Making Aliyah from Canada: An Extremely Detailed Guide
Making Aliyah, or immigrating to Israel, is an exciting and transformative journey. For Canadian citizens considering this life-changing step, the process involves several stages, from planning and documentation to arriving in Israel and integrating into Israeli society. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about making Aliyah from Canada, including eligibility, the application process, legal and financial considerations, and tips for adapting to life in Israel.
1. Eligibility for Aliyah: The Law of Return
The foundation of Aliyah is Israel’s Law of Return, which was first enacted in 1950 and later amended in 1970. This law grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and receive Israeli citizenship. The law extends to:
Jews by birth: Anyone with a Jewish mother is considered Jewish under Halacha (Jewish law).
Converts to Judaism: Individuals who have completed a recognized Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform conversion are eligible.
Descendants of Jews: The children and grandchildren of Jews, as well as their spouses, are also eligible for Aliyah, even if they themselves are not Jewish according to Halacha.
Who is Eligible?
Jews of any denomination: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews can all apply under the Law of Return.
Non-Jewish spouses and children: If you are married to a Jewish person or are the child or grandchild of a Jew, you may be eligible for Aliyah.
Converts to Judaism: Converts must have completed their conversion process under the supervision of a recognized rabbinical authority.
2. Initial Decision and Research
Before starting the Aliyah process, it’s crucial to consider what life in Israel will entail. The cultural, political, and economic environments in Israel can be significantly different from those in Canada. Many people choose to visit Israel before making Aliyah to get a sense of the country’s lifestyle.
Key Topics to Research:
Cost of living: Compare housing prices, grocery costs, and transportation expenses in various Israeli cities versus Canada.
Job opportunities: Israel’s tech sector is booming, but availability in other industries may vary. Some professions require requalification.
Language barrier: While many Israelis speak English, Hebrew is the primary language. You will need to learn Hebrew to fully integrate, especially if you plan to work outside of the international sectors.
Schooling: If you have children, research the Israeli education system, which includes secular, religious, and international school options.
Healthcare: Israel offers universal healthcare, but the structure and options differ from Canada’s healthcare system.
3. Contacting Aliyah Organizations
Once you’ve made the decision to make Aliyah, it’s time to contact organizations that assist with the Aliyah process. Two key organizations that help facilitate Aliyah are:
The Jewish Agency for Israel: This organization partners with the Israeli government to facilitate Aliyah and offers support for Jews worldwide.
Nefesh B’Nefesh: A non-profit organization that helps olim (immigrants) from English-speaking countries with everything from the application process to job placement and social integration.
Both organizations can assign you an Aliyah advisor who will guide you through the steps and help ensure that you have the correct documentation.
4. Documents and Application Process
The Aliyah process from Canada requires gathering various documents to prove your eligibility. The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim) oversees the process and requires clear evidence of Jewish lineage or conversion.
Key Documents You’ll Need:
Proof of Jewish status: This can include a birth certificate showing Jewish parents, letters from rabbis, or documentation of conversion.
Proof of Canadian citizenship: A valid Canadian passport is required.
Family documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce or death certificates (if applicable) for yourself and any family members also applying.
Criminal background check: You will need a criminal record check from Canadian authorities, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or your local police service.
Jewish community involvement: In some cases, proof of involvement in a Jewish community, such as a letter from your synagogue, can be helpful.
Make sure all documents are notarized and officially translated into Hebrew when necessary.
5. Submitting Your Aliyah Application
The application for Aliyah can be submitted through either The Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh, who will forward your documents to the Israeli Consulate in Canada.
Steps to Follow:
Complete the Aliyah application: You will need to fill out a comprehensive application form detailing your background, family information, and reasons for making Aliyah.
Submit the required documentation: Include all the documents listed above with your application.
Schedule an interview: After your application is reviewed, you will be required to attend an interview at the Israeli Consulate in Canada, either in person or virtually. The purpose of the interview is to verify your Jewish status and to confirm your intent to make Aliyah.
Approval and Aliyah visa: If your application is approved, you will receive an Aliyah visa, which allows you to immigrate to Israel.
6. Preparing for the Move
Once your Aliyah application is approved, you’ll need to start preparing for your physical move to Israel. This includes packing your belongings, arranging flights, and deciding where you will live once you arrive.
Key Considerations:
Flights to Israel: In some cases, the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B’Nefesh may cover the cost of your flight to Israel. Check with your Aliyah advisor to see if you qualify.
Shipping personal belongings: Many olim choose to ship household goods to Israel. Ensure you understand Israeli customs regulations, as new olim are often eligible for duty-free imports of personal items.
Housing arrangements: Some new immigrants stay in Absorption Centers (Merkaz Klita), which provide temporary housing and integration services. Others rent private accommodations immediately upon arrival.
7. Arriving in Israel: Your First Steps
Upon landing in Israel, you’ll begin the formal process of becoming an Israeli citizen. Your first stop will be at the Aliyah desk at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will receive your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). This card is essential for accessing Israeli services, such as healthcare, banking, and social benefits.
Key Actions After Arrival:
Teudat Zehut (ID card): You will receive your Israeli identification card upon arrival, which you will need to present for nearly all bureaucratic processes in Israel.
Registering for healthcare: Israel has a universal healthcare system, but you must register with one of the four health funds (Kupat Holim) to receive coverage. You can choose from Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit.
Banking: Open an Israeli bank account as soon as possible to deposit your Aliyah benefits, including Sal Klita(absorption assistance payments).
Free Hebrew courses (Ulpan): New olim are eligible for free intensive Hebrew language courses known as Ulpan. Learning Hebrew is essential for integrating into Israeli society, especially in the workplace and daily interactions.
8. Financial Support for New Olim
New olim are eligible for various financial benefits designed to help them integrate into Israeli society. These include:
Sal Klita: A financial absorption package that provides monthly payments during your first year in Israel.
Tax benefits: New immigrants are entitled to various tax exemptions and reductions for a period of 10 years on income earned abroad, pensions, and other financial benefits.
Customs exemptions: You can bring personal goods, household items, and a car into Israel duty-free during your first three years.
9. Finding Housing in Israel
Housing is one of the most significant considerations when making Aliyah. Most new olim choose to rent initially, though some may consider purchasing a home after settling in. Popular destinations for Canadian olim include cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ra’anana, and Modiin, though these cities can vary greatly in terms of housing prices and community culture.
Housing Costs:
Renting: Monthly rent in major cities can range from 3,500 to 8,000 shekels (CAD 1,200–2,800), depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Purchasing property: Israel has a robust real estate market, and many olim eventually choose to buy property. Mortgages are available for new immigrants with competitive rates and down payment options.
10. Employment and Career Opportunities
For many olim, finding work is a top priority after making Aliyah. Israel is known for its vibrant tech sector, but employment opportunities exist across various industries. It’s important to research the job market for your field in advance, as some professions require requalification (e.g., law, medicine, and engineering).
Key Employment Steps:
Job search resources: Nefesh B’Nefesh offers job search assistance, career fairs, and counseling to help olim find suitable employment.
Language proficiency: While many jobs in Israel are available in English, fluency in Hebrew greatly expands your job opportunities.
Professional licensing: Some professions require Israeli certification. This may involve passing exams or taking additional courses.
11. Education System in Israel
If you’re making Aliyah with children, Israel’s education system offers multiple options, including secular, religious, and international schools.