Aliyah is a process that must be taken step by step to ensure your move to Israel goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible. Your first step would be registering with Nefesh B’Nefesh; they work in a corporation with the Jewish Agency and supply all the Aliyah benefits and services you are entitled to. The more you educate yourself about the Aliyah bureaucratic process, the better your Aliyah experience will be and the better your integration into the country. The LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.

There is a lot of paperwork to complete for Aliyah, and you would need to start about ten months before your planned arrival date. You will be asked to upload copies of relevant documents, which will be used to determine both your eligibility and your status with the Jewish Agency. Apply to Nefesh B’Nefesh, who will help you through this technical process; they will contact you back and arrange a meeting with a Shaliach, a representative from the Jewish Agency. The Jewish Agency will issue your Aliyah approval. However, Nefesh B’Nefesh supplies you with a list of Jewish Agency Agents in your area.

If you choose to apply for Aliyah directly via the Jewish Agency, their Global Service Center will explain the entire process to you and guide you throughout. You may call them at +972-2-636-7701 from any landline or fill out this form, and they’ll contact you. They have trained professionals at their Global Service Center who will help you with any questions or concerns. Once you’re registered, they’ll help you with the following:

• They will collect and submit your documents during your application process.
• They will set you up with a consultant who will guide you through your progress.
• They will arrange your visa and immigration paperwork to help you continue to the next stage.
• And finally, the most exciting part, they will arrange your free, one-way flight to Israel.

We strongly advise taking a Pilot trip six months before your planned Aliyah to scout out the land. Check out our Pilot trip information.

If you’re planning to make Aliyah, visiting Israel on a pilot trip is always a good idea. Moving and immigrating to another country is never a simple feat, as, in all countries, each country has its own set of complicated bureaucracy, and Israel, unfortunately, is no different. Being prepared will always be something you will be thankful for when you are living here as citizens.

Planning your pilot trip must be very focused on several things, such as searching for a home in your desired community. Once you’re here, you will also check out networking opportunities for potentially relevant contacts, business opportunities, and potential employers in appropriate fields. You will decide based on your trip if you purchase or rent first; you may choose to wait until you arrive to commit to an apartment. However, we recommend that you close on an apartment before coming and not leave it to chance that you will find something later.

Check out our essential apps page to see which ones you need to download even before making Aliyah. We have also outlined the beginning steps you will need to take to start the Aliyah process on our making Aliyah page, where you will see many links to the Jewish Agency website, which offers so much insight and contact information.

Please get in touch with us to assist you; we will meet with you on Zoom first to verify precisely what lifestyle and location you are searching for in Israel. Then we will meet in person when you arrive in Israel and show you relevant homes and areas. Once you have decided on a home and community, we will assist you with a safe and secure sale at the most affordable prices.

Pets have a warm place in our hearts, so when deciding to move to Israel, we must plan well for our pets, making Aliyah. They must go through an approval process before they are allowed entry into Israel, and will not have to be quarantined if they have all the necessary paperwork. Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Parks Authority, and the airlines have specific regulations determining which pets are eligible to travel on aircraft in the luggage compartment or the cabin, depending on their size. Your pet’s Aliyah requires detailed and advanced planning; being organized will help your pet have a smoother Aliyah journey by arranging the proper vaccinations and certificates required by the Israeli authorities and by the airline your pet will be flying.

Visit your veterinarian a few months before your pet’s planned date of Aliyah, and inform the veterinarian that you will be importing your pet to Israel. Your veterinarian may need to be told that you need specific documentation and extra time to gather the necessary paperwork for your pet. Fulfilling the requirements, and will need to implant the microchip if you don’t have one, administer the rabies vaccine, and obtain results of a Rabies Serological Titer test. Please ensure your veterinarian accepts the correct paperwork and that the vet checks how long it will take to get the serological test results in advance. It can take a few months to get the results. An acceptable level of rabies antibodies must be present to pass the Serological test. Passing the Serological test is mandatory to bring your pet to Israel. There are no exceptions.

Make an appointment for the veterinarian to complete the health certificate in TEN days for cats and dogs or SEVEN days for other pets before your pet’s flight to Israel. In addition, make sure to leave enough time to get the health certificate endorsed by the USDA or CFIA after your veterinarian completes it. Please note that the health certificate required by Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture differs from the standard International health certificate.

If your current residence is in an area prone to certain diseases like Lyme’s, have your pet tested. Lyme disease is not prevalent in Israel, and it is not equipped to test or treat animals with Lyme disease; therefore, catching it in advance of your Aliyah is imperative. If your pet needs specific medications, insulin, and disposable needles, for instance, have your vet write out an official form that you can show your local pharmacist when it is time to have the prescription refilled in Israel.

The use of tranquilizers during your pet’s flight is usually discouraged. Some airlines prohibit the use of tranquilizers on their flights. If you are considering the use of tranquilizers, discuss with your vet whether the use of tranquilizers is right for your pet. If you decide to use them, discuss all the possible side effects with your vet and test them out a few weeks before the trip to ensure you get the dosage correct and can watch for any side effects.

When you decide to make Aliyah and have pets, start preparations at least three months in advance, such as beginning crate-training your pet, especially if you are traveling from far. Make the crate homey for them by putting a soft mattress on the floor to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Put their favorite toys and treats inside with them so they understand that this is not a punishment; at first, leave the crate open for them to go in and out as they please. It is a great idea to place an item of your clothing in your pet’s carrier so it has something with your scent to cuddle up with.

Refrain from using the crate as punishment, and confer with your vet or pet trainer for other good travel ideas. Please make sure you supply available water bottles; Amazon sells water bottles in crates and is sized for rabbits, dogs, ferrets, cats, and other small pets. The capacity is enough for your pets’ health and well-being water intake. The water comes out automatically under the force of gravity.

If your pet is wearing a collar in the crate, consider getting a breakaway collar. This enables the collar to fall off rather than choking; even better, put your pet in a harness instead of a collar; this is much more humane. Pets in cargo are not checked on during the flight, so ensure that your pet has toilet relief and comfort.

For packing recommendations, we suggest you take three copies of all necessary paperwork, including the pet’s health certificate, shot records, computer chip information, and even pet pictures. Give one set to the El Al staff at the counter when you check in; you must keep one with you in your carry-on and one with your pet attached to his carrier. Mark your carrier with unique stickers available at the airport, or you may use your own with your pet’s name, your name, your flight number, the date, your destination, and when your pet last received food and water.

Have someone who can see you off at the airport stay with your pet until he is loaded onto the plane, and have money available for a tip. Most times, pets are loaded too late for you to stay with them and still make it through security in time for your flight. When you arrive, keep in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost some food, perhaps a favorite toy, a leash, and other things that will make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have a cat, bring some litter and perhaps a collapsible litter pan so that it can be immediately set up in your new home. In your check-in bags, get enough food supply for your pet to gradually transition to fresh, locally available foods.

Several brands, like Science Diet and Purina, are available in Israel, but the varieties and flavors are much more limited. Also, expect Israeli prices for pet food to run two to four times the price you would expect to pay compared to prices in your country. If your pet is on prescription food, like Science Diet W/D or the like, it is probably worthwhile to buy a large quantity of food and pay for the extra luggage. It can be found in Israel at your vet’s office, in many cases, but it is about four times the price you would usually pay for them.

Getting your pets licensed is mandatory; research local veterinarians in the area of your new home in Israel in advance of your Aliyah so that contact information is available if you need immediate assistance or care for your pet soon after arrival. Find out what types of local parasites exist and what the preventatives are. Remember that certain parasites found in one city may not be found in other areas of the country. Israel requires annual Rabies vaccinations, so when you arrive in your new home, introduce yourself to the local vet as soon as possible. The JSPCA has veterinary clinics all over Israel; they have excellent doctors who give an abundance of care with love.

There is only one veterinarian school in Israel, and it runs a 24/7 emergency hospital not far from Ben Gurion Airport. Get your local vet’s phone number and directions to the emergency hospital, and keep the phone number handy. Be prepared for the trip so you can handle an accident or illness if your local vet cannot take it. The vets and vet students are professional and kind, speak English, and provide excellent care.