Planning Your Move to Israel? Here’s What It Costs and How to Prepare
New immigrants to Israel, or Olim, often face a mix of challenges when making the transition to life in the country. While the move to Israel offers many opportunities, it also comes with financial burdens, cultural hurdles, and job market obstacles, often compounded by language barriers. Belong, a private firm that assists in the Aliyah process, offers valuable guidance on rights, integration, and financial planning to ease the transition.
Navigating Financial and Cultural Challenges
Eilon Gilad, CEO of Belong, emphasizes the importance of preparation before making Aliyah. "It’s crucial to learn Hebrew while abroad," he says, recognizing that language skills are key to thriving in Israeli society. Gilad also highlights the broader challenges faced by Israel, stating, "Our enemies aim to weaken us not just on the battlefield but psychologically. Our response should be clear—more Aliyah to Israel, strengthening our society."
Belong, launched in April 2024, is the first private company dedicated to supporting the Aliyah process. The company, founded by businessman Gilad Ramot, is designed to help new immigrants integrate smoothly into Israeli society, offering assistance in handling bureaucracy, accessing rights, and integrating into the labor market.
What Does It Cost to Move to Israel?
One of the first concerns for new immigrants is the financial cost of relocating. Aside from the cost of plane tickets, which can vary, there are also shipping costs for furniture and personal belongings, which can reach up to $5,000, depending on the amount of luggage.
The cost of living in Israel is another significant factor to consider. The average rent for an apartment in Israel is about NIS 4,500 (approximately $1,300) per month. This is relatively high compared to the average rent in the U.S., which is around $1,200, and in Europe, where rents can be as low as $900. These numbers can vary significantly depending on the location, size, and condition of the apartment, but they provide a general sense of the financial landscape for Olim.
Overcoming Language and Job Market Barriers
Finding employment is often one of the most difficult challenges for Olim. Without proficiency in Hebrew, it can take time for new immigrants to find suitable work. The job market in Israel can be competitive, and many positions require knowledge of the local language. For some Olim, professional retraining or further education may be necessary to meet the demands of the Israeli labor market.
However, not all is lost for those who don’t speak Hebrew fluently. In certain sectors, a foreign language can actually be an asset. There are many positions in Israel where knowledge of other languages, particularly in customer service or international business, can give Olim an advantage.
A Path Forward: Integration and Community Support
Despite the challenges, Israel’s job market is evolving, with more opportunities becoming available for new immigrants. "There are many unique opportunities in Israel, and the job market is developing to support and integrate Olim," Gilad explains.
Belong’s services aim to make the transition easier by building supportive communities for new arrivals and offering concierge services to help with day-to-day life in Israel. The company focuses on helping Olim manage the bureaucratic process, integrate into the workforce, and adjust to Israeli culture.
Gilad advises, "Preparing a financial plan before immigrating and working with professionals to guide you through the process is essential. It will help ensure that the Aliyah experience is a smooth and successful one."
In summary, while the challenges of moving to Israel can be significant, the opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, are vast. With careful planning and the right support, the transition to Israeli life can be an enriching and fulfilling experience.
This article was contributed by ynet.
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