What Is Split Aliyah?
Split Aliyah refers to a situation where family members or a group make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel) at different times, rather than all at once. This method is not uncommon, especially when logistical, financial, or personal considerations make it difficult for all family members to immigrate together. The process involves the immigration of one or more family members first, and the remaining members following later, often due to practical reasons such as securing employment, arranging housing, or addressing family obligations.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the benefits, challenges, steps involved, and practical tips for handling a Split Aliyah process, along with the legal and bureaucratic aspects involved.
A. Reasons for Split Aliyah
Financial Reasons
Earning and Settling First: One of the most common reasons for split Aliyah is the need for financial stability. For example, one family member (often the primary breadwinner) might make Aliyah first, find a job, establish a steady income, and secure housing before the rest of the family can move.
Cost of Living: Israel’s cost of living, particularly in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, can be high. By splitting the Aliyah, families can gradually adjust to the cost of living by first establishing an income source before the others arrive.
Employment and Career Considerations
Job Opportunities: If a family member has a job offer in Israel, they may choose to immigrate first to begin work while the others remain behind until they find employment or resolve their own career issues. This is especially true if the family member has a specialized skill in demand in Israel.
Remote Work: In the age of remote work, some families may opt for a split Aliyah so one member can immigrate first while the other continues their career remotely from their home country until they transition.
Children’s Education
Schooling and Family Adjustments: Families with school-age children may choose to delay the children’s immigration until after they finish their schooling in their home country. Sometimes, parents might want the children to adjust to life in Israel before the entire family moves.
Children’s Integration: Immigrating in stages can allow parents to focus on education and language acquisition for their children before the entire family relocates.
Family Responsibilities
Care for Relatives: A family member may need to stay behind temporarily to take care of elderly parents, ailing relatives, or others who depend on their support. In these cases, the first member of the family makes Aliyah, while the others delay until the family situation at home is settled.
Health Issues: Some families may have a member with health concerns that need to be addressed before the move to Israel. They might decide to split the immigration process so that medical care can be arranged while others proceed with the move.
Property and Financial Planning
Selling Property: Many families cannot afford to make Aliyah all at once, particularly if they own property in their home country that needs to be sold. Split Aliyah allows the first family member to move, while the remaining family members wait to finalize the sale of the property and resolve any financial matters.
Business Ties: If the family operates a business, the first family member may need to take time to sell the business or transition it into the hands of another party before the rest of the family can follow.
B. Steps in the Split Aliyah Process
Step 1: Initial Aliyah Application
First Family Member(s) Apply: The initial step in a split Aliyah is for the first member or members of the family to complete the Aliyah application (Taflat Aliyah). This includes submitting necessary documents, such as proof of Jewish status, identification, and proof of family relationships.
Jewish Agency or Consulate: The application is typically submitted to the Jewish Agency for Israel if you are abroad or to the Israeli consulate in your home country.
Approval Process: Once the first member’s application is reviewed and approved, they will be issued a Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate) upon arrival in Israel.
Step 2: Settlement in Israel
First Member Settles: The first member of the family who immigrates must establish basic living arrangements, such as securing housing, registering with the Israeli Ministry of the Interior (Misrad HaPnim), and enrolling in social services like health insurance (Kupat Holim).
Initial Financial Setup: The first person may need to secure employment or organize temporary income sources. This can be a long-term process depending on the job market and skills.
Integrating into Israeli Society: The initial immigrant can start learning Hebrew through Ulpan (intensive language courses), meeting new people, and adapting to Israel’s culture and lifestyle.
Step 3: Family Reunification Application
Family Members Apply: Once the first family member has settled in Israel and feels ready, they can start the process of family reunification for the remaining members of the family. This typically involves submitting an application through the Ministry of the Interior and providing proof of familial relationships (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
Supporting Documents: Supporting documentation is crucial, such as:
Proof of relationship: Birth certificates for children, marriage certificates for spouses, and other legal documents.
Proof of Dependency: If a dependent relative is part of the reunification process, evidence of dependency may be required.
Criminal Background Checks: Just like the primary applicant, the family members will need to provide criminal background checks from the relevant authorities.
Step 4: Reunification Approval
Ministry of the Interior Approval: Once the family reunification application is processed and approved, the remaining family members can receive their Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificates), allowing them to make Aliyah.
Visa and Immigration Process: Depending on the family’s circumstances, the process may involve obtaining a family visa or temporary visa before they officially become Israeli citizens.
Step 5: Arrival and Settlement for Other Family Members
Joining the First Member: The family members who are joining the first immigrant in Israel will arrive and begin their own process of settling in Israel.
Health Insurance and Social Services: They will need to register for health insurance and social security benefits once in Israel.
Language Courses: Family members, particularly children and those who do not speak Hebrew, will likely enroll in Ulpan courses to facilitate integration.
Housing: The family will need to secure housing, whether through renting or purchasing property.
C. Legal and Bureaucratic Aspects of Split Aliyah
Family Reunification Process
Family reunification is an essential part of the split Aliyah process. Israeli immigration law allows for family reunification under the Law of Return. This process can take time, and the speed at which the second wave of family members can join the first immigrant depends on several factors:
Documentation: The speed of processing depends on how quickly the required documents can be gathered and verified.
Health and Security Checks: Background checks, including criminal records and health screening, must be completed for all family members. These can sometimes cause delays if issues arise in the process.
Temporary Residency Permits
Family members who are waiting for the approval of their reunification application may need to extend temporary residency permits (e.g., tourist visas or temporary work visas) to stay in Israel legally while awaiting permanent citizenship.
International Documentation and Translation
All documents required for the family reunification process (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and criminal background checks) must be properly translated into Hebrew or English.
Apostille or Notarization: Many of the documents will also need to be notarized or authenticated with an apostille from the relevant authorities in the country of origin to verify their authenticity.
D. Challenges of Split Aliyah
Emotional Challenges
The most significant challenge of split Aliyah is the emotional toll it can take on families. The first immigrant(s) may feel isolated or stressed adjusting to life in Israel without the full support of their family. Meanwhile, the family left behind may experience anxiety or uncertainty while waiting to join their loved ones.
Administrative Delays
Family reunification can take time, and the bureaucratic process in Israel may cause delays. Applicants may encounter obstacles related to document verification, health screenings, or the visa process for family members.
Financial Stress
While the first immigrant works on establishing financial stability, the family members who remain behind may struggle with their own financial concerns. The delay in family reunification could mean that the initial immigrant must support their family remotely, leading to financial strain.
Adjustment to Israeli Life
The first immigrant(s) may have to adjust to Israeli society and life in Israel on their own. This includes language barriers, cultural differences, and establishing a social network. When the rest of the family joins, they must also adjust to the Israeli system, which may require different strategies and additional support.
E. Conclusion
Split Aliyah allows families to immigrate to Israel in stages, which can be a practical solution to financial, employment, or family considerations. It offers flexibility for families to settle in Israel gradually, but it also presents challenges, particularly around family reunification, emotional strain, and bureaucratic delays.
By carefully managing the legal process, providing thorough documentation, and preparing for the emotional and logistical aspects of the process, families can navigate the split Aliyah process successfully. The process of making Aliyah in phases allows for smoother transitions, better planning, and financial stability while ensuring that every family member can eventually join their loved ones in Israel.