Aliyah Center

An aliyah center is an organized resource to facilitate immigration to Israel. "Aliyah" means "going up" or "ascension," and refers specifically to the act of returning to Israel. Many desire to incorporate Israel into their identity as Jews to better ensure that their children fully understand their Jewish heritage. In order to make an aliyah, the first step is obtaining information about life in Israel.

There are many aliyah centers that offer information and assistance in finding the best opportunity for the journey to Israel. One of the first things for the prospective immigrant (Oleh) to do is meet an Emissary from Israel. Plans and expectations are evaluated in order to determine realistic prospects regarding one's ability to make a life in Israel.

Short term and long term Israeli experiences are possible through many of the aliyah centers. This may require time spent learning the Hebrew language and other pertinent knowledge and skills in order to participate fully in the Israeli culture. For many North American Jews, Aliyah is the fulfillment of lifelong dreams to return to the Jewish homeland.

The concept of aliyah is fundamental to Zionism and the Jewish culture. For more than a hundred years, there have been different aliyah events with the first occurring in 1882. The most recent trend includes the return of Jews to Israel from South Africa, Argentina, America, and France. Many organizations assist with aliyah by providing financial assistance. As the word gets around that there are aliyah centers, Jews by the thousands are making efforts to return to the land of their fathers.