The new immigrants in Israel, called “Olim Chadashim” in Hebrew, must face great challenges and difficulties when having the goal of building a good life in Israel and in many cases establishing a family.
Although many “Olim” fulfill their dream of “returning” to the Promised Land of their ancestors, once here they realize that life is not easy and they must begin a process of adaptation and assimilation that can take a long time, more than expected.
While each case is different depending on the country of origin, educational level, beliefs, personality or reasons for settling in the country of each person or family, some surveys published by the Immigrant Agency point out these 10 common difficulties faced by new immigrants in Israel.
Learning Hebrew
For those who do not know the language or have a low level of it, learning Hebrew is a challenge that can take many years, especially when you reach adulthood.
There are many professions that require good skills in generally critical aspects such as writing and speed reading in Hebrew, and it is not enough to know English.
The time spent studying the language in the first months of aliyah (immigration to Israel) is not enough to face working and daily life in Israel. Maintaining a study discipline and a desire to learn are decisive in overcoming the language barrier, which is at the same time the source of other problems for immigrants.
No family or friends
For some people who do not have family or friends in Israel, facing loneliness, especially in the early years, is not easy, not only from an emotional point of view.
In Israel, it is very important to have a wide social circle not only to have a place to spend the many Holidays that Israelis tend to spend with family and friends, but also to have access to employment opportunities with recommendations from friends or relatives, as many job sectors in Israel work through connections.
Building a necessary “social network” that can offer real support for the new immigrant can take years and depends on factors such as age, personality, and even the interests of the immigrant.
Understanding Israeli Culture
Getting used to the strong and frank character of the Israelis and their erratic behavior can be a challenge for some, especially for Westerners who are used to a friendly and polite manner.
It takes some time to understand the Israeli way, being described by the analogy with the “tzabar”, the Hebrew term for the fruit of the opuntia cactus, prickly on the outside but sweet on the inside.
Difficult Access To Well-Paid Jobs
Finding a well-paid job is difficult for someone who is just starting to adjust to Israel.
Many professional immigrants get trapped when they start their working lives in low-skilled jobs and find it too difficult to pursue opportunities in their field while overcoming the language barrier.
Finding The Right One And Establishing A Family
Singles from many parts of the world come to Israel hoping to marry and start a family, especially with an Israeli; however, due to cultural differences, many relationships end up in divorce.
After a long search, many immigrants choose to establish a relationship with someone from the same background.
Weakening self-confidence
The insecurity generated by not being able to speak fluently or not understanding what they are told is a source of anxiety and sometimes frustration for the immigrant, who may see his self-confidence weakened in his adaptation process. In addition, the lack of knowledge of the transportation system, bureaucratic procedures, and health system makes many feel totally lost at the beginning.
Misunderstanding Employment And Lease Contracts
Signing labor or lease contracts without being completely clear about what is written in them generates all kinds of headaches such as the incomplete payment of salaries, overpriced rental costs or the acquisition of unknown or non-verbally agreed commitments and duties.
It is essential to obtain good advice before signing any document and to ensure that everything discussed is in writing.
Difficulty Receiving Adequate Medical Services
Although there are many bilingual doctors in Israel, many times not all immigrants who need them have access to them. For this reason, receiving the appropriate and timely treatment for an ailment may take longer than necessary.
Being sure of the way the Israel Health Service works is really difficult in many cases.
Being Victims of Deception by service companies such as internet, cable TV or mobile phones
In Israel you can have access to mobile phone, television and internet services very easily; however, some vendors are not clear when offering services or take advantage of the customer’s poor command of the language, who ends up paying for something they did not ask for.
In many cases, representatives offer free benefits that result in being charged when the client wishes to cancel the contract. Although this also happens to the Israelis, an immigrant will always be an easier prey to bamboozle.
Our response to the need
Our City Of Life ministry understands the difficulties that new immigrants in Israel have to go through, especially in an area as peculiar as Sderot and the border with Gaza where there is daily coexistence with the extremist Islamic terrorism of Hamas.
This constant tension can be exhausting for immigrants who arrive in the land of their ancestors with great enthusiasm and therefore we try at all times to provide them with support and comfort through our well-organized projects that accompany so many families and help them to continue ahead.
Our psychological support team maintain constant sessions with immigrants, helping them to understand their new reality and giving them encouragement and strength (with the help of the Holy Spirit) so that they can overcome their fears and lead a life as close to normal in this part of Israel.
We also give them support such as furniture and appliances according to their needs, sporadic food baskets, purchase vouchers for the supermarket, diapers and items for children, among many other things.
But most importantly, we are attentive to them and their needs, whether material, emotional or spiritual, always giving them the best of us with an immense love that comes from above, bringing them peace, “a peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Our role as the body of the Messiah is to bring hope to this lost world and illuminate in times of darkness creating an impact on society, so our ministry is committed to reaching as many people as possible who suffer, and many of them depend on our commitment and dedication for the work of the Lord.
You can be part of and impact the lives of more people who need help in our city and together show them the way, the truth, and the life.
We invite you to be part of our ministry so that together we can bring hope to our border town of Sderot.
Our work would not be possible without the help of partners like you, so we ask you to consider in prayer the possibility of a monthly commitment that will allow us to continue with the Lord’s work here in Israel.
Sincerely yours
Pastors
Michael & Dina Beener
and CLM Israel Team
“City of Life”
Messianic congregation and Outreach Center
Sderot, Israel.
RECENT POSTS
- The Biblical Meaning of Israel’s Autumn Feasts
As autumn approaches in Israel, the biblical calendar enters one of its most significant seasons. The seventh month, Tishrei, brings three appointed times described in Leviticus 23: the Feast of Trumpets,… Read more: The Biblical Meaning of Israel’s Autumn Feasts - Jewish Families Keep Coming to IsraelFor generations, the Jewish people prayed for the day when they would return to the land of their fathers. Today, we are witnessing biblical prophecy unfold as Jewish families from around… Read more: Jewish Families Keep Coming to Israel
- Biblical Autumn FeastsThis season, City of Life Ministries is continuing to provide food and practical assistance to families in need across southern Israel. Join us in Bringing God’s Provision to Families across southern… Read more: Biblical Autumn Feasts
- Blessing Israeli Children as They Return to SchoolFor children across Israel, the start of a new school year is an exciting time. But for many families, especially those facing financial difficulties and the rising cost of living, preparing… Read more: Blessing Israeli Children as They Return to School
- Israelis Want Peace But Prepare for War: Stories from BeershebaDuring the last attacks from Iran, families in Beersheba experienced extreme fear firsthand as the city was one of the main targets by balistic missiles. Parents rushed with their children to… Read more: Israelis Want Peace But Prepare for War: Stories from Beersheba
- Israel’s Desert Blooms as New Jewish Families Return to Their HomelandThe return of Jewish people to Israel continues, even during challenging times. Families from around the world are choosing to make aliyah and begin a new chapter of their lives in… Read more: Israel’s Desert Blooms as New Jewish Families Return to Their Homeland
- Strengthening Young Believers Across the Negev Desert RegionThis summer, something truly special took place in southern Israel. With a vision to strengthen the next generation of young believers, City of Life Ministries organized a Youth Camp that brought… Read more: Strengthening Young Believers Across the Negev Desert Region
- Growing Up in the Shadow of ConflictFor many children living in the communities near the Gaza border, childhood has been shaped by experiences no child should have to carry. Born into a region marked by years of… Read more: Growing Up in the Shadow of Conflict
- A Prophetic Return: Jewish Immigrants Building Their Future in the NegevAcross the world, Jewish people continue returning to Israel, fulfilling the words of the prophets who spoke of God gathering His people back to the land of their fathers. Despite wars,… Read more: A Prophetic Return: Jewish Immigrants Building Their Future in the Negev
