Aliyah to Israel
What is Aliyah?
Aliyah is the word that describes the return of the Jewish People from the exile in the Diaspora back to the Land of Israel.
The word Aliyah is derived from the verb "laalot" which means "to go up", or "to ascend" in a positive spiritual sense.
A person who makes Aliyah is called an Oleh, meaning "one who goes up".
Why make Aliyah?
There may be as many stories as the millions of Jewish People who made Aliyah to Israel. But, probably the most overwhelming is the desire the maintain the national identity in the face of strong assimilation in foreign lands.
The Jewish population is constantly on the decline in the Diaspora, while the population of Israel increasing steadily.
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What should one do before considering Aliyah?
If you are considering Aliyah, come to Israel for a brief trip.
If you are a college student, there are excellent opportunities that allow you to visit Israel with minimal cost (see Birthright Israel programs). In your first trip to Israel, dedicate time to absorb the history of our nation in archeological sites and museums. Travel the whole length of Israel from the Golan Heights in the North to Eilat in the South seeing the natural beauty, and richness of the Land of Israel. Rest your eyes before the vast bare scenes of the Judean Desert and imagine yourself at the time of the early Hebrew patriarchs. It is here in Yehuda and Shomron hills that your great-great ... grandparents changed the course of human history with their monotheistic belief. Go to markets and modern shopping centers and feel the diversity and richness of Israel. If you leave Israel with a touch of feeling that an ancient primoridal chord has been struck deep inside you, if you feel a sense of belonging to this special people and the scenes of the land of Israel, you can continue the journey to your ancient past.
What is the best age for Aliyah?
Any age, but the younger, the better! Changing a country, and a language and a culture is not an easy experience!
The younger you are the easier the acclimation to change.
If you make Aliyah when you are 22, you'll learn Hebrew faster than when you are 55!
The same goes for most everything.
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