Making Aliyah, or immigrating to Israel under the Law of Return, is a life-changing decision. For South African Jews looking to relocate to Israel, there are various considerations, including legal, financial, and logistical aspects. This guide will cover every step of the Aliyah process from South Africa, from gathering the necessary documentation to adapting to life in Israel after arrival.

1. Eligibility for Aliyah: Understanding the Law of Return

The Law of Return (enacted in 1950 and amended in 1970) grants every Jew the right to make Aliyah and obtain Israeli citizenship. This right extends to:

• Jews by birth: Anyone born to a Jewish mother is automatically considered Jewish under Halacha (Jewish law).

• Converts to Judaism: Converts who have undergone an Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform conversion are eligible.

• Descendants of Jews: Children, grandchildren, and spouses of Jews can also make Aliyah, even if they are not Jewish according to Halacha.

Who Can Make Aliyah from South Africa?

• Jews of any denomination: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews can apply under the Law of Return.

• Spouses and descendants: Non-Jewish spouses and children or grandchildren of Jews are also eligible, though they may face additional requirements.

• Converts: Converts to Judaism must provide recognized conversion certificates. The Israeli government is more likely to accept Orthodox conversions, though Conservative and Reform conversions may also be recognized for the purposes of Aliyah.

2. Preparing for Aliyah: Research and Planning

Before beginning the process of making Aliyah, it is important to understand what life in Israel will look like compared to life in South Africa. Israel offers many benefits, but the cost of living, job market, culture, and language can be significantly different from what South Africans are accustomed to.

Key Areas to Research:

• Cost of living: Israel has a higher cost of living compared to South Africa, especially in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Housing, food, and transportation expenses can vary widely by city.

• Job market: Israel’s economy is heavily driven by its high-tech industry, but other industries also exist. Research job opportunities and professional requirements in advance, as some careers may require requalification.

• Language: While many Israelis speak English, Hebrew is the official language. It's essential to learn Hebrew to fully integrate into Israeli society.

• Schooling: For families with children, the Israeli education system differs from the South African one, offering secular, religious, and international school options.

• Healthcare: Israel’s healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the world, but it is structured differently from South Africa’s system.

3. Contacting Aliyah Organizations

Once you’ve decided to make Aliyah, your first step should be to contact the organizations that assist with the process. These organizations will help you navigate the legal requirements and provide you with the necessary guidance.

• The Jewish Agency for Israel: This organization helps Jews worldwide with the Aliyah process and works closely with the Israeli government. They have representatives in South Africa to guide you through the process.

• Telfed (South African Zionist Federation): Telfed supports South African olim (immigrants) in their Aliyah journey, offering advice on documentation, integration, housing, and more.

• Nefesh B'Nefesh: This organization assists olim from English-speaking countries, providing resources on everything from bureaucracy to employment and education.

Your Aliyah advisor will provide specific instructions and help ensure that your documentation is in order.

4. Gathering the Required Documentation

The next step in the Aliyah process is gathering the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility. The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim) oversees the approval process and will require specific documents to confirm your Jewish identity and South African citizenship.

Documents You Will Need:

• Proof of Jewish identity: This may include a birth certificate showing Jewish parents, a bar or bat mitzvah certificate, or a letter from a recognized rabbi confirming your Jewish heritage.

• Proof of South African citizenship: You must provide a valid South African passport.

• Family documents: You will need to provide birth certificates for each family member making Aliyah. If you are married, you will also need to provide your marriage certificate. Divorced or widowed applicants will need to submit relevant documents, such as divorce or death certificates.

• Conversion certificate: If you are a convert, you will need to provide a certificate of conversion from a recognized rabbinical authority.

• Criminal background check: You must provide a police clearance certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to demonstrate that you have no criminal record.

• Proof of community involvement: While not always mandatory, a letter from your local synagogue or Jewish organization confirming your involvement in the community can strengthen your application.

Ensure that all documents are translated into Hebrew (where necessary) and notarized.

5. Submitting Your Aliyah Application

Once your documentation is ready, you will need to submit your Aliyah application. This can be done through either The Jewish Agency for Israel or Telfed, which will forward the application to the Israeli Consulate.

Steps in the Application Process:

1. Fill out the application form: Complete the online or paper form, detailing personal and family information, your Jewish background, and your reasons for making Aliyah.

2. Submit required documentation: Attach all necessary documents, including proof of Jewish status, citizenship, and family records.

3. Schedule an interview: After submitting your application, you will be asked to attend an interview with the Israeli Consulate or a Jewish Agency representative in South Africa. The interview typically verifies your Jewish status and assesses your readiness for life in Israel.

4. Approval and issuance of Aliyah visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive an Aliyah visa. This visa allows you to enter Israel as an oleh (immigrant) and proceed with the citizenship process.

6. Planning Your Move to Israel

After receiving your Aliyah visa, the next step is to prepare for your physical move to Israel. Planning ahead for your relocation is key to ensuring a smooth transition.

Key Considerations:

• Booking your flight: 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 your belongings: Many olim choose to ship their household goods to Israel. Be aware that new olim are typically eligible for duty-free imports of personal items, including furniture and electronics.

• Housing arrangements: You can choose to live in an Absorption Center (Merkaz Klita), which provides temporary housing and services to help new immigrants settle, or you can rent private accommodation.

7. Arriving in Israel: Your First Steps as an Oleh

Upon arrival in Israel, you will officially begin your new life as an Israeli citizen. Several essential tasks must be completed to establish your legal and financial status in Israel.

Actions Upon Arrival:

• Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card): You will receive your Teudat Zehut, or Israeli identification card, at the airport. This is the most important document for accessing all government services.

• Registering for healthcare: Israel’s universal healthcare system requires all citizens to register with one of four health funds (Kupat Holim). Upon arrival, you’ll need to select a fund and enroll in a health plan.

• Bank account: Opening an Israeli bank account is one of your first steps after arrival. This account will be used for receiving Aliyah benefits, paying bills, and managing your finances.

• Free Hebrew courses (Ulpan): To help new olim integrate into Israeli society, the government offers free Hebrew language classes, known as Ulpan. These courses are essential for gaining fluency in Hebrew, which is necessary for most jobs and daily interactions.

8. Financial Assistance for New Olim

Israel offers a range of financial benefits to help new immigrants get settled. These benefits are available to all new olim and are designed to ease the transition to Israeli life.

Financial Benefits Include:

• Sal Klita (Absorption Basket): This financial package includes monthly payments during your first year in Israel to help cover living expenses.

• Tax exemptions: New immigrants are eligible for a range of tax exemptions, including a 10-year exemption on income earned abroad and benefits related to purchasing property and importing goods.

• Customs benefits: Olim are entitled to duty-free imports of personal items, including household goods and cars, during their first three years in Israel.

9. Finding Housing in Israel

Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing new olim. Renting or buying a home in Israel can be expensive, especially in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It’s important to research housing options in advance.

Housing Considerations:

• Renting: Rent in major cities can range from 4,000 to 10,000 shekels (R21,000–R53,000) per month, depending on location and apartment size. Smaller cities and towns are generally more affordable.

• Purchasing property: If you’re considering buying a home, mortgage rates and down payment requirements vary, and new immigrants are often eligible for special mortgage deals.

10. Employment in Israel

Finding a job in Israel is a key part of integrating into society.