Making Aliyah from the UK: A Detailed Guide
Aliyah, the process of immigrating to Israel under the Law of Return, is a significant and life-changing decision for many Jews worldwide. For UK citizens considering Aliyah, the process involves careful planning, gathering necessary documentation, and navigating both the Israeli and UK legal systems. This comprehensive guide walks through the essential steps, from preparing for the move to integrating into Israeli society.
1. Understanding the Law of Return
The Law of Return, enacted in 1950, grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and obtain Israeli citizenship. The law extends not only to Jews but also to the children and grandchildren of Jews, as well as their spouses, regardless of their Jewish status.
Who Is Eligible?
Jews by birth: Those with a Jewish mother are automatically considered Jewish according to Halacha (Jewish law).
Converts to Judaism: Individuals who have undergone an Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform conversion.
Non-Jewish children or grandchildren of Jews: The Law of Return applies to descendants of Jews, even if they themselves are not Jewish according to Halacha.
Spouses of eligible individuals: Non-Jewish spouses of Jews, children, or grandchildren of Jews are also eligible to make Aliyah under certain conditions.
2. Step-by-Step Process of Making Aliyah from the UK
2.1. Step 1: Initial Decision and Research
Before committing to Aliyah, it's important to understand the implications of living in Israel. Life in Israel can be vastly different from the UK, with its own culture, language, and political environment. Many prospective olim (immigrants) spend time in Israel beforehand to experience daily life.
Research Topics:
Cost of living: Housing prices, utility costs, transportation, and general lifestyle costs vary greatly between cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and smaller communities.
Work opportunities: While Israel has a booming tech industry, understanding job availability in your field is crucial. Some professions require licensing or requalification.
Healthcare system: Israel offers universal healthcare, but understanding how to navigate its system is important.
Schooling and education: If you have children, familiarize yourself with the Israeli education system.
Cultural and religious life: Israel has a rich cultural scene, but its religious observance varies widely across communities.
2.2. Step 2: Contacting Aliyah Organizations
The next step is to contact organizations that specialize in Aliyah to guide you through the process. The two primary organizations are:
The Jewish Agency for Israel: This body facilitates Aliyah and supports Jews throughout the process. They work directly with the Israeli government and have representatives in the UK.
Nefesh B’Nefesh: A non-profit organization that assists olim from English-speaking countries, providing support with the bureaucratic process, employment, and social integration.
These organizations will assign you an Aliyah advisor, who will help streamline your application process and provide information tailored to your personal situation.
2.3. Step 3: Documentation Preparation
Once you have decided to make Aliyah, you must gather and prepare a range of documents that prove your eligibility. The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim) will require the following:
Key Documents:
Proof of Jewish status: This can include a birth certificate showing Jewish parents, letters from recognized rabbis, or documentation proving Jewish ancestry.
Proof of UK citizenship: A valid UK passport is necessary.
Family documents: If making Aliyah as a family, you'll need birth certificates, marriage certificates, and possibly divorce or death certificates if relevant.
Proof of Jewish community involvement: While not always required, letters from a local synagogue or community leaders can help support your application.
Criminal background check: Israel requires proof of a clean criminal record from your country of origin. In the UK, you can request this from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
All documents must be notarized and officially translated into Hebrew where necessary.
2.4. Step 4: Applying for Aliyah
Once your documentation is complete, submit your application through the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh. The process typically involves:
Filling out an Aliyah application form: This includes personal details, family information, and reasons for making Aliyah.
Submitting documentation: Attach the required documents mentioned above.
Initial interview: Once your application is submitted, you will be called in for an interview with a representative from the Jewish Agency or the Israeli Consulate in London.
The interview will assess your Jewish status, background, and reasons for making Aliyah. It's generally straightforward, but the representative may ask for additional documents or clarification.
2.5. Step 5: Aliyah Approval and Visa
If your application is approved, you will receive your Aliyah visa. This visa allows you to immigrate to Israel and officially begin your new life as a citizen.
At this stage, you'll also work with your Aliyah advisor to finalize your travel plans. You may be eligible for a free flight to Israel through the Jewish Agency, which partners with various airlines to offer this service.
3. Arriving in Israel: Your First Steps
Once you arrive in Israel, the absorption process begins. It’s a structured system designed to help new olim integrate into Israeli society.
3.1. Receiving Your Teudat Zehut (ID Card)
Your first stop after landing in Israel is at the Aliyah desk at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will receive your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). This card is essential for accessing all government services, including healthcare, education, and employment.
3.2. Absorption Services (Misrad Haklita)
Next, you'll visit your local Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Absorption) office, where you’ll register for Aliyah benefits. These include:
Sal Klita: A financial absorption package that provides monthly stipends to help with initial living costs.
Healthcare registration: Israel’s universal healthcare system requires all residents to be part of a health fund (Kupat Holim). As a new immigrant, you’ll be given the option to choose a health fund and register for medical coverage.
Free Hebrew language courses (Ulpan): To assist with integration, Israel offers free intensive Hebrew courses known as Ulpan. These are essential for building language skills and settling into Israeli society.
3.3. Finding Housing
Most olim rent accommodation initially, either in Absorption Centers (Merkaz Klita), where services are available to help with integration, or in private rentals. Cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Ra'anana are popular choices, though housing costs in these cities can be higher than in smaller towns or kibbutzim.
Key Housing Considerations:
Cost: Rent varies by city, with Tel Aviv being the most expensive. Average rent can range from 3,500 to 8,000 shekels (£750 to £1,700) depending on location and size.
Subsidies: The Israeli government offers rent subsidies for new olim during the first few years in Israel, reducing the financial burden of renting.
Purchasing property: Some olim eventually choose to purchase a home, taking advantage of mortgage programs for new immigrants.
4. Working in Israel
Finding employment is one of the most crucial aspects of successfully integrating into Israeli life. While some olim are employed in Israel’s thriving tech sector, others may need to requalify for professions that are regulated by the state (e.g., law, medicine, engineering).
Key Steps for Employment:
Job search assistance: Nefesh B’Nefesh offers career counseling, job fairs, and employment workshops to help olim find suitable jobs.
Hebrew proficiency: While many jobs in Israel, especially in high-tech, are available in English, having a good command of Hebrew significantly expands your job prospects.
Professional licensing: For certain professions (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry), you may need to obtain an Israeli license. This can involve requalifying through exams or additional coursework.
5. Education and Schools
For those making Aliyah with children, Israel’s education system offers a variety of options, including secular, religious, and international schools. The Israeli government provides support to help children integrate into the school system, including Hebrew language courses and specialized programs for new immigrants.
6. Tax and Financial Considerations
UK citizens who make Aliyah should consider the tax implications of relocating to Israel. Israel offers a 10-year tax exemption on foreign income for new immigrants, which can be advantageous for olim who maintain overseas assets or businesses. Consulting with a tax advisor familiar with both UK and Israeli tax laws is recommended.
7. Cultural Integration and Social Life
Making Aliyah is not just about moving to a new country; it involves integrating into a new society. Israel has a vibrant cultural scene, but the social and cultural differences between the UK and Israel can take some time to adjust to. Many olim find that participating in community events, synagogue life, and language learning programs helps ease the transition.
8. Conclusion: Making Aliyah from the UK
Making Aliyah from the UK is a complex but rewarding journey. From the initial decision to gather documents and apply, to the eventual integration into Israeli society, the process can take months or even years.