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:
Financial grants to qualifying olim
Employment assistance and job fairs
Comprehensive guidance throughout the Aliyah process
Group flights from North America
Post-Aliyah support and community building
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:
Family grants and financial assistance
School placement assistance
Community integration support
Family-friendly absorption centers
Special family group flights
Religious community programs with school placement
Kibbutz programs offering housing and gradual transition
Programs for Professionals
Medical Professionals:
License conversion assistance
Job placement in Israeli hospitals and clinics
Hebrew medical terminology courses
Special grants for medical professionals
High-Tech and STEM Professionals:
Direct connections to Israeli tech companies
Job placement assistance and networking events
Fast-track integration into Israel’s tech sector
Specialized grants for high-demand fields
Legal Professionals:
Israeli bar exam preparation support
License conversion information
Employment opportunities in Israeli and international firms
Educators:
Teaching positions in English-speaking schools
Israeli teaching certification support
Placement in international schools
Programs for Seniors and Retirees
Special considerations for those over 55:
Modified financial assistance
Age-appropriate absorption centers
Healthcare transition support
Retirement community options
Senior-focused Ulpan classes
Connection to senior immigrant communities
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
French Aliyah: French-speaking absorption centers, Francophone communities, employment assistance, and school systems accommodating French students
Former Soviet Union: Russian-speaking absorption staff, cultural programs, academic credential recognition, and strong Russian-speaking communities
South American Aliyah: Language-appropriate assistance, Latin American community connections, and cultural integration programs
Ethiopian Aliyah: Cultural support, Amharic-speaking assistance, educational bridging programs, and community preservation initiatives
Religious Programs
Religious Zionist: Placement in religious communities, religious schools, Hesder and other religious service tracks, and yeshiva/seminary programs
Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox): Placement in Haredi neighborhoods, yeshiva/kollel arrangements, large-family support, and religious education systems
Reform and Conservative: Connection to Progressive congregations, liberal religious community placement, and social action opportunities
Academic Programs
Pre-academic preparatory programs (Mechina)
Hebrew proficiency courses for academics
Financial aid and scholarships for immigrant students
Degree recognition assistance
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:
Age and family status
Professional background
Financial situation and Hebrew level
Religious affiliation and geographic preferences
Important Tips:
Research multiple options—don’t assume one program fits all
Start early—many programs require applications months in advance
Connect with alumni to understand realistic expectations
Apply to several programs simultaneously when possible
Choose programs offering post-Aliyah support, not just pre-Aliyah
Getting Started
Contact the Jewish Agency—they coordinate with most programs
Visit organization websites (Nefesh B’Nefesh, Masa, etc.)
Attend Aliyah fairs
Join online communities (Facebook, WhatsApp)
Speak with Aliyah counselors
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.
