(I’m writing this post in July 2010, only weeks away from August 2nd, when my family and I are making aliyah from New York to Hashmonaim — located next to Modiin, one of Israel’s fastest growing cities.)
The concept of aliyah is one that is most cherished within Jewish tradition and culture, and it is a basic tenet of Zionist ideology. Literally, the term means “going up” or “ascent.”
For Jews who live within Israel, this is practiced by ascending the hill on which the city of Jerusalem is located, or by traveling to the city from the lowlands of Egypt. For those of us who live overseas, the premise of aliyah means that we must complete this journey to Israel from abroad.
It is not a journey for financial gain, as many moves are. It is a move that is spiritually and personally enhancing and fulfilling.
For many, this concept of aliyah is one that seems to be a far-fetched hope or a dream-like ambition. But for all Jews, it is one that can be a reality. There are a number of organizations that exist to ease the transition of being an American citizen to a citizen of Israel, hence honoring the important tenet of aliyah.
The first organization that I would recommend looking into is called Nefesh B’Nefesh. This group was founded in 2002, and currently works in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel. The group’s purpose is to ease the immigration process and to encourage immigration by Jewish people from North America and the United Kingdom to Israel.
Through Nefesh B’Nefesh, you can find aliyah programs that are particularly suited to families, retirees, students, singles, and teens.
Nefesh B’Nefesh provides a number of valuable resources for those who are preparing for aliyah, as well as those who have just immigrated, called olim (plural) or an oleh (singular), including financial assistance and employment resources.
One of the greatest things about this organization is that it recognizes that each person’s aliyah is an unique and personal experience, and the organization aims to help each person accomplish a seamless, comfortable, professional and social integration within Israel. For more information about Nefesh B’Nefesh, please visit the website at http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php
A second organization that can aid you in your personal journey is the AACI, or the Association for Americans and Canadians in Israel. The AACI is a terrific resource for information in regards to how you may move your possessions to Israel in accordance with customs guidelines, how to apply for mortgage loans, how to enroll in school, and much more. Click here for the helpful post aliyah checklist: http://www.aaci.org.il/articlenav.php?id=40
While you are preparing to make aliyah, I would suggest reading blogs, books, and articles by others who have recently become olim. While preparing for such a long journey, of course it is normal to experience some feelings of nervousness and uncertainty. But reading about the experiences of others can help answer many of the questions you undoubtedly have.
Check out some of these resources to read others’ first-hand experiences:
1- http://welcomingolim.blogspot.com/
2- http://www.nbn.org.il/about/special-programs/gonorth-program/post-cards-from-the-north.html
3- http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-moving-to-israel-blog/9b2dd3d6457aa1a37cf292a9dffa79a3
4- http://www.jr.co.il/aliyah/why15.txt
Remember that there are many organizations and individuals who are eager to assist you with your aliyah. When you are ready to complete your own trek, take advantage of these resources. Aliyah will always be a cherished tradition, and there will always be members of the Jewish community present to guide you along your personal journey.
Enjoy watching this video about the Katz family moving to Israel.
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