Immigrants, or Olim Chadashim as they're fondly called, have been making their way to Israel for over 50 years. But their arrival in Israel, whether by dramatic last-minute rescue or through years of planning, is only the beginning of their story. What follows their arrival is finding a place to live, to study and to work, learning Hebrew and adjusting to the vociferous democracy and vivid, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society that is today's Israel.
Some Olim find it useful to begin their lives in Israel in one of many Absorption Centers, where others prefer to jump right into the deep end of life here. New Olim are offered the chance to attend Ulpan, where they are taught Hebrew relevant to daily life, at a number of levels and intensities. This is also another opportunity to meet many of the varied nationalities who now call Israel home.
Adjusting to a new culture and society can be just as demanding, and at times frustrating, as learning a new language. Whether it's finding your favorite corner falafel shop or learning how to negotiate with the neighborhood plumber, the simplest activities can become challenging. You may have to learn to live with neighbors who are French, Russian, Moroccan, or Anglo. And at the end of the day, they are all Israeli as well.
In marked contrast to almost every other nation, Israel not only welcomes its immigrants but also rejoices in them. It purposefully attracts them with job retraining, housing benefits and tax concessions. Israel has more than five decades of experience in helping immigrants settle in. Jews who come to the Jewish State - from wherever they were born - are welcomed, helped, feted and eventually integrated into the colorful mosaic of modern Israel.
Immigrants, or Olim Chadashim as they're fondly called, have been making their way to Israel for over 50 years. But their arrival in Israel, whether by dramatic last-minute rescue or through years of planning, is only the beginning of their story. What follows their arrival is finding a place to live, to study and to work, learning Hebrew and adjusting to the vociferous democracy and vivid, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society that is today's Israel.
Some Olim find it useful to begin their lives in Israel in one of many Absorption Centers, where others prefer to jump right into the deep end of life here. New Olim are offered the chance to attend Ulpan, where they are taught Hebrew relevant to daily life, at a number of levels and intensities. This is also another opportunity to meet many of the varied nationalities who now call Israel home.
Adjusting to a new culture and society can be just as demanding, and at times frustrating, as learning a new language. Whether it's finding your favorite corner falafel shop or learning how to negotiate with the neighborhood plumber, the simplest activities can become challenging. You may have to learn to live with neighbors who are French, Russian, Moroccan, or Anglo. And at the end of the day, they are all Israeli as well.