How many of you have said, " I would love to live in northern Israel, because it's so beautiful, but can't because I won't be able to find a job." For those of us who grew up abroad, in a house surrounded by trees and with a garden and lots of space to run around, northern Israel would provide the quality of life that we grew up with.
Thanks to Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Russell Berrie Foundation, your dream could turn into a reality. The Aliyah organization, which works in cooperation with various government offices, will bring over 1,000 newcomers to the North over the next few years. You can check out more info. on this project at www.gonorth.org.il.
I always find it amazing that private organizations are able to accomplish so much more than the government can do. We have been hearing about government plans to build up the Negev, southern Israel for years and years and it's just talk. Nothing of significance has been done. Now you have an ambitious private organization, who is able to team with a foundation that has a similar philosophy regrading western Aliyah to Israel, and voila! You have have a program in place ready to start.
Way to go NBN!
Showing posts with label Aliyah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aliyah. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Will Bad Economy + Obama= Aliyah Surge?
An interesting result of the recent victory by Barack Obama and the global economic slowdown maybe a potential surge in North American Aliyah. Let's face it, if you are Jewish and you have little job security, or no longer even have a job, why stay in the US? Why not make Aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh?
Even though Israeli is likely to experience an economic slowdown as well, we are still talking about 1-2% growth, compared to negative growth in the US. I have many friends who were always fence sitters re: Aliyah, but they have told me that over the last month or two they have really starting thinking about taking the big step.
I have helped counsel, financially, many olim and the fact is that with some proper planning, you can actually be ahead of the game financially living in the holy land. Keep in mind that while salaries maybe lower, the cost of education is a joke compared with sending your kids to Jewish schools in the US.
Maybe now is the time for you to make Aliyah?
Even though Israeli is likely to experience an economic slowdown as well, we are still talking about 1-2% growth, compared to negative growth in the US. I have many friends who were always fence sitters re: Aliyah, but they have told me that over the last month or two they have really starting thinking about taking the big step.
I have helped counsel, financially, many olim and the fact is that with some proper planning, you can actually be ahead of the game financially living in the holy land. Keep in mind that while salaries maybe lower, the cost of education is a joke compared with sending your kids to Jewish schools in the US.
Maybe now is the time for you to make Aliyah?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Making Aliyah and Parenting
There is a great article over at Aish.com written by Tara Eliwatt, about parenting and Aliyah. She describes the ups and downs of making Aliyah with small children who have to try an integrate into the Israeli school system. Her Hebrew is non-existent and her kids are not much more fluent.
In an emotional moment for any parent she says, "I don't want to leave him. I want to sit with him and talk to him and tell all the boys at the bus stop, "Hey -- you've got to get to know this kid. He's so bright and creative, and lots of fun to be with! He's sensitive and thoughtful. He would be a great friend to have." But they don't speak English, and my Hebrew is poor at best. Instead, I drive the car slowly away, peering into the rear view window to see if he follows my advice.
I can't blame him for not being assertive at the bus stop. I'm afraid to call Israeli mothers on the phone to arrange play dates for my kids. What if they don't understand me? What if they don't want their child playing with an American?"
Organizations that promote Aliyah, like Nefesh B'Nefesh, have done such a great job in helping olim get acclimated in Israel, whether it be helping finding a job, a suitable community, and/or easing bureaucratic red tape. Because of NBN's success, we may forget that a major issue that is beyond the scope of any organization is helping children make new friends, and get comfortable in their new surroundings.
Eliwatt says that a well placed ice-cream cone, or a trip to the park can help ease the transition as it helps bring the family closer and remind all that they are in this together.
She concludes, "But at least a few times a week, (before I've lost my patience, raised my voice or done some other parenting faux pas), my daughter has looked at me with a sweet smile on her face, asking, "Why are you such a good mommy?"
I don't recall ever hearing that question in America.
There is a sense in the family that "we're all in this together." And perhaps, in witnessing our children slowly acclimate to their new life, we are inspired to work harder to adapt and to accept the changes in our own lives."
A must read article for veteran olim, or those contemplating calling NBN and starting the journey to their own Aliyah.
In an emotional moment for any parent she says, "I don't want to leave him. I want to sit with him and talk to him and tell all the boys at the bus stop, "Hey -- you've got to get to know this kid. He's so bright and creative, and lots of fun to be with! He's sensitive and thoughtful. He would be a great friend to have." But they don't speak English, and my Hebrew is poor at best. Instead, I drive the car slowly away, peering into the rear view window to see if he follows my advice.
I can't blame him for not being assertive at the bus stop. I'm afraid to call Israeli mothers on the phone to arrange play dates for my kids. What if they don't understand me? What if they don't want their child playing with an American?"
Organizations that promote Aliyah, like Nefesh B'Nefesh, have done such a great job in helping olim get acclimated in Israel, whether it be helping finding a job, a suitable community, and/or easing bureaucratic red tape. Because of NBN's success, we may forget that a major issue that is beyond the scope of any organization is helping children make new friends, and get comfortable in their new surroundings.
Eliwatt says that a well placed ice-cream cone, or a trip to the park can help ease the transition as it helps bring the family closer and remind all that they are in this together.
She concludes, "But at least a few times a week, (before I've lost my patience, raised my voice or done some other parenting faux pas), my daughter has looked at me with a sweet smile on her face, asking, "Why are you such a good mommy?"
I don't recall ever hearing that question in America.
There is a sense in the family that "we're all in this together." And perhaps, in witnessing our children slowly acclimate to their new life, we are inspired to work harder to adapt and to accept the changes in our own lives."
A must read article for veteran olim, or those contemplating calling NBN and starting the journey to their own Aliyah.
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