When I made aliyah three years ago, I arrived with what I thought was decent Hebrew. I could recite prayers, had a vocabulary of several hundred words, and could even construct basic sentences. I had completed an online ulpan course before arrival and felt reasonably confident.

Making aliyah is one of the most significant decisions in a Jewish person's life. While much attention is given to the preparation and logistics of moving to Israel, the first year on the ground deserves special focus. This period is filled with unique milestones, challenges, and unexpected moments of joy that shape your immigrant experience. Let me take you through a month-by-month journey of what to expect—and what surprised me most—during those transformative first 12 months.

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, the country has experienced significant shifts in immigration patterns. This article examines the trends, sources, and evolving nature of aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) in the 18 months following this pivotal event.

Every Jew has the right to come to this country as an oleh [immigrant].

Explanation: This foundational statement established the core principle of Israel as a homeland for all Jews. The Hebrew term "oleh" (plural: "olim") literally means "one who ascends" and carries religious and historical significance beyond mere immigration. This section deliberately avoids defining who is a Jew, creating ambiguity that would later require clarification.

While the Law of Return (חוק השבות, Hok HaShvut) theoretically grants every Jew worldwide the right to immigrate to Israel and receive automatic citizenship, and the 1970 amendment explicitly included converts to Judaism of all denominations, the practical reality is far more restrictive. Despite the legal framework, many conversions are simply not recognized for the purposes of aliyah.

At EasyAliyah, we've successfully guided hundreds of individuals with criminal backgrounds through the complex process of making aliyah to Israel. This comprehensive guide—based on our team's specialized experience in this niche area of immigration law—provides an authoritative roadmap for navigating the challenges of making aliyah with a criminal record. From minor infractions to serious offenses, we detail the specific pathways, documentation requirements, legal strategies, and case-specific considerations that can maximize your chances of approval.

The A2 Visa is designed for foreign students who wish to pursue full-time studies in Israel. This visa allows students to reside in Israel for the duration of their academic programs, providing them with the opportunity to experience Israeli culture while receiving an internationally recognized education.

The A1 Visa is an essential visa for those making Aliyah (immigrating to Israel) under the Law of Return, which grants Jewish people, their children, grandchildren, and spouses eligibility to move to Israel and obtain citizenship. This visa allows new immigrants to reside, work, and access various services in Israel as they undergo the process of transitioning to full Israeli citizenship.

Making Aliyah is an exciting chapter in life, but securing a job in Israel can present challenges for many new immigrants. The Israeli job market has its own unique dynamics, and understanding how to navigate it will set you up for success. Whether you’re experienced in your field or just starting out, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find your way through the job market as a new immigrant.

1. Eligibility for Aliyah

Under the Law of Return, Jews, children, grandchildren, and spouses of Jews are eligible for Israeli citizenship. However, in 2025, the following factors could be important:

The Aliyah Visa allows individuals eligible under the Law of Return to immigrate to Israel and obtain Israeli citizenship. The process involves submitting an Aliyah application form, gathering required documents, and attending an interview.

This guide provides detailed steps to complete your Aliyah visa application, ensuring a smooth and efficient immigration process.

To apply for an entry visa to Israel, you must complete the Entry Visa to Israel Application Form. This form is available for download from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official website.​

If you are in Israel and need to extend your visa, you must apply for an extension through the Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim). The process varies depending on the type of visa you hold, but all applicants must complete the Application for Extension of Residence Permit/Change of Visa Category (Form AS/3) and submit the required documents.

Are you eligible for Israeli citizenship and wondering how to apply? Whether you’re making Aliyah under the Law of Return, applying for citizenship by birth, or transitioning from an A1 Temporary Residency Visa, obtaining Israeli citizenship unlocks a world of opportunities.

The A1 Temporary Resident Visa is designed for individuals who qualify under the Law of Return and want to experience life in Israel before making a permanent commitment to Aliyah (Israeli citizenship). This visa allows you to live, work, and integrate into Israeli society while deciding whether to apply for full Israeli citizenship in the future.

Israeli citizenship opens doors to numerous advantages, including the right to live and work freely in Israel, access to healthcare and social services, and eligibility for an Israeli passport—one of the world’s most powerful travel documents. Whether you qualify through Aliyah, birthright, marriage, naturalization, or special circumstances, the process can seem overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, it can be straightforward and efficient.

A Partnership Visa in Israel is a special visa that allows a non-Israeli foreign national to live and work in Israel based on their relationship with an Israeli citizen or permanent resident, even if they are not legally married. This visa, also known as a common-law spouse visa (Yeduim Batzibur - ידועים בציבור in Hebrew), recognizes unmarried couples who can prove they are in a committed relationship and share a life together.

For a Reform conversion to be recognized for Aliyah under Israel’s Law of Return, it must meet specific criteria established by the Israeli Ministry of Interior and the Supreme Court rulings. Here’s what you need to know:

Bringing a cat to Israel when making Aliyah requires careful planning to comply with Israel’s strict pet import regulations. This guide covers every detail to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your feline companion.