Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is the Israeli government body responsible for integrating returnees into society. The Ministry provides support for key aspects of adaptation, including social integration, cultural assimilation, housing and financial related things.

Purpose and objectives

The Ministry’s main task is to support new immigrants (including returnees) in order to make it easier for them to integrate into Israeli society. The support is comprised of the following:

Furthermore, with the backing of the Ministry of Absorption, a range of educational initiatives for youths residing outside the country are underway. One particularly illustrative example of such a program is Naale. The idea is to offer high school pupils eligible for repatriation the opportunity to complete their studies in Israeli schools. The focus there is on Hebrew, yet in an intensive manner, as soon all subjects will be taught exclusively in this language.

History of the Ministry

The foundation of the structure on which the Ministry was established was until then Sohnut, aka the Jewish Agency. The nascent Israeli government then thought that a full-fledged and separate immigration service should be organized.

Then there was another reorganization. And its time came after the Six-Day War, as it caused a noticeable surge of immigration from the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. The figure in question concerns the movement of between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals on an annual basis.

The preceding arrangements, however, were proving ineffective, necessitating an urgent change. The significant growth in population required a restructuring of Israel’s absorption mechanisms as well. Consequently, in 1967, the Immigration and Absorption Authority was established as a joint initiative of the government and the Jewish Agency. It subsequently became the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, as it exists today – beginning from 1968.

Programs and initiatives

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is putting various programs into action. One of the institution’s most unique projects is “Garin Tzabar”, which provides various assistance to soldiers. The Ministry also offers support to the “Tzofim” movement, which helps young people develop personal qualities and a sense of patriotism.

And there’s more; lots of other one-of-a-kind projects. For instance, the “Israeli House”, which was set up especially for Jews living abroad. Its job is to give people who want to move back to Israel all the info and support they might need. Before arriving in Israel, a repatriate can choose an absorption program. There are a few different options:

1. Direct absorption with financial assistance (including a living wage allowance).
2. Absorption with subsequent independent search for housing.
3. “Aliyah 2000” program, which includes Hebrew language study and vocational training.

Misrad Ha’aliyah V’haklita offices: contact information

We’ve put together a quick reference guide with all the ways one can reach Misrad Haklita:

New government plans

In February 2024, the Israeli government unveiled a significant initiative to enhance the accessibility of the institution’s infrastructure for Olim Hadashim. Also, the authorities have pledged to enhance the system further – once the initial phase is complete.

In accordance with the development plan, new immigrants who opt to settle in the Negev, Galilee, or Judea and Samaria will receive 2,000 shekels per month for rental expenses during their first two years in the country. Additionally, students across the country will receive comprehensive assistance, including full tuition and rental subsidies.