By Darryl Egnal
The Jewish Agency has widened its reach. Traditionally, the Aliyah and Absorption Department was only responsible for external Aliyah (immigration) from around the world, but recently, its mandate has been expanded to include those already in Israel who decide to change their status and become new olim (immigrants).
Monica Zaga (28) fell in love with Israel when she visited with her family 10 years ago. The Mexican-born lawyer returned to Israel on another tourist visa in April 2009. During her trip, she decided to explore the possibility of living here and did the research to find out about her options.
While in Israel, Zaga made up her mind to make Aliyah. As a result, she had to change her status from tourist to olah (immigrant).
In the past, she would’ve had to go to the Ministry of the Interior (Misrad Hapnim). “Previously, the ‘change of status’ option was done through this Ministry only and the olim had to cope with this procedure alone with no assistance and in Hebrew,” said Jenia Gitkis-Vainstein, director of the Aliyah Service Center (previously the Global Center).
“But now, the Aliyah Service Center handles all applications and makes sure the olim get the best support and assistance possible, 22 hours a day, six days a week (Jewish 24/7) and in eight different languages,” she said.
Paula Edelstein, co-chair of the Aliyah and Absorption Department, said at the recent launch of the new program: “Together with our partner, the Ministry of the Interior, and our friend, Amos Arbel, director of Population Registration and Status Department in the Ministry of the Interior, we do our utmost in order to ensure that the olim who are changing their status receive the very best VIP service possible.
“This new project is operated by a center that focuses on olim and their needs. The Aliyah Service Center is not just about telephone calls – it is about olim,” said Edelstein.
The potential olim receive:
- assistance with organizing forms and documentation;
- validating ‘Preparation of Aliyah’ forms for eligibility;
- exclusive meetings with an Interior Ministry representative at the Jewish Agency immediately;
- a customized absorption plan;
- personal guidance by an absorption specialist; and
- receipt of Israeli ID card in a special ceremony.
“In other words,” said Gitkis-Vainstein, “they not only receive their new status, but also a wealth of information and plenty of assistance ensuring that each new oleh gets his or her own personalized absorption solution.”
Zaga went through the entire process with the Jewish Agency and recently received her Teudat Zehut at the ceremony marking the beginning of the program. She now lives in Tel Aviv with roommates she met through the Jewish community in Mexico, and is studying towards her MA degree at the University of Tel Aviv.
“Despite the fact that Zaga is in Israel without her family, she is very happy to be here!” Gitkis-Vainstein said.
Zaga isn’t the first or only person to change her status while in Israel. There are many individuals and families who come to Israel for various reasons – on tourist visas, family visits, study visas, long-term programs such as MASA, as volunteers, as volunteer soldiers or with a work permit – and many of them decide while here that Israel is the land in which they wish to lay down roots. This is why the Jewish Agency felt it was important to embrace these individuals and include their aliyah process within the organization’s jurisdiction.
Ronny Ganizate, a 21-year-old Frenchman, is a good example. He participated in B’nei Akiva’s "Hachshara" program in Israel and decided to stay and join the Mahal program (volunteers from abroad who serve in the army). Ganizate has three brothers, who are already citizens of Israel. During his time in the army, he chose to explore the possibility of remaining in the country.
After liaising with the Aliyah Service Center, Ganizate went through the necessary requirements and he recently received his Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) showing his new status as a citizen of the country. He has finished his army service and is now studying accountancy at Kiryat Ono College. Ganizate’s parents and a younger sister have decided to close the circle and will join him and his brothers within a year.
Danutah Julia Chakobovitz was born in Poland. When she was eight years old, her family, after having survived the Holocaust, moved to Venezuela where she lived until making the move to Israel. She is a physician – an endocrinologist – and conducts research in the fields of diabetes and fertility. Since her arrival in Israel, Chakobovitz has already received various proposals to conduct her research here. She has two adult children; one is also a physician and the other is an author, and they live in North America. Chakobovitz has decided to adopt a little girl from an orphanage in Mea She'arim and in this way, give another child a good start in life.
Believing in the possibility of change and renewal is what draws many to turn around and make the Holy Land their home. And the Jewish Agency is there to open the gates for them and make sure the process runs smoothly.
Click here for more information on Changing Status From Tourist To Immigrant.
Contact:
Aliyah Service Center
22 hours per day, six days per week (except Shabbat)
Tel: 1-800-228-055
Email: gci-en@jafi.org