunately, not affordable. In addition, there are often fees that those living in the US may not be accustomed to, such as bank fees that must be paid in order to keep a current account or simply to make transactions.
Having said that, there are ways to get around if money is an issue. Budget supermarkets such as Rami Levy and Osher Ad can usually be found in major cities, and staying away from extremely oversubscribed cities and neighborhoods like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem’s Rehavia will help curb housing costs.
An extra tip: If your house abroad is already well-furnished and well stocked, don’t assume it will be cheaper to buy in Israel than to get your current items shipped. Even basic things like good-quality bed sheets are generally more expensive in Israel, and take up little space in a suitcase.
3. Aliyah vs Migration
Aliyah literally means ‘ascent’, but in reality, it’s a word to describe immigration to Israel specifically. In Hebrew, the word for a new immigrant is an oleh (or olah for a woman) – meaning a person who has made aliyah.
Having said that, there is a small difference between Aliyah and migration. Aliyah is used to describe a Jewish person invoking the Law of Return to live in Israel. This is a slightly different legal process, as it requires that you provide proof of your Jewish identity. What this proof is specifically may vary according to what country you’re immigrating from, so it’s best to check directly with the Aliyah and Immigration Office, or through a reliable organization such as the Jewish Agency, Nefesh B’Nefesh, or the Anglo-List.
Olim (the plural form for people who make Aliyah – don’t worry, you will get the hang of Hebrew grammar soon) are entitled to certain benefits that may not be available to regular migrants. For example, it may be possible to have your flight paid for, and you will certainly receive sal klita, a phrase which literally ‘absorption basket’, but more elegantly translates to ‘immigration benefits’. The amount you get will vary on whether you’re coming with family or not, but you can expect to receive a cash sum both at the airport and every month for the first six months of your stay.
Having said this, not all newcomers to Israel are Jewish. Sometimes, they will be immediate family members of Israeli citizens who were not born Jewish and did not undergo conversion. Sometimes, they will be migrant workers, refugees, or permanent residents who have been naturalized after three years of living in Israel. For these migrants, the process looks different from a practical and legal perspective.
4. Living in Israel (housing, bureaucracy, healthcare, tax)
Once you’ve sorted the legal process, there’s daily life to think about.
Housing
There is currently a housing shortage in Israel, meaning rentals and newly bought houses sometimes fall through with little notice or attract unpredictable delays. Be prepared for this by renting temporary accommodation. If you’re lucky enough to have a house ready to move into on time, you may expect a delay in delivery of your furniture (the Israeli postal system is a little less predictable than you might be used to). Remember that renting furniture is an option.
Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) and Teudat Oleh (Immigration Certificate)
Once you’ve completed the immigration process, you should be given a green, passport-like document called a Teudat Oleh. This signifies that you have now been registered as a returning or new immigrant to Israel, and it is an essential document to have on hand. You will need your Teudat Oleh to open a bank account, and as it’s proof of your status you will also need it to access certain privileges. It also records your official Aliyah date, which you will certainly need for employment forms and so on.
You will also have an Israeli ID card issued. This is essential – you will be expected to have it on you at all times, and you will also use it for everything from voting to verifying your identity for employers. It’s best to sort this out as soon as possible. The ID card takes a while to arrive for those making aliyah within Israel, so ask at the office for a temporary ID (you will need a passport photo for this). They will make you one on the spot which will have the same status as your permanent ID until it arrives.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Israel will most likely be a wonderful change for those used to healthcare in the USA. Healthcare in Israel is partially subsidized, meaning that even the most advanced public insurance plans are affordable. As a new immigrant, you will be required to choose from one of the four organizations, Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit. The difference between these is minor; good doctors are available in all, and the plans are priced similarly.
To pick between them, consider where there will be a doctors’ surgery (or GP practice) near you – some areas have a greater concentration of one company or the other, and it’s more practical not to need to take a long car ride to see a family doctor or a specialist you’ll come to regularly.
After you’ve chosen your company, decide which healthcare plan suits you. The most basic plan will cover the important things, and the government will also pay for it during your first year or so in Israel. However, the price difference between the basic plan and the better ones is not that big and brings added benefits, which range from discounted root canals to partially subsidized acupuncture sessions. A more advanced plan may also end up saving you money in the long run.
To set up healthcare, you’ll need a debit card from an Israeli bank account which is in your name, as well as your Israeli ID card.
Taxes
Taxes in Israel are normally dealt with by the employing company, and will be taken out of your paycheck automatically. However, if you work as a freelancer, have your own company, work independently, or have more than one job, it will most likely be far simpler to consult an accountant. The Israeli tax system is notoriously complex and difficult even for lifelong residents, and getting it wrong can seriously complicate things down the road. It’s a worthwhile investment to consult a professional.
5. Working and studying in Israel
Studying at university is generally more accessible in Israel than it is in the United States. Top institutions such as Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have a variety of programs, both undergrad and postgrad, at a fraction of the cost of US counterparts. If you have a college fund, covering the cost of studying will most likely be a reachable goal.
For those without ready-set savings, things are slightly more complicated. Unlike in the United Kingdom, there is no widely available public loan system to pay for university. However, the cost of most programs is still low enough that some students are able to save up for a year or two to pay for their degrees. There are also scholarships available, but unlike foreign ones, they do not consist of lumps of money in exchange for good grades – they are more like voluntary programs that help to partially subsidize the cost of university. Note that while there are many of these and they are helpful, they will require some time in exchange.
For olim, it is possible to get a degree fully or partially paid for within the first few years of living in Israel. However, you will still have to pay in full before being reimbursed.
In terms of work, Israel has boomed over the past decade with the emergence of high-tech and increasing globalization. English-speakers can find jobs in English-speaking companies that have opened branches in Israel, as well as in tourism, education (English teachers and tutors) and copywriting.
In summary
As with most things in Israel, making Aliyah or immigrating is not straightforward. However, with a bit of planning, insider’s knowledge, a great support network, and a lot of patience, you might find it’s the best decision you’ve ever made.
