Aliyah Support Groups & Mentors: Who Helps You Make It Home

Making Aliyah can feel overwhelming — between paperwork, housing, and trying to figure out what exactly Misrad Haklita does, it’s easy to feel like you need a personal tour guide through Israeli bureaucracy. The good news? You’re not alone. A whole ecosystem of organisations, mentors, and support groups exists specifically to make your transition smoother, smarter, and (slightly) less stressful.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Aliyah support groups and mentorship programs **— from the big nonprofits to boutique concierge services like **Easy Aliyah, which handle the complex cases with care.

1.    Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN)

**Website: www.nbn.org.il

Nefesh B’Nefesh is the go-to name for most English-speaking olim. It’s a nonprofit that works hand-in-hand with the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government to provide free guidance before, during, and after Aliyah. They assist with everything from flights and absorption to jobs, taxes, and choosing communities.

**Best for: **North American olim who want structured, official guidance.

**Bonus: **They host webinars, regional fairs, and Q&A sessions throughout the year.

2.    Gvahim

**Website: www.gvahim.org.il

If you’re a professional making Aliyah and worried about finding a job or adapting your career, **Gvahim **is your new best friend. Their programs help new immigrants integrate into the Israeli workforce through career coaching, résumé workshops, and networking events.

**Best for: **Professionals, academics, and entrepreneurs.

**Bonus: **They also run “TheHive,” an accelerator for immigrant startups in Israel.

3.   Yad L’Olim

**Website: www.yadlolim.org

Founded to make life easier for English-speaking olim, Yad L’Olim **helps with **bureaucratic, legal, educational, and healthcare challenges. They even advocate for olim at the government level and can walk you through tricky systems like Bituach Leumi or health insurance enrollment.

**Best for: **Families, retirees, or anyone who needs detailed personal assistance.

**Bonus: **They have English-speaking staff who understand the “lost in translation” phase of Aliyah all too well.

4.    Partners in Aliyah

**Website: www.partnersinaliyah.org

This nonprofit offers something truly personal — a mentor-matching program. It pairs you with someone already living in Israel who can guide you through the emotional and practical sides of Aliyah. Your mentor helps with questions big and small: choosing schools, finding housing, or just figuring out which supermarket brand of hummus is worth the hype.

**Best for: **Anyone who wants a friendly human connection and one-on-one mentorship.

**Bonus: **You can request a mentor from your future city for insider advice.

5.   AACI – Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel

**Website: www.aaci.org.il

One of the oldest immigrant-support organisations in Israel, AACI **provides a social and cultural network for English speakers from North America. They offer **absorption counselling, job search help, and social events, as well as a network of libraries and community centers.

**Best for: **Anglos looking for a built-in community of English speakers.

**Bonus: **Great for retirees or anyone craving the comforts of a familiar accent.

6.    Easy Aliyah

**Website: www.easyaliyah.com

Unlike the large nonprofits, Easy Aliyah **is a **private concierge-style service **that takes a personal, hands-on approach. They help individuals and families manage the entire Aliyah process — from **visa and legal documentation **to **real estate, banking, schools, and shipping.

They’re especially known for handling complex cases: conversions, mixed marriages, dual citizenship, or bureaucratic obstacles that slow down traditional applications.

**Best for: **People who want white-glove, customised support — or have unique circumstances that need expert guidance.

**Bonus: **Easy Aliyah also runs blogs, webinars, and case studies to share real stories and advice from successful olim.

 How to Get the Most Out of Aliyah Support Groups

**1.        Start early. **Contact organisations before you pack your first box — they can help you avoid expensive mistakes.

**2.        Define your needs. **If you need moral support, find a mentor. If you need legal help, look for a specialist like Easy Aliyah or Yad L’Olim.

**3.        Mix and match. **You don’t have to pick one. Many olim use NBN for logistics, Partners in Aliyah for emotional support, and Easy Aliyah for complex paperwork.

**4.        Join the community. **Support continues after you land — these networks often host events, language exchanges, and volunteer opportunities.

**5.        Give back. **Once you’re settled, become a mentor yourself. You’ll be someone else’s lifeline one day.

  Final Thought

Making Aliyah is rarely smooth — it’s messy, inspiring, exhausting, and hilarious, all at once. But with the right guidance and the right people in your corner, it’s absolutely manageable. Whether you go the nonprofit route with Nefesh B’Nefesh, get personalised help from Easy Aliyah, or simply find a kind mentor through Partners in Aliyah, you’ll discover something essential: Aliyah isn’t a solo act — it’s a team effort.

Updated on: 02/02/2026