THE MOVE
Let's start with the fact that the move itself – whether by sea or by air – is free for repatriates. Airplane tickets provided by the Jewish Agency for Aliyah (Sokhnut) have been a gift since January 1997. However, the transportation of luggage to Israel is not paid for, and for its absence, compensation is even paid – $200 per adult, $100 per child under 18.
The Emergency Fund "Even-Ezer" helps to make aliyah on the motor ship "Dmitri Shostakovich," which sails from Odessa to Haifa. This is, of course, longer, but the sea journey allows free transportation of up to 250 kg of luggage plus 40 kg of hand luggage per family member. A few days before departure, repatriates are placed at one of the Odessa recreation centers, where they are housed and fed for free.
Regardless of whether repatriates arrive in Israel by sea or by air, right at the arrival point, officials from the Ministry of Absorption issue them the first necessary documents, give them money for initial expenses, and the first payment from the so-called "absorption basket." Retired repatriates receive their first pension immediately upon arrival. After the "distribution of elephants," newcomers are escorted to a taxi and taken free of charge to any specified address.
ASSISTANCE UPON ARRIVAL
Israeli customs treats repatriates' luggage more favorably than the baggage of ordinary visitors to the country. For example, household items – both those brought by the emigrant himself and those that "follow" him within three years of his arrival in Israel – are exempt from customs duties. There is no need to pay tax on the import of hand tools and equipment intended for industrial or agricultural production.
Now, about financial assistance.
Most types of assistance (and there are many, it should be noted) can be received by repatriates within three years of arrival. Assistance in purchasing an apartment is designed for 7-10 years, in paying rent – for 5 years. Artists and doctors receive special types of assistance for 5 years.
As for monetary assistance, three types are provided: non-repayable grant, conditional grant, and loan on favorable terms. A conditional grant becomes non-repayable if the repatriate does not leave the country within a certain period. A loan on favorable terms will have to be repaid after some time. In the first year of life in the country, the repatriate receives subsidies called the "absorption basket," the size of which is calculated so that a person can rent housing, pay utilities, and send children to school or daycare for a year. In addition, within three years of repatriation, there are benefits for purchasing a car. The Ministry of Absorption covers the costs of teaching newcomers Hebrew, transferring money directly to the ulpan (school) where the repatriate has enrolled.
WHERE TO LIVE?
As a rule, the first rented housing for repatriates is simple; a good compromise in this regard is renting housing in one of the kibbutzim participating in the "First Home in the Homeland" program. At the same time, one can use the communal services and dining hall of the kibbutz and study Hebrew at the kibbutz ulpan. But this way, the housing problem can only be solved for a year; then one must deal with purchasing housing.
Housing, for a relatively small fee, can be provided by the state – this is the so-called "social housing," which is usually located on the outskirts and in "development areas." One can also use rent subsidies from the Ministry of Construction for some time (up to four years). Pensioners receive a rent subsidy for life. Well, if you can't scrape together money to buy housing, you can take a state loan with a repayment period of 5-28 years through a mortgage bank.
WORK
New repatriates are not always able to find work quickly; this is not least due to the fact that they often have to take a qualification exam upon arrival. But the Ministry of Absorption helps to cope with this problem as well.
This department organizes preparatory courses for the exam to obtain a work permit in Israel for doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc., as well as retraining and professional adaptation courses. In special cases, the employer is provided with financial assistance to pay the repatriates' wages; but more often, newcomers who cannot find work receive additional qualifications at career guidance centers.
COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE
All repatriates must register with the National Insurance Institute. If they are not working or have a low income, they are exempt from paying contributions for a year, which does not deprive them of the right to receive social benefits. These benefits are as follows:
- monthly child allowance until the child reaches 18 years of age;
- old-age pension. It is received by men after 70 and women after 65. This rule does not apply to repatriates who arrived in Israel after 60, but they can receive a pension with a special supplement (men from 65, women from 60);
- unemployment benefits;
- income support benefit. The benefit is paid to families where neither spouse works and cannot find employment, as well as to those who receive low wages. Single-parent families receive this benefit in increased amounts.
Interestingly, married housewives are not required to pay insurance premiums, unlike other citizens. A female repatriate under 48 can insure herself voluntarily, but it is not certain that this is necessary and beneficial for her.
HEALTH FUNDS
All new repatriates, regardless of age and health, are insured. Immediately upon arrival, at the airport, they receive a referral to a health fund and can apply to any of the four existing funds of their choice. During the first six months, repatriates do not pay health insurance premiums. Those who have not found work after the first ulpan and have no income other than the Ministry of Absorption allowance are exempt from paying insurance until the end of the first year of stay in the country. Health funds reimburse most medical expenses, except for dental care. The cost of calling an ambulance is also not reimbursed (all ambulance services in Israel are paid).
P.S. A couple more touches on the issue of return. As is known, people leave not only for Israel but also from Israel. But, parting with its former residents, the state does not limit itself to expressing restrained sorrow, but strives to maintain contact with emigrants from Israel; for those who decide to return after some time, there is a set of benefits and subsidies for job search, education, and attempts to start their own business. They are awaited at home, wherever they are.
"Zagranitsa" No. 8, 1999.