News
Making Aliyah: Over 19,000 new olim in 2010
Yael Branovsky
Published: 28.12.10, 18:32
Comment Comment
Print comment Print comment
Back to article
33 Talkbacks for this article
1. How many illegals came in 2010
zionist forever   (12.28.10)
If we are going to have recourses to absorb the olim we need to deport the illegals and get the UN to deal with the real refugees because we cannot afford to take them all financially and they are a drain on recourses such as medical & school.
2. Wonderful News!
John DeLancy ,   Alaska, USA   (12.28.10)
Congratulations to these new Israelis - may there be more and more Jews in Israel every year!
3. Complete b.s.
Brian ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (12.28.10)
How many are Jewish? One out of ten maybe? How many will stay more than six months? One out of five? That's the truth. Even with the b.s. stats illegal immigrants and people who over stay their work visas greatly out number olim. How many Israelis left? Even without the threat of our many enemies, or growing isolation, Israel seems completely doomed. The true story is a disaster, the stats in this article are lies, a few more years like this, and Israel is done. That's the truth.
4. This is a strange group of numbers...
Ezra Z. ,   USA-Israel   (12.28.10)
strange because the conditions in Israel are not as 'golden' as it has been portrayed by some: the divisions among the Israelis themselves as well as the splintered government, the high real estate costs, lack of jobs, etc. With family living in Israel, I can attest to the difficulties there first hand; I hear of it evey day and each time you glance at ynet, Jpost, Arutz Sheva, etc: it just seems strange that so many people are walking into the state when things are upside down. Heads in the sand? Perhaps. Faith? Maybe. Ive been contemplating Aliyah for years now and based on the entire spectrum of opinions about living in Israel (mostly from former Israelis) it seems like a very reckless move. The Israeli gov't clearly doesn't take good care of their own (look at the officials leaving their jobs for lack of pay!), I just don't see how anyone would put themselves in a position to be in Israel when the state is in such disarray and some many unknowns can and do come into play. When we have a stable gov't, a unified people...thats when I'd be willing to bring my large family home to Israel. Until then, I can't see the logic of coming home when I can't even feel comfortable being Jewish, living in my own skin, without feeling like the world's enemy or like a war will break out any minute. Anyone have any positive words or issues to point out. I'm open minded, just very scared to put my family through corruption and the potential to be screwed over, like many olim complain they are. Help! (From fellow Jews please).
5. And how many left?
Netto   (12.28.10)
6. To Ezra: Read and Weep
Noah Lev ,   Los Angeles. USA   (12.28.10)
To Ezra: I dont understand your anguish? Perhaps, caus I live in Southern Ca, where there are no problems as you describe?We have 12% unemployed and more underemployedl Living here is very expensive..the transportation ( stinks). Highways..well take them between 7-10 a.m. Fraffic on the Westside (includes Jewish neighborhoods) is aweful. We have millions of "illegals" in the State using false SS numbers..getting food stamps, and other benefits. Children of illegals become citizens automatically. We have a 28b dollar deficit..and our Gov is blamed, no matter his movies. Drugs are rampent..community policing is necessary. We cheat galore ( see Bell Ca0. Our legislatgure is hopefessly divided. Our propositions are a sham. The infrastructure needs immediate repair. We do have a moderate climate..and fires, earthquakes, rain, smog, which dwarf yours. There is virtually no feeling of 'home" or of neighborhoods here. But yes, we do not have Hez. Hamas, Fatah, Iran's Ahmad, Syria, only 1500 Russian nukes aimed at US. My point: Israel is the only hope for Judiams. So goes Israel, so shall we go. Get it. Make do, and improve. 6m Jews during WW2, wished they had Palestine to escape to. 500,000 Hungarian Jews, murdered in 6 weeks. Perhaps 666 has something to it? 1m more Jews to Israel is a partial answer.
7. All Australian jews should make Alliyah in 2011
Shlomo Kamera   (12.28.10)
8. Jewish??
Hillel ,   Israel   (12.28.10)
What percentage from the FSU are Jewish? Not many is my guess.
9. Ezra @ 4, do not come then, but do you realy have to whine?
leo ,   usa   (12.28.10)
10. Ezra @ #4 - No idea!
Ari ,   Israel   (12.28.10)
Ezra, what a ridiculous whine if I have ever seen one. Although every country has its challenges and its underprivileged, there is no doubt that Israel at age 62 has done, and continues to do, an amazing job. As an oleh myself I can attest to some difficulties on the way but nothing of the scale you speak of. Anyone who moves to a new country or even a new city for that matter is going to encounter some challenges. However it is all about attitude and anyone who wants to suceed here has to come with a positive attitude and a will to suceed. As the only developing nation to move into the developed nation category in the 20th Century the facts speak for themselves. Israel is on the up and will continue growing. I would recommend you not get feedback from those Israelis that have left the country but speak to the ones that live the life here and now. With regards to your own family, knowing the assimilation rates worldwide, if you are interested in them being Jewish in only a couple of generations, my advice is get on the next plane.
11. To Netto: Think Positive, I Do!
Noah Lev ,   Los AngelesUSA   (12.28.10)
To Netto: ..and how many have left, is your response. Okay, over 600,000since 1948. How many have come, over 2m since 1948. 2m Jews in NYCity in 1940, 700,000 now. 5.5m Jews in the USA in 1940, 5.1to6.4 now, depending? Is Jimmy Kimmel Jewish? Is Thomas Friedman Jewish? Is Henry Kissinger a real Jew? Many of my friends have intermarried. Are their children Jewish (gentile mothers?), Was the founder of Jews for Jesus Jewish? Are those rock singers Jewish? Are Orthodox families big enough to sustain us? Are other Jews aware of what it means to be "Jewish"? Is the Torah divine..or what? What about Etz Hayim? What about the Reform bible? Are we a faith, people, culture, Has liberalism replaced Torah? Is Tikkun Olam our bible? Do we advocate abortions and same sex marriages..and expect to grow? Think about it. Is shipping 30,000 blacks back to Africa in Israels' best interests? Are precluding thousands of Slavs from being Jewish...smart? Lots of food for thought here.
12. #3 YOU ARE NOT FAR WRONG
LAWRENCE ,   SAFED ISRAEL   (12.28.10)
Sadly ,many olim will not last long here and how many are jewish ?
13. keep 'em coming
john   (12.28.10)
Let's keep building this great nation!
14. #12, I'm exactly right
Brian ,   Tel Aviv,Israel   (12.28.10)
People can either wake the hell up, face the truth of what is taking place, and possibly do something about it, or the alternative is simply the doom of Israel.
15. Olim
Tamir ,   Los Angeles   (12.28.10)
I am a product of Israelis who left Israel and moved to the United States. I was only 3 years old when my parents and I left Israel to come live in Los Angeles. I cannot personally share a story of what the difficulties or challenges that a new Ole or Ola has to face when coming to Israel but I do have many close friends and a family member that have decided to make the move to Israel. The one thing I can say is that I know that If I ever had to move away from Los Angeles that the only place I would go is Israel. I visit often and it is very difficult for me to leave. I am Jewish and just got married to another amazing jewish girl and we understand the value of and our connection to the wonderful land of Israel. I commend all of those who made Aliyah and I support them by being in several pro Israel groups who contribute money to Israeli causes. God Bless Eretz Israel!
16. I hope that one day all jews of the world will live together
(12.28.10)
here in Israel. AMEN.
17. #6,9,10: thnx for underscoring why I stayed away
Ezra Z ,   USA   (12.28.10)
18. how many from the soviet republics are jewish?
zionist forver   (12.29.10)
We should know by now the majority of people from there are economic migrants who either lie about being jewish or undergo a Mickey Mouse conversion so they are allowed to make alliyah. The Jewish Agency don't have a set policy of what they consider proof enough of being jewish. When I wanted to make aliyah from the UK I had my parents Ketuba, letters from the synagogue and all sorts of things but they kept asking for more. There was an American guy at the absorbtion centre only there because he was bankrupt, never been to israel was not religious, had no evidence of proof of jewishness. They Agency accepted a photograph of him standing next to his grandmothers grave because she had a jewish name. The Agency is a joke at times so when we look bellow the hype how many of these 19,000 are actually jewish?
19. Most will go back with in 3 years, because
Nick Sporek ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (12.29.10)
... the cost of living vs. the wages are WAY off balance. Real estate went up 46% in the last 2 years and food prices nearly doubled as well but the wages stayed the same. (Oh and now to make things all the more difficult you need 40% down to buy a home here and if I'm not mistaken two guarantors to co-sign.) But at least there will always be available Luxury apartments. There is no shortage of those being built. Regardless of The Jewish Agency and NBN making aliyah will probably be the most stressful time of your life so make sure you've done your due diligence and know what your getting yourself into. Welcome home & Bhatzlacha בהצלחה
20. Ezra: Can't you just feel the love? I hear ya loud and clear
Whack World ,   US/Israel   (12.29.10)
The bumbling fool from LA (Noah) tops any list of whiners I've seen. The Contemptuous #'s9 & 10 lend credence to why Israel is indeed so divided and always seems to be in a state of upheaval. What do you expect? Shamayim? The Jews are the Jews worst enemy: as one person put it: "Israel...where brothers screw brothers from Shabbos to Shabbos..." And why are there so many expats from Israel? Why are all of the biggest supporters living in Los Angeles and NY (hypocrites)? It is simply an insane world with too many insane people who've CHOSEN to be jerks, fools and stupid. 'Nuff said about the HATERS out there. On the other hand; Israel has so much to offer on so many fronts: you just have to be skilled to avoid all of the machers...thats all. If you know a handful of good people in Israel, STICK TO THEM and be happy you have that. Israel is the Holy Land for ALL Jews...not just the ignorant haters. And there are PLEANTY of wonderful Jews in Israel. Don't be fooled by the posters above: remember, when we left miztriam, 80% of such idiots stayed behind: the decent ones left for the Promised land. Hence: perhaps our numbers of coherent, honest and loyal Jews are as small as they were back then...but so what? That 20% of Wonderul Jews can light up the whole world 100x over. Take heart and make the move...it would be worth it.
21. # 14
(12.29.10)
When are you leaving Israel ?
22. 8 - what difference does it make?
dave   (12.29.10)
Lieberman will make them Jewish weather Bib, Yeshai or Moshe rabenue like it or not.
23. I plan to make Aliyah
Alexander ,   NJ USA/Israel   (12.29.10)
I lived in Israel for about 11 months and studied at a Yeshiva, thanks Masa grant! I loved it. I survived on about $200 a month (not having to pay rent) and it was great. I didn't pay for much except basic things like food and soap. To be honest I fell in love with the country - it's home and home is where the heart is. I don't care if I have to live in a shack in Israel, for me it's better than living in a penthouse anywhere else in the world. No, I'm sorry it's too much to give up the chance to fulfill the dream of generations that went without Eretz Yzrael. Half of my family is in Israel the other half made the mistake of coming to America. Don't get me wrong I love the US and it's an amazing country, but it's never felt like home the way Israel does. Anyway hope to see myself in Israel in the next couple of years after I finish up things here. Oh, and to the morons that hate the FSU Jews I'm from Ukraine and I'm 100% Jewish like many of the FSU Jews. The one's that are not hallachic Jews are a minority so don't work up a storm about it and most of them had some kind of Jewish parent or grandparent. Don't think for a minute they didn't get treated the same as any other Jew would have been by the Russians. They might not be technically Jews, but they went through enough to know what it means to be one.
24. Israel needs to be an English speaking country.....
andy ,   orlando,u.s   (12.29.10)
to attract the 6-7 million English speaking Jews to live there. The entire Israeli way of corruption and nepotism needs to be eliminated. Israel at the moment resembles some old Soviet style socialist republic.
25. OK, here we have Ezra who wants to step into the water, but
leo ,   usa   (12.29.10)
is afraid it is too hot. At the same time he sees people who are already in the water and he is jealous. What Ezra does? Instead if walking away quietly Ezra decides to dump on others because of his own ineptness. Next we have Whack World who is practically identical to Ezra except much more condescending. Guys, Ezra and Whack World, just because people react in the same way to your actions it does not mean there is something wrong with all those people. Get a mirror. BTW, "Israel...where brothers screw brothers from Shabbos to Shabbos..." is incorrect expression. Correct translation from Russian would be just "brothers is screwing brothers from Shabbat to Shabbat" ("От Шабата до Шабата брат обманывает брата"). There is no "Israel" in that expression. Besides, even though it is Jewish joke it does not mean goy-brother cannot screw you too. So, have no illusions, my friends.
26. 23
zionist forever   (12.29.10)
Alexander It will be great if you do make alliyah but be sure to think through first the practicalities of how you would seriously like to live your life here beyond the enthusiasm because to many westerners do go back once they realise life in Israel is much harder than where they came from. i aldo suggest that you go with Nefesh B Nefesh rather than through the Jewish Agency. I went with the Agency and the runaround they gave me drove me mad. I had my parentds ketubah, letters from the synagogue and many other things which could be considered proof of jewishness and they still wanted more. They wanted passports going back to when I was about 10. It took over a year to sort out the process, when I arrived at Ben Gurion they put me into a taxi and I never heard from them again. I recently had to go to the Nefesh offices in Jerusalem on another matter and there were a new batch of olim just arrived and the atmosphere was amazing. There was a reception for them and experts giving them all the information about life in Israel & how ro get things done. In many cases they give you money to help you get started out. I really wish I had gone with Nefesh now I have found out the difference in the way they look after you and the way the Agency does. Good luck
27. 24
zionist forever   (12.29.10)
Israel does not seem to cater for english speakers the way it once did. If you want to speak to the cable TV company HOT the recorded message asks which language you want and they have hebrew, arabic and russian. You go to the Misrad Hapanim the forms you need to fill in are hebrew only and very few staff seem to speak english and those that do only know basics. I remeber when I first made alliyah I needed to go get my ID card the only person there who spoke half decent english was the secuity gaurd and he helpped me fill in the form. I think alot of the corrutpion stems from its electoral system of coalition government which is all about pay offs to single issue parties. Zionism & Israel itself were originally based on communist values. its not really until the late 90s early 2000s that Israel really started to embrace the free market. Unfortunatly the Histadrut still has alot of muscle. Bibi is probably the founder of modern Israel becuse he sold off failing state owned companies and opened up to competition when he was finance minister under Sharon.
28. #21, I'm here for good.
Brian ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (12.29.10)
I came from the US, two years ago, but unlike many I am mainly concerned that I am another Jew in Israel, not how being here or elsewhere benefits me personally. I live very modestly, and will do whatever it takes. It is hard, but I love this country and am completely dedicated to it. Posting the truth about situations here, is a part of my feelings for this country.
29. # 28
(12.29.10)
Good luck to you Brian & thankyou for your answer.
30. Non-Jew Making Aliyah
Bill Killion ,   Bradenton, FL USA   (12.29.10)
I am a non-Jew from Florida, US, in the process of making Aliyah with my wife, who is Jewish, and has lived there before. My wife absolutely loves Israel, despite the problems you will find in any country. I have researched Israel as much as possible, and continue to do so, and to me anyway, it seems to resemble the beginning stages of the U.S., when everything seemed possible for anyone, despite the inevitable hardships. My biggest fear is that I will face many obstacles, blatant and subtle, because I am not Jewish. I fully intend on learning Hebrew, and the Israeli culture as quickly as possible. Any advice from those who may have been in the same position, or from Jews who have opinions on the matter? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Next talkbacks
Back to article