Why Make Aliyah Now?
1. Religious and Spiritual Fulfillment
Connection to the Land of Israel
For many Jewish people, making Aliyah is not just a personal decision but a spiritual calling. Israel holds immense religious significance as the land promised to the Jewish people in the Torah. For Jews around the world, returning to this land is viewed as fulfilling a 2,000-year-old dream of returning to the homeland.
By making Aliyah, you can live in proximity to places like Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and Masada, where key events in Jewish history took place. Celebrating religious events in Israel brings deeper meaning. For example, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, is marked with almost no traffic and a solemn atmosphere throughout the country, something unique to Israel.
Fulfilling Biblical Prophecy
Some Jews believe that moving to Israel fulfills ancient biblical prophecies that speak of the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel. This belief has intensified as Israel continues to grow and flourish as a modern state. In this light, making Aliyah is seen as part of a divine mission to re-establish Jewish sovereignty in the Promised Land.
Key prophecies from the Book of Ezekiel and Isaiah speak of the Jewish people being gathered from the four corners of the earth and returning to Israel. The State of Israel’s creation in 1948 is seen by many as the beginning of this process, and by making Aliyah, you become a part of this unfolding historical event.
Strengthening Jewish Identity and Heritage
Living in Israel allows for a total immersion in Jewish culture. Jewish holidays such as Passover and Sukkot are national holidays. The entire country embraces the rhythm of the Jewish calendar, with Shabbat (the Sabbath) being observed from sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. This environment provides a unique opportunity to strengthen your Jewish identity.
Learning Hebrew in Israel is more than just language acquisition; it’s a way to connect deeply with Jewish texts and traditions. Everyday conversations in Hebrew allow you to interact with Jewish history and culture in an intimate way.
2. Personal and Family Identity
Deep Cultural Connection
For many, the decision to make Aliyah is motivated by the desire to reconnect with their Jewish roots. Israel is the only country in the world where Jewish culture is the dominant culture, influencing everything from national holidays to work weeks. Living in a country where the Jewish calendar dictates everyday life is profoundly meaningful for Jews seeking to connect more deeply with their heritage.
Aliyah offers the opportunity to participate in the unique blend of Jewish and Israeli culture, from the music, food, and dance to the informal and dynamic way Israelis interact with one another. The sense of communal identity is strong, and Jewish history is celebrated and remembered on a daily basis.
Raising Children in a Jewish Environment
Families often choose to make Aliyah to provide their children with the opportunity to grow up in a Jewish environment, ensuring their cultural and religious upbringing. Jewish children in Israel learn about their heritage not only in school but through living in a society where Jewish values and traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life.
Jewish education in Israel is integrated into the public system, where children study Bible (Tanach), Jewish history, and the significance of the holidays. Parents often feel this kind of education is more authentic and immersive than what’s available in the Diaspora.
Building Jewish Communities
Israel is made up of immigrants from all over the world, creating a melting pot of Jewish cultures. By making Aliyah, you join a diverse society where everyone has a shared goal of building a vibrant Jewish state. There’s a deep sense of community and belonging, as many people share the experience of leaving their home countries to move to Israel.
New immigrants are often welcomed with open arms by Olim communities who provide emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance to help newcomers adjust to life in Israel.
3. Strong Sense of Community
Supportive Aliyah Programs
Aliyah has become easier and more structured than ever before. Organizations like Nefesh B’Nefesh work hand-in-hand with the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government to streamline the process, offering everything from financial aid to job placement services. Their goal is to make the Aliyah experience as seamless as possible, offering assistance before, during, and after the move.
Nefesh B’Nefesh provides access to Aliyah advisors who help guide prospective immigrants through the application process, assist with understanding Israeli bureaucracy, and even provide personalized financial advicebased on the individual’s situation. This kind of tailored support makes the transition smoother.
Communities Designed for Olim (New Immigrants)
Cities like Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Modi’in, and certain neighborhoods in Tel Aviv have developed Olim communities that focus on providing new immigrants with the support they need to integrate into Israeli society. These areas often have English-speaking communities and schools, making it easier for immigrants to adjust without feeling isolated.
Absorption centers, government-supported residential programs, offer short-term housing and services such as Hebrew-language lessons (Ulpan) and job training to help Olim become self-sufficient.
Jewish Unity and Belonging
Making Aliyah offers a chance to join a nation where Jewish unity is emphasized despite the diversity of backgrounds. In Israel, Jews from Ethiopia, Russia, France, the United States, and dozens of other countries come together to build a common future. Many people find a strong sense of belonging in this unique and diverse community.
The entire country experiences a sense of national solidarity during difficult times, such as during security challenges, where citizens rally around a common cause and show mutual support.
4. Economic and Professional Opportunities
Thriving High-Tech and Innovation Sector
Israel is globally recognized as a leader in high-tech innovation. Known as the Startup Nation, Israel has more startups per capita than anywhere else in the world. The tech ecosystem here is vibrant, with opportunities in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and fintech.
Israeli innovation goes beyond technology. With a high rate of entrepreneurship, there are constant opportunities for business growth. Israeli companies are at the cutting edge of developments in fields such as medical technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. By making Aliyah now, you have the opportunity to be part of this dynamic economy.
Job Placement and Professional Networks
Job placement services specifically for Olim help immigrants find work in their fields, especially in the tech industry. LinkedIn groups and job boards such as JobNet, AllJobs, and Nefesh B’Nefesh’s employment programoffer connections to job opportunities.
Networking events for new immigrants allow professionals to meet local employers, join relevant industries, and get a foot in the door. You can also benefit from tax incentives for starting businesses or working in Israel, making it financially appealing to start a career or invest in Israeli companies.
Government Support and Financial Benefits for Olim
Israel offers substantial financial incentives to new immigrants, especially during their first few years. The Sal Klita (absorption basket) offers new immigrants financial assistance for housing, living expenses, and other essentials, ranging from ₪18,000 - ₪24,000 ($4,600 - $6,200) depending on family size and needs. This aid is spread out over several months to help ease the transition.
Income tax benefits for new immigrants last for several years. For example, Olim receive income tax breaks for 42 months, which means that part of your salary will be tax-free. Additionally, new immigrants receive exemptions from customs duties on importing household items and sometimes even vehicles, making the move more affordable.
5. Safety, Security, and Stability
Sense of Belonging and Security in the Jewish Homeland
For many Jews living in the Diaspora, concerns over rising antisemitism have made the idea of living in Israel more attractive. Israel, as the Jewish homeland, offers a place where Jews can live openly as Jews without fear of discrimination or persecution. Many feel that moving to Israel is the safest long-term option for Jews, given the uncertainties facing Jewish communities in Europe and elsewhere.
In times of global instability, Israel’s strong national identity and government-backed social safety nets make it a stable place for immigrants to start a new life. This sense of security in identity and belonging is a huge motivator for many to make Aliyah.
High Standard of Government Services
Israel’s public healthcare system is ranked as one of the best in the world, and new immigrants can benefit from free healthcare for the first year if unemployed. The healthcare system is efficient, affordable, and accessible, with four major healthcare providers offering varying levels of coverage.
The country also has a robust social welfare system that provides support for those in need, including unemployment benefits, maternity leave, and pension plans. The security of knowing that the government offers strong social services gives many new immigrants peace of mind as they settle in.
6. Unique Lifestyle and Quality of Life
Mediterranean Climate and Natural Beauty
Israel offers a high quality of life with its sunny Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and proximity to both the mountains and the sea. Whether you choose to live in bustling Tel Aviv, historic Jerusalem, or more rural areas like the Negev desert or the Galilee, Israel provides a range of living environments to suit different lifestyles.
The coastline offers beautiful beaches, while the Negev and Judean deserts provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, hiking, and exploring nature. Living in Israel allows you to enjoy these natural wonders year-round.
Dynamic and Entrepreneurial Society
Israelis are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude. The Israeli culture of innovation and resilience makes the country an exciting place to live. People who make Aliyah often find that they are energized by the fast-paced, informal nature of Israeli society, where new ideas are constantly being generated, and risk-taking is celebrated.
In Israel, you’ll find a society that values creativity, adaptability, and collaboration, making it a great environment for both personal and professional growth.
7. Israel’s Historical Moment and National Growth
Israel’s Growth and Influence
Israel is rapidly developing both economically and culturally. The Abraham Accords, recent peace agreements with neighboring Arab countries, are opening up new opportunities for regional cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, and diplomacy. These shifts make now an exciting time to be part of Israel’s international growth.
Moving now means that you’ll be part of a country that is not only growing in global influence but is also becoming a hub for Middle Eastern diplomacy and business cooperation, which provides new opportunities for professionals in fields like international trade, law, and finance.
Contributing to the National Project
By making Aliyah, you’ll be part of the ongoing effort to build and strengthen the State of Israel. Many feel that contributing to this national project, whether through military service, innovation, or just by becoming a part of the Israeli community, is a deeply meaningful and fulfilling way to live.
8. Easier Transition Than Ever Before
Streamlined Aliyah Process
Over the last decade, the process of making Aliyah has become much more streamlined. With the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Jewish Agency, and the Israeli government, the bureaucratic hurdles that once deterred many immigrants have been reduced. The process of obtaining Israeli citizenship, securing housing, finding schools, and adjusting to the new culture has been simplified.
Pre-Aliyah support is now more comprehensive, with organizations offering step-by-step guidance, financial planning assistance, and help navigating Israeli bureaucracy. This has removed much of the stress and confusion surrounding the Aliyah process.
Modern Infrastructure and Digital Integration
Israel’s infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years. Public transportation is expanding, with new high-speed rail links and the upcoming Tel Aviv Metro project set to make travel across the country faster and more efficient.
Digital services are widely available in Israel, from banking to government services, meaning many of the tasks associated with making Aliyah, like registering for healthcare or signing up for utilities, can be done online in just a few clicks.
Making Aliyah today offers a unique blend of spiritual fulfillment, cultural connection, professional opportunity, and personal growth. Whether you're motivated by religious conviction, the desire to raise your family in a Jewish environment, or the economic prospects in the Startup Nation, the decision to make Aliyah allows you to build a life in a country where Jewish identity, innovation, and community flourish. With the strong support systems now in place for new immigrants, moving to Israel has never been more accessible, meaningful, or impactful.
