Major Facebook Groups for New Olim
Major Facebook Groups for New Olim
Keep Olim in Israel Movement
ï **Members: **47,000+ olim from over 100 countries
ï **Focus: **Post-aliyah support, crowdsourcing solutions, emotional support
ï **What they offer: **Free legal advice, mental health services in 15 languages, food assistance, holiday hosting programs, job help, visiting sick olim in hospitals
ï **Founded: **2015 by LiAmi Lawrence
ï **Programs: **No Oleh Alone for Holidays, KeepOlim Feeds Olim Food Program, Tikva Mental Health Program, Free Contract Reviews, Resume Reviews
ï **Search: **"Keep Olim in Israel Movement" on Facebook
Living Financially Smart in Israel (LFSII)
ï **Members: **23,000+
ï **Focus: **Financial planning, budgeting, investment advice specific to Israel
ï **Founder: **Rifka Lebowitz (Certified Financial Planner with 20+ years experience)
ï **What they offer: **Financial questions, savings tips, understanding Israeli financial systems, PFIC issues, investment guidance, Bituach Leumi information
ï **Annual conferences: **Hosts yearly financial literacy conferences
ï **Search: **"Living Financially Smart in Israel" on Facebook
Ask an Israeli Lawyer
ï **Members: **8,700+
ï **Lawyers involved: **50+ accredited Israeli attorneys
ï **Focus: **Free legal advice from verified Israeli lawyers only
ï **What they offer: **Legal guidance for olim, estimated to have helped 8,000+ olim
ï **Founder: **Russell Mayer (practices law in Jerusalem, graduate of Yeshiva University's Cardozo Law School)
ï **Search: **"Ask an Israeli Lawyer" on Facebook
Support an Oleh
ï **Focus: **Material and emotional support for struggling immigrants
ï **What they offer: **Collection points for dried goods and toiletries throughout the country, supplies for new mothers, help with food and rent
ï **Founder: **Caroline Goldman
ï **Provides: **Emotional support and practical assistance for olim in crisis
ï **Search: **"Support an Oleh" on Facebook
Aliyah 101
ï **Focus: **Pre-aliyah and early aliyah guidance
ï **What they cover: **Basics of making aliyah, practical preparation
Aliyah Community
ï **Focus: **General aliyah support and connection
Aliyah Network
ï **Focus: **Networking among potential and current olim
Aliyah to Israel - Chizuk
ï **Focus: **Encouragement and support for the aliyah journey
Aliyah Survival
ï **Focus: **Practical tips for navigating life in Israel
AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel)
ï **Focus: **Support for North American immigrants
ï **Regions: **Has separate groups including AACI North
Reunite Olim With Their Families
ï **Members: **2,000+ (created during COVID-19)
ï **Focus: **Helping parents of Israeli citizens navigate entry requirements and visa issues
Employment-Focused Facebook Groups
Jobs for Multilinguals in Israel
ï **Focus: **Employment for those without strong Hebrew
ï **Description: **For multilingual new immigrants with work permits
Jobs for Olim in Israel
ï **Focus: **Job postings and job seekers
ï **Type: **Employer postings and job seeker requests
Jobs for Olim in Tel Aviv
ï **Focus: **Tel Aviv-specific employment opportunities
Jobs for USA, Canada and UK natives
ï **Focus: **Employment for native English speakers from these countries
Jobs in Israel - English Speaking
ï **Focus: **Positions requiring English language skills
Jobs for Foreign Language Speakers Israel
ï **Focus: **Multilingual positions
Anglo-Israel Job Network
ï **Focus: **Professional networking and job opportunities for English speakers
Anglo-List Jobs for Olim & Internationals in Israel
ï **Focus: **Comprehensive job listings for English speakers
ImaKadima: Working & Career-Minded Moms in Israel
ï **Members: **11,000+
ï **Focus: **Career support and advocacy for working mothers
ï **What they offer: **Professional development, networking, work-life balance support
Freelancers in Israel
ï **Focus: **Self-employed professionals and consultants
Freelancers Networking in Israel
ï **Focus: **Connecting independent professionals
Jobs in TLV - Hi Tech and Online Jobs in Israel
ï **Focus: **Technology sector opportunities
JobsinJLM Jerusalem Startup & Tech Jobs
ï **Focus: **Jerusalem tech ecosystem employment
City/Region-Specific Facebook Groups
Tel Aviv Area:
ï Americans in Tel Aviv
ï English Speakers in Tel Aviv
ï Givatayim / Ramat Gan
ï English Speakers in Rehovot
ï Jobs Tel Aviv International
ï English Speakers of Poleg and Ir Yamim
Central Israel:
ï Americans in Raanana
ï English Speakers in Modiin
ï English-Speaking Community in Modiin & Mercaz
ï English speakers of Even Yehuda
ï English speakers Raanana
ï English speakers of Yavne
ï Givat Shmu'el Anglos
ï English speakers of Kiryat Gat
Jerusalem:
ï Aliyah2Jerusalem
ï Adult Learning in Jerusalem
ï Jobs in Jerusalem
Haifa:
ï Anglo Haifa
ï Haifa Aliyah
ï Haifa International
ï Haifa English Speakers
ï Haifa LGBT English-Speakers Group
ï Haifa Brits
ï Haifa 2nd hand buy, sell & swap
ï Haifa business network
ï Haifa events
ï Haifa language swap
ï Haifa Latinit
ï Haifa buddy system
North:
ï AACI North
ï Aliyah to Tzfat
ï English Speakers of the Golan
ï Karmiel English Speakers
ï Go North Nefesh b'nefesh
ï Go North Nefesh Jobs for Olim
South:
ï English speakers in Eilat
ï Go South - Nefesh b'nefesh
Netanya:
ï English Speaking Netanya - Israel
Age/Demographic-Specific Facebook Groups
Age Groups:
ï 50+ Making Aliyah
ï Anglo aliya 40+ social
Singles:
ï Anglo Jewish Singles in Israel 30 to 50
Families:
ï Anglo Parents of Israeli Teens (12-20)
ï Anglo-Israeli Parents
ï English-Speaking Waldorf Parents in Israel
Lone Soldiers:
ï Multiple groups provide support and mental health services
Professional/Special Interest Facebook Groups
Medical Professionals:
ï Anglo medical professionals in Israel
ï Anglo OT's in Israel
ï English Editors in Israel
Business:
ï Anglo small businesses in Israel
ï Anglo Support Network in Israel (BUSINESS-RELATED)
ï Anglo-Israeli business review
ï Entrepreneurs in Israel
ï Global Jewish business
Creative Professionals:
ï English-Speaking Actors in Israel
ï Freelance Writers in Israel
ï Facebook developer community
Non-Jewish Immigrants:
ï Helping Non-Jewish Survive Life in the Holy Land
ï **Focus: **Support for non-Jewish immigrants, partners, spouses, expats
ï **What they cover: **Visa issues, legal status, challenges unique to non-Jewish immigrants
ï **Note: **Positive, supportive environment for those without access to traditional absorption services
Lifestyle & Community Facebook Groups
General Community:
ï Expat Israel
ï Expats in Israel
ï English speakers in Israel Freedom to be what you want to be
ï Anglo List
ï ESOA (English Speakers Olim Association)
ï Foreigners and English-speaking people
Practical Living:
ï Frugal Israel
ï Amazon Israeli - Best Deals
ï Furnished Israel
ï Gardening in Israel
Buy/Sell:
ï Multiple neighborhood-specific garage sale groups
ï Garage sale - Hasharon
ï Various city-specific 2nd hand buy/sell/swap groups
Social/Events:
ï Get together for holidays and Shabbat
ï Events for Olim
ï English events in Israel
ï English Events in Israel (separate group)
Special Interest:
ï Greece in Israel
ï Greek Jews
ï KAISA (Filipino group)
ï Friends of Judea and Samaria
LGBT Community:
ï LGBT Olim (primary advocacy organization)
ï LGBT English-Speakers Groups in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be'er Sheva
ï Qulpan (LGBT-friendly Hebrew classes)
Cultural & Religious:
ï Adult Learning in Jerusalem
ï Joomla (tech community)
ï Various Jewish interest groups
WhatsApp Groups
Secret Tel Aviv WhatsApp Community
ï **Members: **2,500+ across multiple communities
ï **Structure: **Multiple communities due to WhatsApp's 2,000-member limit
ï Groups include:
◦ Announcement Group (weekly newsletter and updates)
◦ Best Events of the Day
◦ Jobs Groups (IT, marketing, etc.)
◦ Kerem House community events
◦ Plastic Free Israel environmental activities
ï **Features: **Daily event updates, job postings, community connections, contest/giveaway opportunities
ï **Languages: **English and Hebrew groups available
ï **To join: **Search for "Secret Tel Aviv" on Facebook or Instagram for community links
Secret Tel Aviv Jobs WhatsApp
ï **Members: **1,000+
ï **Focus: **Job alerts and opportunities
ï **Updates: **Real-time notifications for new positions
Kerem House WhatsApp
ï **Focus: **Community events, volunteer opportunities, Shabbat dinners, social activities
ï **Activities: **Salsa nights, karaoke, cultural events, movie nights, picnics
ï **Based: **Tel Aviv
ï **Description: **Daily volunteering in Israel, building community and writing our part of the Jewish story
JLIC Volunteering WhatsApp
ï **Focus: **Volunteer opportunities throughout Israel
ï **Activities: **Grilling for soldiers, farming, assisting evacuees, programming for kids, logistics
ï **Sign-up: **Online form, then invited to WhatsApp group upon arrival in Israel
ï **Updates: **Daily opportunities with detailed information
TLV Leket Volunteers
ï **Focus: **Farming volunteer opportunities
ï **Schedule: **Daily departures from Tel Aviv
Citizens Kitchen by Citrus & Salt
ï **Focus: **Wartime meal operations and olim community
Plastic Free Israel WhatsApp
ï **Focus: **Environmental initiatives and beach cleanups
ï **Activities: **Regular cleanup events, educational programs
ï **Community: **Part of Secret Tel Aviv WhatsApp network
ï **Leadership: **Run by inspirational women activists
m'Bayit l'Bayit WhatsApp Groups
ï **Focus: **Important information for olim and personalized support
ï **Services: **Hands-on aliyah services, moving assistance, settling-in support
ï **Translation: **"From Home to Home"
Neighborhood WhatsApp Groups
WhatsApp is extremely popular in Israel, with hundreds of groups in every village and city:
ï Senior citizens groups
ï English speakers groups
ï Women's groups
ï Buy/sell/giveaway groups
ï Neighborhood-specific groups (even by street or building)
ï School and classroom groups (for parents)
ï Local services and businesses
ï Religious studies classes
ï Youth groups
Finding Local WhatsApp Groups:
ï Ask neighbors and friends once you arrive
ï Inquire at local community centers
ï Join through ulpan (Hebrew class) connections
ï Many are invitation-only for security
ï Post in Facebook groups asking for local connections
ï Contact neighborhood coordinators
Special Support Groups
Mental Health & Wellness:
ï Multiple therapy and support groups available through KeepOlim
ï Tikva by KeepOlim 24/7 Emotional Support Hotline
ï Weekly therapy sessions in native languages
ï Over 500 olim receiving weekly therapy
ï Free services for lone soldiers (300+ receiving care)
ï Crisis hotlines for olim in 15 languages
ï Support groups for trauma and adjustment
Wartime Support:
ï Sword of Iron - Israel Volunteer Opportunities (Facebook)
ï Emergency assistance networks
ï Groups specifically for supporting olim during security situations
ï Volunteer coordination groups
ï Support for evacuees from North and South
Housing:
ï Various neighborhood-specific groups for apartment searches
ï Roommate finding groups
ï Housing advice groups
ï Furnished Israel group
Education:
ï Adult Learning in Jerusalem
ï Groups for parents at various schools
ï Hebrew learning support groups
ï English-Speaking Waldorf Parents in Israel
Food & Community Support:
ï KeepOlim Feeds Olim Program (emergency food assistance)
ï No Oleh Alone for the Holidays Program
ï Holiday meal hosting programs
ï Community Shabbat dinners
How to Find and Join Groups
Facebook:
- Search directly on Facebook for group names
- Request to join (most require answering questions about your aliyah status)
- Read and follow group rules carefully
- Many groups require confirming you're in Israel or planning aliyah
- Be patient - some groups have waiting periods for approval
WhatsApp:
- Get invitations from friends or group members
- Look for invitation links shared in Facebook groups
- Attend community events where organizers share group links
- Join larger communities that include multiple sub-groups
- Ask your ulpan teachers or absorption center counselors
- Connect with neighbors who can add you to local groups
Through Organizations:
ï Nefesh B'Nefesh connects new olim to resources
ï AACI provides group access to members
ï Local municipalities often have English speaker coordinators
ï Absorption centers share relevant groups
ï Jewish Agency representatives can guide you
ï Synagogues and community centers maintain lists
Group Etiquette & Safety Tips
Best Practices:
ï Read group rules before posting
ï Don't share personal information publicly
ï Be respectful of different backgrounds and opinions
ï Search group history before asking common questions
ï Avoid spam or excessive self-promotion
ï Don't share group links publicly without permission
ï Stay on topic for specialized groups
ï Thank people who help you
ï Contribute value, not just take
ï Use appropriate language and tone
ï Respect privacy - don't screenshot and share
Safety Notes:
ï Some groups are invitation-only for security
ï Verify information from multiple sources
ï Be cautious about meeting strangers from groups
ï Don't share sensitive documents in groups
ï Official legal/financial advice should come from licensed professionals
ï Watch out for scams (housing, employment, services)
ï Report suspicious activity to group admins
ï Don't send money to people you haven't met
Managing WhatsApp Group Overload:
ï Mute notifications for less urgent groups
ï Check groups at set times rather than constantly
ï Leave groups that aren't relevant anymore
ï Archive conversations you want to keep but don't need active
ï Turn off automatic media downloads to save space
ï Many olim report anxiety from too many WhatsApp groups - it's okay to limit participation
Important Considerations
Groups like Keep Olim in Israel, Ask an Israeli Lawyer, Support an Oleh and Living Financially Smart in Israel have stepped in to fill the information gap and allow new immigrants to swap stories, ask each other for ideas and offer help when needed.
With some 50 lawyers involved in Ask an Israeli Lawyer and more than 8,700 members, estimates suggest they have helped approximately 8,000 olim over the years.
KeepOlim's mental health services are provided in olim's native languages and they never deny assistance to anyone who cannot afford to pay.
Living Financially Smart in Israel has 23,000 members, and the founder notes that everywhere she goes people tell her they follow the group and have learned so much, saved so much, that it's the most useful group on all of Facebook.
Many groups are run by volunteers and nonprofit organizations. While they provide invaluable support, always verify critical information (legal, medical, financial) with licensed professionals. These communities are best for peer support, practical tips, social connections, and crowdsourcing solutions to common challenges.
The online olim community has become an essential support system, with many immigrants crediting these groups with helping them overcome housing crises, financial difficulties, loneliness, and bureaucratic challenges. Some olim have found employment, roommates, and even life partners through these networks.
Updated on: 02/02/2026
Thank you!