Special Aliyah Programs

Tailored Support for Every Stage of Life

Making Aliyah is a significant life transition, and Israel offers numerous specialized programs designed to help different groups succeed. Whether you're a young adult, professional, retiree, or anyone in between, there's likely a program tailored to your needs.

Nefesh B'Nefesh: The Major Facilitator

Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) is a nonprofit organization that has revolutionized North American and UK Aliyah since 2002. Working in partnership with the Israeli government, the Jewish Agency, and other organizations, it serves as a one-stop shop for many olim.

What They Offer:

ï  Financial grants to qualifying olim

ï  Employment assistance and job fairs

ï  Comprehensive guidance throughout the Aliyah process

ï  Group flights from North America

ï  Post-Aliyah support and community building

ï  Specialized tracks for different groups

Programs for Young Adults

Masa Israel Journey

Masa offers long-term programs (2-12 months) for young adults aged 16-35, including internships, academic study, volunteer opportunities, career training, gap year programs, and teaching positions. Many participants use Masa as a "soft landing" before committing to full Aliyah.

Garin Tzabar

A popular program for lone soldiers (those without immediate family in Israel). Participants join a group before Aliyah, live together on a kibbutz or in absorption centers, serve together in the IDF, and receive mentorship and strong community support throughout.

Nefesh B'Nefesh IMPACT! Scholarship

For college students and recent graduates (ages 20-27), offering significant financial grants, career development support, professional networking, mentorship programs, and help with housing and employment.

Programs for Families

Specialized support for families includes:

ï  Family grants and financial assistance

ï  School placement assistance

ï  Community integration support

ï  Family-friendly absorption centers

ï  Special family group flights

ï  Religious community programs with school placement

ï  Kibbutz programs offering housing and gradual transition

Programs for Professionals

Medical Professionals:

ï  License conversion assistance

ï  Job placement in Israeli hospitals and clinics

ï  Hebrew medical terminology courses

ï  Special grants for medical professionals

High-Tech and STEM Professionals:

ï  Direct connections to Israeli tech companies

ï  Job placement assistance and networking events

ï  Fast-track integration into Israel's tech sector

ï  Specialized grants for high-demand fields

Legal Professionals:

ï  Israeli bar exam preparation support

ï  License conversion information

ï  Employment opportunities in Israeli and international firms

Educators:

ï  Teaching positions in English-speaking schools

ï  Israeli teaching certification support

ï  Placement in international schools

Programs for Seniors and Retirees

Special considerations for those over 55:

ï  Modified financial assistance

ï  Age-appropriate absorption centers

ï  Healthcare transition support

ï  Retirement community options

ï  Senior-focused Ulpan classes

ï  Connection to senior immigrant communities

ï  Pension and social security arrangements

Regional Programs

Aliyah to the Negev and Galilee:

Special incentives for those settling in peripheral areas, including additional financial grants, tax benefits, reduced-cost housing options, and employment assistance.

Small Community Programs:

Support for those building or joining smaller communities, including garinim (seed groups) forming new neighborhoods with collective support systems.

Programs by Country of Origin

ï  **French Aliyah: **French-speaking absorption centers, Francophone communities, employment assistance, and school systems accommodating French students.

ï  **Former Soviet Union: **Russian-speaking absorption staff, cultural programs, academic credential recognition, and strong Russian-speaking communities.

ï  **South American Aliyah: **Language-appropriate assistance, Latin American community connections, and cultural integration programs.

ï  **Ethiopian Aliyah: **Cultural support, Amharic-speaking assistance, educational bridging programs, and community preservation initiatives.

Religious Programs

ï  **Religious Zionist: **Placement in religious communities, religious schools, Hesder and other religious service tracks, and yeshiva/seminary programs.

ï  **Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox): **Placement in Haredi neighborhoods, yeshiva/kollel arrangements, large family support, and religious education systems.

ï  **Reform and Conservative: **Connection to Progressive congregations, liberal religious community placement, and social action opportunities.

Academic Programs

ï  Pre-academic preparatory programs (Mechina)

ï  Hebrew proficiency courses for academics

ï  Financial aid and scholarships for immigrant students

ï  Degree recognition assistance

ï  Graduate study and post-doctoral fellowships

Pilot and Trial Programs

Temporary Residency Pilot (Toshav Arai):

A newer initiative allowing eligible individuals to try living in Israel with temporary residency status before committing to full Aliyah. Includes one-year renewable status, work rights, healthcare access, and the opportunity to transition to full Aliyah.

How to Choose the Right Program

Assess Your Situation:

ï  Age and family status

ï  Professional background

ï  Financial situation and Hebrew level

ï  Religious affiliation and geographic preferences

Important Tips:

ï  Research multiple options—don't assume one program fits all

ï  Start early—many programs require applications months in advance

ï  Connect with alumni to understand realistic expectations

ï  Apply to several programs simultaneously when possible

ï  Choose programs offering post-Aliyah support, not just pre-Aliyah

Getting Started

1. **Contact the Jewish Agency: **They coordinate with most programs and can guide you.
2. **Visit Organization Websites: **Nefesh B'Nefesh, Masa, and others have detailed information.
3. **Attend Aliyah Fairs: **These bring together multiple programs in one place.
4. **Join Online Communities: **Facebook and WhatsApp groups connect you with others.
5. **Speak with Aliyah Counselors: **Professional guidance helps navigate options.

The right program can make the difference between a smooth, supported Aliyah and a challenging struggle. Take time to research, ask questions, and find the program that best fits your unique situation and goals.

**For more information, visit www.easyaliyah.com

Updated on: 01/02/2026