Private Messages Friends Invite My Jobs My Properties My Profile My Tips

Israel Expat Forum

Can anyone give me advice about moving to Israel?

Post New Topic

IchabodLolz

6/11/2012 16:21 EST

I'm 18 years old and I'm thinking about going to Israel for a year or so in the forseeable future. My father is American and my mother is Dutch, so I have dual citizenship. I have the following questions:

1. I'm only Jewish on my father's side but I qualify under the terms of the Law of Return right? In that case; will a letter from a rabbi, testifying that my father is Jewish do? My father says it's enough evidence but I heard some different things from other people. Would you recommend applying for Israeli citizenship to me at all if I'm not sure for how many years my stay will be? What other way would you recommend me?

2. I don't actually want to go to war because I'm not that brave and my mom doesn't want me to but I really want to do something usefull and good for Israel. Does anyone know if the IDF has any good vulenteering programs or projects for young people and how I can subscribe? A while ago I looked at different things but most were outside my age category, too expensive, only for real Jews or just for the summer.

3. I have some friends I can stay with in Israel - they got their own place, but one is 24 and the other's 20 (both got jobs and the youngest is in college still). Can I stay with these friends or do I have to stay with relatives/older people? Do I have to rent my own place?

4. I don't really speak Hebrew and I've been told that Yiddish is worthless in Israel, especially in the smaller cities. Not to brag or something but I do pick up new languages pretty fast so I haven't thought about taking a course or lessons before moving. Is it necessary to speak Hebrew before moving to Israel?

If anyone would take a look at these questions for me and try to answer them I'd be really happy.

I'm not sure if this is what this site is meant for so if it's not: I'm sorry. I couldn't find the 'house rules' and didn't really bother to search for them much ether.

Post a Reply

00 Report abuse abuse

9lives

6/17/2012 16:08 EST

First, if you want to visit Israel, just do. Don't really worry about the stuff you wrote down until you get the chance to see how you like living in Israel.

I might make it look at bit complicated but don't be intimidated. I'm sure you can find something close enough to what you had in mind.

To your questions:
1. If at least one of your parent grandparents is Jewish you can get Israeli citizenship. It is best to apply with at Jewish Agency office in the country you reside in. The will know which documents you need to produce & help you easily apply.

If you are not sure yet how long you are going to stay, all that paperwork & waiting may be too much.

2. This is tied to the first questions.
Israel has mandatory conscription to the armed forces.
If you are 18 and get Israel citizenship (or permanent resident status) you are going to have to enlist (3 years for men)

If I remember correctly, for non citizens the IDF have short volunteer programs.
(a bit like a very rough summer camp)
There are a lot of organizations you can volunteer with (hospitals, community aid groups etc).
This may be better for you
if you are new to the country (and you will have a chance too meet people and try the language).

3. If you 18 assumed to be an adult & can take care of yourself.
Housing in Israel is not very cheap, depending on finances you might what a room mate or two.

4. You can get by almost perfectly with just English in Israel.
There are programs you can apply to for learning Hebrew in Israel.

Just note that if you are not immigrating yet & want to stay for more than a few months OR IF YOU PLAN TO WORK (do not do it without a permit) - you will need a visa.
Getting it may not be that simple, one option is to apply for college program and get a student visa.

Hope you will find your way to Israel soon :)

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance Get a quote for expat health insurance in Israel.	Mail Forwarding to Israel Mail Forwarding to Israel.
Expat Tax Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals	International Moving Companies Moving to Israel? Find a moving company.