Israel & Aliyah Resources
Thinking about making Aliyah? Already planning your move? Or just want to stay informed about life in Israel? This is your one-stop directory for every organization, government portal, community group, and information source you'll need on the journey home to Eretz Yisrael.
Start with Nefesh B'Nefesh and The Jewish Agency, plan your move with the Aliyah Plan Guide, and connect with real olim in the Aliyah Tips WhatsApp group.
Aliyah Organizations — Start Here
The primary organizations that help Jews from around the world make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel) — from initial planning through the first years of absorption.
נפש בנפש
The leading Aliyah organization for North America and the UK. Provides financial assistance, employment support, community-building, and end-to-end help making Aliyah.
Featuredהסוכנות היהודית
The official partner of the State of Israel for Aliyah worldwide. Opens the Aliyah file, issues Aliyah visas, and runs global shlichim, MASA, and youth programs.
Step-by-step planning guide covering finances, documents, shipping, community selection, and everything olim need to know before and after landing.
קליטה
Umbrella organization supporting French-speaking olim in Israel.
שבי ישראל
Reaches out to 'lost' and 'hidden' Jewish communities around the world and assists them in returning to the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland.
Supports olim from South Africa and Australia through Aliyah, absorption, and community.
Israeli Government Aliyah & Absorption
Official Israeli government ministries and portals for olim chadashim (new immigrants).
משרד העלייה והקליטה
The Israeli government ministry responsible for absorbing new immigrants. Sal Klita (absorption basket), ulpan, rights, and benefits.
משרד הפנים
Issues Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card), passports, and handles citizenship.
ביטוח לאומי
Israeli social security — health insurance, child allowances, unemployment, disability, and elder benefits for olim.
כל זכות
Free, non-profit encyclopedia of rights in Israel — invaluable for olim navigating bureaucracy in English or Hebrew.
Community & Peer Support
Groups, WhatsApp communities, and networks connecting olim and prospective olim to real people who've been there.
Active WhatsApp group for practical Aliyah tips, advice, and peer support from olim and future olim. Join to ask questions and share experiences.
Community of experienced olim volunteering their time to help future olim plan and succeed.
English-speaking directory and community listings across Israel — English-speaking doctors, schools, services, and social groups.
The largest English-speaking classifieds and community board in Israel — jobs, housing, events, and services.
English-Language Information About Israel
Trusted English-language websites for news, culture, tourism, and understanding modern Israeli society.
The leading English-language news site covering Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world.
Israel's oldest English-language daily newspaper, covering politics, culture, and world affairs.
Non-profit news magazine showcasing Israeli innovation, culture, and people.
The official tourism portal of the State of Israel — travel planning, sites, events, and itineraries.
Official diplomatic and policy information from the Israeli government.
Non-profit online publication focused on the people, innovation, and culture of Israel beyond the conflict.
Jobs, Housing & Getting Established
Resources to help olim find employment, housing, and community after landing.
Job board, career coaching, resume help, and licensing support for olim.
גבהים
Non-profit accelerating the professional integration of skilled olim in Israel.
יד 2
Israel's largest classifieds site for rentals, apartments, and used goods (mostly Hebrew — use Google Translate).
Popular Facebook group for finding rentals in Jerusalem — friendly to Anglo olim.
Youth, Gap Year & Long-Term Programs
Programs to experience Israel before making Aliyah — great pipelines to eventual immigration.
מסע
The largest gateway to long-term (5–12 month) programs in Israel for young adults 18–35.
תגלית
Free 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish young adults 18–26.
גרעין צבר
Aliyah and IDF service program for lone soldiers from around the world.
In memory of Michael Levin — the home away from home for lone soldiers in the IDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to make Aliyah?
Under Israel's Law of Return, anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent, or who converted to Judaism (through a recognized process), along with their spouse and minor children, is eligible for Israeli citizenship. The Jewish Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh verify eligibility as part of the Aliyah application.
How do I start the Aliyah process?
North Americans and Brits typically begin by opening a file with Nefesh B'Nefesh (nbn.org.il). Everyone else starts with The Jewish Agency (jewishagency.org). Both work in coordination with the Israeli government to issue an Aliyah visa (Teudat Oleh).
What financial help do olim receive?
New olim receive a 'Sal Klita' (absorption basket) of several thousand shekels paid over 6 months, subsidized ulpan (Hebrew classes), tax and customs benefits, free health insurance for the first months, and priority for social security. Nefesh B'Nefesh may add grants for eligible olim from North America and the UK.
Do I need to speak Hebrew before making Aliyah?
No. Many olim arrive with little or no Hebrew. Israel offers free/subsidized ulpan for new immigrants, and English is widely spoken in most cities and workplaces, especially in tech.
How can I join the Aliyah Tips WhatsApp group?
Click the invite link — https://chat.whatsapp.com/L05XbYjWIm20VY2DX8ugSW — from your phone or WhatsApp Web to join the community of olim and future olim sharing tips and answering questions.
What is the difference between Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency?
The Jewish Agency (Sochnut) is the official global partner of Israel for Aliyah, serving Jews from every country. Nefesh B'Nefesh partners with the Jewish Agency to provide enhanced Aliyah services, financial grants, employment help, and community-building specifically for olim from North America and the UK.
Can I keep my US or other citizenship?
Yes. Israel permits dual (and multiple) citizenship. Making Aliyah does not require renouncing citizenship in the United States, Canada, the UK, France, or most other countries.