I have recently begun my journey into the wonderful world of making Aliyah. I started by looking it up online, and the first thing that came up was the Jewish Agency for Israel. I filled out all the forms, and I am meeting my Shaliach and Aliyah Representative tomorrow morning.

I called a Rabbi whose son lives in Israel, and he told me to use Nefesh B'Nefesh.

What is the deal? Can an Oleh use both organizations simultaneously? Do they complement each other? Do they compete against one another?

Is there a benefit of using one over the other?

Any information you can give me regarding this would be very much appreciated.

They are two totally seperate organizations. One is more "advice" based, the other more "practical" (cash, paperwork) based

This is good to know. Does that mean that I can happily use both services, and no one feels left out? There would be no toes stepped on?

That is what I'm going for: maximum help without hurting anyone else.

we are using both

NBN will not accept you until you open a tik with the Jewish Agency first. So if you want to use NBN you will need to use both! Definitly use NBN - they will help you with the paperwork and provide loads of social support (choosing a place to live, getting a job, etc.). Also NBN provides financial grants to help you out if you need the cash for the move so to me it's a no brainer to go with NBN.



Wow! Cool...are you coming this summer?

Like Pinchas mentioned, you MUST get approval from the Jewish Agency to make Aliya, even if you choose to go with NBN. I would strongly suggest applying for a grant through NBN, and even if you don't get a grant, they are an excellent resource once you land, and down the line. It's also worth finding out about the AACI (Americans and Canadians in Israel) before you get here.

Alas no. We made our decision too late to apply, but we are en route for next summer. Works out better anyway as we will come when I am finished my masters and my daughter will be able to start right into Gan with other kids her age.

Actually just for anyone else reading this they extended the Summer 2007 deadline and it's not too late to apply even now. (see www.nbn.org.il) But it sounds like you have a great plan. Definitely worth waiting to get a Masters first. Use the time now to do your homework and prepare for the move. Best of luck!