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Saluting the Jewish Agency for Israel



Considering making Aliya? Thinking of coming on a program? Our new online consultation service answers your questions regarding Aliya and study programs in Israel.

Each week we feature new questions and answers. This service is provided by Eli Birnbaum of the Jewish Agency. Feel free to Email Eli if you have a question.


Dear Eli

Can you help me find the history of Tel Aviv in English. I need it for a school project

Carmi Segal
Teaneck

Dear Carmi

Here are a few site which may be of help

http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/100/places/ta.html

http://eretzisrael.co.il/history/articles/telaviv.htm

http://www.tel-aviv-israel.com/

Though the latter is more of a tourist site, it does have a good map


Dear Eli

I know this s a little off beat but who do I call if I want to order a taxi to the airport from Jerusalem at 1 in the morning??

Zamirah Shuster

Dear Zameria

I would call

Nesher (625-7227 or 623-1231). The price today ( September 00 is about 40 shekel/person.

For larger groups (the whole family) it occasionally pays to get a special taxi, but not always. Check it out

eli


Dear Eli Birbaum

I used to see a paper in easy hebrew called Shaar Lamatchil . Do you know where I can get it ? Do you also know of any other resources which could help learn spoken hebrew a bit easier without an ulpan

tziporah
zippy@hotmail.com

Dear Tziporah

The easy Hebrew newspaper you seek, Sha'ar LaMatchil, is still published by the Israel Ministry for Education and is available from the Jerusalem Post where you can subscribe online http://www.jpost.com/com/Subscribe/sub2.html

"Diburim-Diburim" is highly recommended since it includes such topics as street orientation, shopping and so on. The book also has a section on how to handle various situations -apologies, anger, etc. It is available from the Academon Hebrew University Publishers, P.O.B. 41, Jerusalem. Tel: 972-2-5882161 e-mail: richard@academon.co.il.

eli


Dear Eli

Where can I find Kibbutzim which host Ulpans? And do I get credit for them at my University?

Joseph meyer

Dear Joseph

Try

http://www.wzo.org.il/zionet/ulpan2000.html for opening dates and of course the Kibbutz center at http://www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org/

Or if you are interested in an Ulpan "plus" then look at the Oren programs http://www.oranim.macam98.ac.il/kibbutz/

As far as credits go. Haifa University usually gives a test which can be used for many universities as a way of gaining some credits. The kibbutz Ulpan director should be able to help you apply.

Enjoy


Shalom

My husband, 10 month old daughter and I are considering Aliya. We would like to come to Israel and live on a kibbutz for a year before we make a final decision. Is this possible? If so, how would we go about making plans.

Suzanne

Dear Suzanne

While it is possible to plan on a year trying aliyah out before you change you status there is a problem with doing it on a kibbutz. Kibbutz Ulpan only accepts people without children as you probably know. You can check with the kibbutz aliyah desk and see if there are any kibbutzim which would willing to take in a long range guest.


Dear Eli

I was just in Israel on a summer program as part of the visit we went to A holocaust memorial site in Jerusalem which had an extensive data base. Do you know how I could access it?

John

Dear John

The Yad Vashem website has its database online, to access documents and other records http://www.yad-vashem.org.il/ There are various announcements and an entry into the database collection portal.

Good luck


Dear Eli

Do you know where I could find an Ulpan not on a kibbutz with a dorm setting. I am 43 and not Jewish . Also how many hours do they study?

Peter Post

Dear Peter

There are City Ulpanim in most major cities which are reasonable in price but without a dorm. Have a look at Ulpan Akiva located in Netanya. They have one of the best Ulpanim in the country and they study about four hours a day.

http://www.ulpan-akiva.org.il/index1.html

let me now if you need anything else.


Shalom

Do you know of any Spanish ­hebrew dictionaries on line?

Adrian

Dear Adrian

You can find Online and Dictionaries at http://www.hebrew.about.com/homework/hebrew/ or /education/hebrew

Or try

http://LanguageCenter.cla.umn.edu/LC/searchdb.html

eli


Dear Eli

I have been trying to get information on making aliyah and living on a kibbutz but I have not been too successful. I am married with one child.

Can you help

Eve Turkel

Dear Eve

There is not much information on absorption on a kibbutz for a simple reason. The Kibbutz movements have their own criteria and they prefer to handle each individual on their own. You can reach most of the kibbutzim though the Foreign Ministry web site

http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00kj0

As far as the quarantine goes you should probably contact your local Israeli consulate since there was supposed to be a change in the requirement depending on the country of origin.

I hope this helps

Eli


Dear Eli

I am a bit confused as to how long customs rights are for , and if you are a student when are they frozen. If I am a student for a year are my rights frozen?

Joshmirs@hotmail.com

Dear Josh

Simple. you have three years of customs rights . Customs rights only freezes if you are in the army or abroad for more then 6 months. Students get an extension of one year. For example, if you study for two years you still have one year left so you do not need an extension. If you study for 30 months then you would only have 6 months to buy things so they extend it

You must bring a letter from your University to customs to arrange the extension and they will write it into your teudat Oleh.

take care

eli


Shalom

My daughter wish to volunteer for sherut Leumi. She is thinking of coming next July or august and wishes to be in Jerusalem .Who can I call in the states to arrange this?

Concerned mother

Shalom

I do not know if Sherut Leumi have any offices in the states. The problem will be that she will only know if she is accepted once she gets here and does the interviews. Secondly all the " best " jobs were taken since here girls begin to look after pessach so there is no guarantee if she will find anything to her liking and finally there is no guarantee that she will get anything in or even near Jerusalem.

I do not wish to sound pessimistic but you should be prepared for it in advance. If she is interested in education and has basic computer and secretarial skills I may be able to find something for her in our education department.

You can get basic information on their web site bit as far as I know it is only in Hebrew http://moreshet.co.il/bat-ami/ - the English section doesnšt work.

eli


Shalom Eli

I am considering making aliyah and have been told that without $150,000 there is no way you can make it . Can you help"

Charles

Dear Charles

You can have an idea by looking at the site http://www.jafi.org.il/comehome/money.htm The problem is, that so much depends on the kind of life style you are looking for and where you wish to live. If you are interested in a development town then you can save tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of your apartment. If you wish to live in a major city and are willing to forgo a car then again you can save thousands of dollars.

Many people have come with minimum funds and have made it while many others have come with decent funding and have returned. Putting it simply the lack of funds is definitely not something which will make your aliyah easier. One thing is for sure do not come with debts to pay.

eli


Shalom.

I'm trying to find an updated edition of a book about the Israeli-Arab conflict called "Myths and Facts." The most recent edition I have was published in 1989, and obviously a lot has changed since then. Could you point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

Michael Miller

Dear Michael

The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who replied that they are no longer publishing this series; we imagine that you could find serious alternatives to understand the issues and we are putting to you the following options, although it would help if you would define the purpose of your enquiry, since the websites vary in density and length:

1. AIPAC, via their website, documents on the Middle East, the Peace Process, Threats etc. http://www.aipac.org/

2. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs webserver (or US mirror at israelemb.org)
- The Peace Process section on http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH000c0

and especially Reference Documents, Terrorism.
- Jerusalem documents on http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00iy0

- Israel & the UN http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH01350

- Israel's Foreign Relations (documents )
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00yk0

- History section (use the band at the top of the page to select the appropriate era) http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00kt0

3. The Education Department website, JAFI:
- Current Issues section http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/actual/index.html

- The Zionist Century (Concepts, Maps sections)
http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/100/index.html

4. TEACHING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/cmenas/StudyUnits/israeli-palestinian_conflict/

Please let me know if these sites are helpful or if you require further assistance.

Eli

Special thanks to Gila Amsell Brauner for her input.


To whom it may concern:

I am making Aliyah soon. I am at the same time entering a program called TASP(Tel-Aviv Teach and Study Program), which is co-sponsered by the City of Tel-Aviv, and classed and degrees offered by the University of Liverpool. I am wondering if the student stipend applies to this program at all. If possible, I would really appreciate any answers that you could give me.

Sincerely,

Devin

Dear Devin

The only "student stipend' I know of is if you are attending a full time Ulpan. To the best of my knowledge the TASP program does not fall under this category. I have sent your message to Zvi Dank zdank@netvision.net.il who runs the program here in Israel who may be able to be of more help. You can also get more information at two places
http://www.isralink.co.il/tasp/ or http://www.wzo.org.il/zionet/tasp.htm

good luck

eli


Shalom

I trying to get a subscription to the beginner's Hebrew newspaper, "lemathil". I think its put out by WZO. Can you assist me?

Debbie

Dear Debbie

The easy Hebrew newspaper you seek, Sha'ar LaMatchil, is still published by the Israel Ministry for Education and is available from the Jerusalem Post where you can subscribe online http://www.jpost.com/com/Subscribe/sub2.html

b'hatzlacha

eli


Shalom I am an American who recently finished high school and is currently enrolled in a 1 year program in Israel. Is it possible for me to finish college in the US with a major in some technology field and then join the atudah program's working for the army part w/o the formal army service part? (Or with less army service?). Also what is the difference between Atudah and Atudah Bet?

Thank You,

Rob

Dear Rob

There are two different programs

Atudah is for those who are doing college here and wish to postpone their service until after they graduate. There is no guarantee on the part of the Army that they will take you in the field you have studied but they do try. If not then you have to do your regular service.

The difference between Atudah and Atudah Bet have nothing to do with which subject you are studying. Rather it is the difference if you are an Israeli or a new immigrant. An Israeli does Atudah and it is very hard to be accepted. A new Oleh does Atudah Bet and his acceptance is almost automatic. In either case there is no guarantee that you will actually be allowed to work in your field. This is dependent on the needs of the army at the time of your draft.

For full information have a look at

http://www.wzo.org.il/aliyah/atuda.htm There is another part of the army called the Anaf Akademayim (academics branch) You must be an Oleh to apply . They will review your resume and degree and then decide if they wish to take you or not. This depends on what the army's needs are at the time you apply. If they do take you, then you will do your entire service plus two- three years of the permanent army as an officer. During the time you have to serve (sherut Chova) you will receive the normal army salary for recruits. The extra time you will receive the "professional" salary.

Since they get a lot of requests they will not talk to anyone who has not yet made aliyah.


Dear Eli

I am going to move to Rishon Le Zion this summer. Do you have information on Ulpanim and services in the city. Also do they have a WEB site?

Sincerely yours

Martin
Student
Copenhagen Denmark

Dear Martin

Rishon Lezion only has a web site in Hebrew

http://www.ladpc.gov.il/cities/rishon/ If you are a new immigrant you do not need to pay for the Ulpanim.
The main number is Rishon for New immigrants is
The Municipal Absorption unit 03 9666654

Ulpanim in Rishon

Ulpan Achvah 9662482
Ulpan Lmevugarim ( Rambam) 9499745
Ulpan Ramat Eliyahu 9615133
Ulpan Beit Abrotzki 9462197
Ulpan Beit Tzafati 9509646


Dear Eli

I am an 14 year old who was born in Israel but now live in Long Island. I would like to join an Israel expereicne program . Is that any problem. What am I supposed to do?

Ilanit

Dear Ilanit

Anyone can join an Israel Experience programme, although movements and comumunities sponsoring do have the right to set their own regulations - for example, some programmes are only for affiliated members of an organization. There used to be a special programme for Israeli teenagers visiting Israel, called Chetz Vekeshet, and the Israeli Scouts in the US [Tzabar]

On the whole, you can register through a youth organization or a Jewish Federation in NY state or at our central office. I am bringing you below some general references below so that you can explore some of the options. Natrually your fist stop is www.israelexpereince.org

You can also see how an Israel experience looks by exploring the itineraries and journals on LIVE99 [English] on http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/noar/index.htm


Dear Eli

I am thinking about making aliyah Do you have any information in Spanish about making aliyah?

HYPERLINK "mailto:johnny.huewes@alcatel.com.br" johnny.huewes@alcatel.com.br

Dear Johnny

There are a number of shlichim in Brazil who would be happy to discuss your plans with you. Have a look at

http://www.jafi.org.il/comehome/index.htm

For general information about aliyah in Spanish go to

http://www.wzo.org.il/spanish


Dear Eli

I studied in Israel for one year in a yeshiva and now I am back in the states doing my degree. To be quite honest I am not doing that great in school . I would like to take a year off and come back to Israel but I also need to finish school.

What is the best plan of action?

Izzy

Dear Izzy

Sometimes taking a year off is a good thing but it can also be away of running away from making decisions or responsibilities. The fact that your arenšt doing well in school complicates the matter. I assume that your parents would be more agreeable if you continued to peruse your degree here on a special program for foreign students. Most Israeli Universities offer a one year abroad program depending on university standing ( i.e. freshman junior). You can see a list of these at

http://www.wzo.org.il/zionet/oyp.htm

One more point they do not accept everyone your grades will have a lot to do with whether you are taken or not so if you are really serious about coming next fall then make this semester really count.


Dear Eli

I am not Jewish and live in Minnesota. I would like to take some Hebrew classes where can I get information Donna Shild

Dear Donna Many universities offer courses in Hebrew and the University of Minnesota is no exception. I donšt know if you live anywhere near the University but you can contact them at http://carla.acad.umn.edu/lctl/languages/Hebrew.html If you want to try on to study at home then one good source in the Internet is http://www.hebrew.about.com/education/hebrew/


Dear Eli

I have been following JAFI activities for the past few years and would like to contribute but I wish to give money to a specific program and not just to the general JAFI budget. Is this possible?

David Kirshbaun

Dear David

It is definitely possible to contribute to any of JAFI programs through our direct giving opportunities http://www.jafi.org.il/connect/giving.htm

I have also sent your request to our budget division so that someone can help direct you through our vast range of programs available.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

Eli


Dear Eli

I am a 65 year old just retierd nurse. I will be inIsrael this summer for 2 months and would like to volunteer my services. Whom should I contact

Lisa

Dear Lisa

First of all I salute you for your ideals and willingness to help others. There may be a problem with insurance and licensing . Probably your first address should be your local chapter of Hadassah Women's organization which runs two hospitals here in Israel.

If you have trouble funding them then try

http://www.hadassah.org/home.htm

Eli


Dear Eli

We are very much interested in coming to Israel this summer. We are a family of four with two children (one is grown). Our youngest is going on 13. We are looking for a tour that will be both meaningful and affordable. We've saved about $6500 so far for the trip. Should we put it off for another year or is there a program we could afford? We'll appreciate any guidance you can give.

Thanks.

Bev and Alan

Dear Bev and Alan

Family programs are still pretty rare, with the exception of summer ulpan at Ulpan Akiva, which is very expensive and some volunteer programs. In each case, you will need to make your own initial contact and see whether the volunteering option is possible for all of you together, and reduces the price level.

Although most programs as for 15 ­16 ear olds there are special programs for bar/ bat mitzvah ages You can see the options on http://www.israelexperience.org/ if you follow "Find a Program".

1. Apply to Kibbutz Volunteers to see if they are developing this possibility; Try http://www.kibbutz.org.il/

2. Partnership 2000 Federation - see if there are family volunteer programs in an Israeli partner region - some projects are environmental, too. Try http://www.partner.org.il/ and look for your region.

I think both options include some touring with other participants in the same intake!

good luck

eli


Dear Eli

I am a 23 year old graduate of Boston University with a degree in Jewish History. I want to come to Israel and go to Law school as a new immigrant will my degree be recognized. I also heard that you only pay for one degree is a Law degree considered a BA? And will you pay for it?

Ella

Dear Ella

Of course we will recognize your degree, the questions in what context. If it is simply that you are a collage graduate then there is no problem . If you wish to go to law school in Israel, then since there is no pre Law here anyway it will not make that much of a difference. Although I have been told that if there is a choice between a new Oleh with a degree and one without you will have the edge s long as your Hebrew is on an accepted level.

In your case the Student Authority will probably pay for your law degree even though it is considered a BA. Why? First of all we recognize that in a number of countries you need to do pre law . Second of all even if you wished to do a different degree - lets say Physical Therapy , we would probably still pay for it since your degree is not really practical here. In the latter case it would have to go before a committee for permission but it has often been given in the past.

Remember to look at the Student Authority site http://www.moia.gov.il/english/types/students/students.html

Good luck


Dear Eli

I am 62 and have had open heart surgery. If I make aliyah will I be covered by Kupat Cholim

John Singer

Dear John

Since National Health Insurance went into effect on Jan. 1, 1995 every citizen and permanent resident of Israel including olim from the West are entitled to the basic health services provided by the four Kupot Holim without regard to age or state of health. The basic health services are defined as a basket of services. The National Health Insurance Law also allows Additional Health Services (Shaban) to be provided to members of the 4 kupot. According to the law, which was amended in the past year, these services must be available equally and without restriction to all members of the particular kupah without regard to age or health status and at a price which is not affected by health. The price varies according to age group.

The Kupah is allowed to set qualifying periods during which coverage is restricted. These periods range from 3 months to 24 months and generally the more expensive treatments have the longest qualifying periods.

Special thanks to Steven Kelter of the AACI


Dear Eli

I am not Jewish and wish to study for my masters degree at an Israeli University. Can I get any help?

Jen Rasyid

Dear Jen

There are two kinds of scholarships offered in Israel. One is only for immigrants which move here under the law of return. The other is usually only for advanced degrees and is for outstanding students no matter which country they are from. If you fit into this category then you can apply directly from the individual web sites of the Universities. Just go to http://www.wzo.org.il/zionet/fsp.htm and you will find a link to all the major Israeli Universities

Eli


Dear Eli

Is there any online information on part time Ulpanim in Ra'anana? I'm looking to see if there's an evening one I can take after work?

Thanks

Ari

Dear Ari

If you have Hebrew you can find them on the web at http://www.raanana.muni.il/openning.asp I didn't see anything there about Ulpanim. You can also try to email them at zeevik@raanana.org.il


Dear Eli

Is there an organization that has inexpensive career counseling for careers in Israel I speak pretty good Hebrew

George Shuster

Dear George

Speaking Hebrew is a good start for anything. The best ( and probably the only) place in Jerusalem is Hadassah Career Counseling Institute located off Rechov Strauss near the Taxi service to Benai Brak.

The also offer counseling in English although their data base was only in Hebrew. Website: http://www.hadassah-hcci.org.il/

Phone: 02-624-4343,4,5

Eli


Dear Guru I am 28 years old and have a masters degree in art and design with two years of teaching experience. I am looking for an art Ulpan I heard that one existed but couldn't find it anywhere on your site. If you don't mind do you also have a list of schools where I can apply for a position

Sarah

Dear Sarah

There is a special Ulpan at Kfar Hanassi which is for young artist which is part of the Oren program. you can find them at http://www.oranim.macam98.ac.il/kibbutz. If you choose such a program it may be better to come as a tourist and have a look around before you make a final decision.

As far as teaching goes. Remember that you if you find a position, you will probably have to teach in Hebrew. I would advise you to first look at more practical positions in the field and only after you have the language and experience go for the schools. The best school in the country is Bezalel Academy of Arts which you probably know already. Some regional and Non University institutes of higher education teach graphics and of course there is the Shenker College of Textile Technology and Fashion.

You can get a pretty full list at http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0aj70

let me know if there is anything else you need.

eli


Dear Eli

I heard it is possible to do a peace Corps kind of volunteering for a year in Israel is there anyway I could do something similar in Eastern Europe?

Danny from Boston

Dear Danny

The Agency does send students abroad to help out in Summer camps throughout the FSU. Most of these camps are run by the various Youth movements. You can send me a resume which I will forward to the Education department.

There is a program run by the JOINT Distribution committee which is similar to those we run here in Israel .You can find it at http://www.jdc.org/help/volunteer.htm


Hello,

After reading your website, I've still a few questions running through my mind. Maybe you're willing to help me with these questions.

I'm a Dutch student Anthropology. I'm in my third year and would like to spent one year in Israel. My main question is: what is the procedure for me to follow to be able to study in Israel? What information does the university in Israel need from me to accept me as their student? Do you know which organisations or whom I have to go to? I hope you will be able to answer these questions.

Thank you, Danielle Vos

Danielle_Vos@hotmail.com

Dear Danielle

There are two tracks for study in Israel one is as a regular student . The other as a foreign student on a special program. The former is the same process you would need in any other university i.e. transcripts, forms and of course a hebrew test since almost all courses are taught in Hebrew. The latter track is known as the one year program and is given in English.

Normally most one year program students come in their freshman or junior years and I am not sure whether this will be any problems since you are in your last year.

Please be in direct contact with the universities which you can reach at http://www.wzo.org.il/zionet/fsp.htm


Dear Sirs

I would like to aks if there are still places in the ulpan etzion for the winter semster. I am intersted and would like to become your prospects.

Thank you in advance.

Yours Faithfully

Léah

Shalom Leah

If you are referring to the January Ulpan then there are still places.There are two ways to join the Ulpan. If you are planning on coming as a new immigrant then you would apply through your local Shaliach and have your place guaranteed. If you are going to do it as a tourist then you will have to wait until the actual opening day and see if there is place.

You can get information on the ulpan at

http://www.wzo.org.il/aliyah/etzion.htm

or contact them at shlomit@jazo.org.il

Don't forget to drop by for more answers next week.

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