Aliyah: Five things no-one tells you

Aliyah is an immense privilege. It is a Mitzvah. It is the ultimate fulfillment of Zionism. But Aliyah to the modern State of Israel is rarely the easy transition or utopian process people think it is, and if you aren't aware of a number of key roadblocks, the Aliyah dream can easily turn into an Aliyah nightmare.

1) Don't make Aliyah from Israel. Period.

The bureaucracy for doing so is a nightmare, especially when it comes to Jewish identity and/or conversion and marriage issues. Go to any Facebook group discussing Aliyah and keeping Olim and you will see how a slew of bureaucratic offices constantly keep upping their demands, requiring original documents over and over because they couldn't bother to save anything and because you exist at their convenience.

It's tough enough to do this while still abroad. If you do it in Israel, you will eat through all your savings to live, since as a non-citizen or permanent resident, you won't be allowed to legally work anywhere in the country during the months and perhaps years it takes to process your Aliyah. And you won't have health insurance for even basic doctor's visits.

2) Master Hebrew BEFORE you come to Israel.

Most Israelis do not speak enough English for you to get by without a mastery of basic conversational Hebrew. Even the "press 1 for English" departments speak Hebrew as a first language. Moving to another country is disorienting enough without the difficulty of adjusting to a new language.

Knowing Hebrew is vital for knowing your rights, for accessing most government documents and services, for getting food and rent and getting a job. Even after you make Aliyah, most jobs will be closed off to you if you do not master Hebrew - including jobs which serve international clients where English is the main language.

3) Have a job lined up BEFORE you come here.

Israel is a country where everything can turn on a dime - COVID, protests, any number of security dangers can upend plans. Even if what you have lined up isn't your dream job, it will be something to help you get your feet planted.

This is also important because unless you already have substantial family and friends living in Israel, you will lack the needed social networks to thrive in a very clubby and chummy country, where school and army experience forms very strong, lasting ties. Having a place to work from the get-go will help alleviate that.

4) Have friends or family who can help you navigate bureaucracy.

It is difficult enough for the average Israeli citizen to deal with the mammoth state, and it will be even harder for you. Even if you have mastered Hebrew (and I hope you have), knowing someone who knows how to handle forms and procedures - be they a lawyer, or Nefesh Benefesh volunteer, or someone else - will help you handle a LOT.

5) The next 3-5 years are going to involve a lot of struggle.

There are some small number of people who easily fit in when they make Aliyah, but you're probably not one of them. Mentally prepare yourself for the fact that there will be crises, there will be struggles, there will be times when you hate it here and want to go back - and for good reason.

If, after you've read all this, you still want to make Aliyah - great! If not, you can always come later, or at least help contribute to the country and the Jewish People in other ways.