Q: When do I start being a resident?
A: According to accepted practice an individual becomes resident in Israel upon his date of arrival in Israel. But this does not happen overnight - it happens at the end of a gradual process of setting up residence in Israel.

Q: What types of household items will I be allowed to ship to Israel when I make Aliya?
A: In general, if you're making Aliya you can bring the following items without any problems:

Q: What are the different types of shipping methods I can use?
A: Depending on how large of a move you are planning on making, shipping companies will recommend different methods for moving your belongings. For example, if you are moving the contents of a fully furnished 5 bedroom home, a shipping company would recommend you hiring the "sole use" of a shipping container. The container will be used only for your belongings and this is usually the most convenient and economical option for large houses.

Q: How do I obtain an Israeli drivers license?
A: While you have 1 year to drive on a foreign license from the date of arrival to Israel, you must convert your license within 3 years from the date of Aliyah. It is advised to obtain an Israeli license as soon as possible.

Q: How do I receive my Arnona (Municipal Tax) benefit?
A: The arnona benefit only applies to Olim Chadashim and not to Ezrachim Olim or Ktinim Chozrim. You are entitled to receive a 90% reduction (up to 100 square metres) on your arnona bill, for 12 months with in the first 24 months of Aliyah.

Q: How do I obtain an Israeli Travel Document or Full Passport?
A: One may only apply for a temporary Travel Document after 90 days of making Aliyah. You must hold the temporary Travel Document until expiry before being able to apply for a full Israeli Passport.

Q: How do Olim Chadashim register for Kupat Cholim (Health Insurance)?
A: Upon making Aliyah, the Oleh will receive a voucher either at the airport or from the Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Absorption), which will enable them to register for the Health Fund of their choice. With the voucher, the Oleh should visit the nearest Post Office to begin the registration procedure.

Q: My wife and I are in our 70s and will be making aliyah next month. Will we be allowed to join a Kupat Holim? Is our age against us?
A: Israel has a National Health system which provides all residents of Israel with medical cover. Neither age nor state of health would prejudice your coverage. There are 4 Kupot Holim and olim may choose their preference.

Q: Myself and 4 children will hopefully be coming on aliyah at the beginning of 2007. Based on current rental costs can you please give me an idea of a larger apartment Raanana area. Can you give me a 3 & 4 Bedroom size apartment cost.
A: Difficult to give figures as quality and size of apartments can vary substantially. You should allow for at least $600-700 per month in Raanana. Suggest you register on the Raanana English speakers list on Yahoo or visit some of the websites of real estate companies in Israel like AngloSaxon or an excellent website called "Homeless" at www.homeless.co.il to get an idea of prices.

Q: My father made Aliya from South Africa in 1978. I am about to start my MA in Jerusalem. How can I apply for financial support?
A: As a second-generation South African you can certainly apply to Telfed for relevant financial support for your studies. Please call Susan at Telfed 09 7446110 and she can be of further assistance.

Q: We are coming on aliyah with school going children. Do we need to register to the schools prior to our arrival? Also do they received extra Hebrew lessons?
A: It is not necesary to register your children to school prior to aliyah. Soon after your arrival you will meet with the local Education Dept in the town you are living and arrange registration. Olim children receive extra Hebrew lessons. They are eligible for 1 hour per week per oleh child. If there are 4 or 5 olim children in the same grade at the same school, the hours are "pooled" and thus the children receive 4/5 hours a week as a group.