Making aliyah is just the beginning of your journey. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies in successfully integrating into Israeli society. Social integration, or “klitah” in Hebrew, encompasses far more than learning the language; it involves building relationships, understanding cultural nuances, finding your place in the community, and creating a sense of belonging in your new homeland. This comprehensive guide explores the pathways, challenges, and strategies for successful social integration in Israel.
Understanding Social Integration: What Does Klitah Really Mean?
Klitah literally means “absorption” and is commonly used to refer to the process of helping new immigrants integrate into Israeli society. Multiple government programs and informal social systems assist olim in their gradual acclimation.
Social integration in Israel involves several interconnected dimensions:
- Language acquisition and Hebrew fluency
- Cultural adaptation to Israeli society and values
- Community building and forming social networks
- Professional integration in the Israeli workplace
- Civic participation in Israeli society
- Identity formation as an Israeli while maintaining your heritage
The Foundation: Hebrew Language Learning
The Ulpan System
Learning Hebrew is essential to an Oleh’s integration into Israeli society. It empowers and enables you to feel comfortable both in the workplace and in social settings.
What is Ulpan? An ulpan is an institute or school for the intensive study of Hebrew designed to teach adult immigrants to Israel the basic language skills of conversation, writing, and comprehension. Most ulpanim also provide instruction in the fundamentals of the culture of Israel, history, and geography.
Types of Ulpan Programs:
Government-Sponsored Public Ulpan:
- Large classes with fixed schedules
- Free for new olim through voucher system
- Available through Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
Private Ulpan:
- Small groups with convenient scheduling
- More personalized attention
- Subsidized through government vouchers for eligible olim
Specialized Programs:
- Ulpan Etzion: Founded in 1949, offers five months of intensive Hebrew study for olim from all over the world who hold college degrees
- Kibbutz Ulpan: Combines Hebrew learning with work experience
- University-based programs for academic preparation
Hebrew Learning Challenges and Solutions
The Reality Check: A government study in 2007 has shown that even after five months of intensive Hebrew study at ulpan, 60% of new immigrants over the age of 30 cannot read, write or speak Hebrew at a minimum level.
Strategies for Success:
- Pre-Aliyah Preparation: Start learning Hebrew before arriving
- Immersion Approach: Use Hebrew in daily situations
- Supplementary Learning: Combine formal ulpan with private tutoring
- Cultural Activities: Watch Israeli TV, read Hebrew children’s books, listen to Hebrew music
- Practice Partners: Find conversation partners or language exchange programs
Online and Alternative Hebrew Learning
Digital Resources:
- Hebrewbyte: Online ulpan subsidized by Misrad Haklita for 50 NIS
- Teacher Mike: Skype-based Hebrew lessons with NBN discounts
- Ulpan La-Inyan: Professional online Hebrew courses
Cultural Adaptation: Navigating Israeli Society
Understanding Israeli Culture
Key Cultural Elements to Master:
- Directness: Israelis value straightforward communication
- Informal Hierarchy: Less formal workplace structures
- Time Concepts: “Israeli time” vs. appointment punctuality
- Social Norms: Understanding personal space and social interactions
- Religious/Secular Dynamics: Navigating Israel’s diverse religious landscape
Common Cultural Challenges
For Western Immigrants:
- Adapting to more direct communication styles
- Understanding bureaucratic processes
- Navigating work-life balance differences
- Adjusting to different customer service expectations
For All Immigrants:
- Everything is different and new, and refugees often come with idealistic expectations that reality can be disappointing. It is challenging to adapt to a new home, climate, and customs.
- Balancing new culture with maintaining heritage
- Finding identity between old and new cultural identities
Strategies for Cultural Adaptation
Gradual Integration:
- Observe and Learn: Watch how Israelis interact in different settings
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on cultural norms
- Join Activities: Participate in community events and cultural activities
- Stay Open-Minded: Embrace differences rather than judging them
- Find Mentors: Connect with veteran olim who can guide you
Building Community and Social Networks
The Power of Community Support
In recent years, veteran Olim have created communities, support networks and groups throughout the country, helping new Olim overcome the difficulties of adaptation, softening their landing, and allowing for a more successful integration into Israeli society.
Types of Support Communities
English-Speaking Communities:
- AACI (Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel): Branches nationwide with social activities, professional networking, and support services
- NBN Connect: Nefesh B’Nefesh networking and job placement services
- Local Anglo Communities: Established in cities like Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Modi’in, and Tel Aviv
Professional Networks:
- Industry-specific immigrant groups
- Professional licensing support networks
- Entrepreneur and startup communities
Regional Communities:
- Neighborhood integration committees
- City-specific immigrant support groups
- Geographic community organizations (French immigrants, Russian speakers, etc.)
Creating Your Social Network
Immediate Steps:
- Join Immigrant Organizations: Connect with established support networks
- Attend Community Events: Participate in local activities and celebrations
- Volunteer: Many communities and groups have been founded in recent years by new and veteran immigrants who meet the burning need for support
- Religious/Cultural Centers: Connect through synagogues, community centers, or cultural organizations
- Sports and Hobbies: Join clubs based on your interests
Long-term Relationship Building:
- Participate in parenting groups if you have children
- Join professional associations in your field
- Engage in neighborhood activities
- Develop relationships with Israeli-born neighbors and colleagues
Workplace Integration
Professional Challenges for Olim
Credential Recognition: About 10,000 immigrants make the move to Israel each year working in fields that require licensing; and despite the fact that many of these immigrants come from advanced countries and have highly professional occupations, they are required to go through complicated licensing procedures that take a long time.
Recent Improvements: The Government approved an “unprecedented decision” to remove barriers for the employment of new olim, including removing licensing barriers and encouraging the employment of immigrants.
Workplace Integration Strategies
Professional Development:
- Understand Israeli Business Culture: Learn about hierarchy, communication styles, and work expectations
- Network Professionally: Join industry associations and attend professional events
- Language Skills: Develop professional Hebrew vocabulary in your field
- Mentorship: Find Israeli mentors in your profession
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on Israeli market trends and regulations
Support Resources:
- NBN Connect: Professional placement and career development
- Israel Tech Challenge: For high-tech professionals
- Ministry of Aliyah Programs: Professional retraining and certification assistance
Age-Specific Integration Challenges
Young Adults (18-35)
Unique Opportunities:
- Variety of residential absorption programs offer guidance on joining Israeli universities, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the workforce, as well as Hebrew ulpan and activities that help them acclimate to Israeli society
- Military service as integration pathway
- University programs with immigrant support
- Active social scenes in major cities
Integration Strategies:
- Consider specialized programs like Ulpan Etzion
- Engage in military or national service
- Join young professional networks
- Participate in university or college social activities
Families with Children
School Integration:
- Research school systems and enrollment processes
- Connect with other immigrant families
- Engage in parent-teacher associations
- Support children’s cultural adaptation
Community Building:
- Join neighborhood family groups
- Participate in children’s extracurricular activities
- Connect through parenting networks
- Engage in community volunteering
Seniors and Retirees
Specialized Programs: Ulpan for seniors includes targeted programs for elders, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that older immigrants encounter in Israel, providing a supportive and age-appropriate learning environment.
Integration Strategies:
- Join senior citizen groups and activities
- Engage in volunteer opportunities
- Participate in cultural and educational programs
- Connect with age-appropriate community centers
Overcoming Common Integration Obstacles
Language Barriers
Challenge: “Hebrew is critical for Olim. Imagine attending a parents’ meeting at your child’s school or just trying to speak with the teacher. It’s a huge difficulty.”
Solutions:
- Intensive ulpan programs
- Daily practice in real-life situations
- Language exchange partnerships
- Professional Hebrew tutoring
- Patience and persistence
Bureaucratic Navigation
Challenge: “These small bureaucratic matters can break the spirit of the new immigrant.”
Solutions:
- Connect with veteran olim for guidance
- Use professional services when necessary
- Learn step-by-step processes gradually
- Join support groups for practical advice
- Maintain patience and perspective
Cultural Isolation
Challenge: Feeling disconnected from both old and new cultures
Solutions:
- Join cultural bridge organizations
- Maintain connections to heritage while embracing Israeli culture
- Participate in multicultural events
- Find others with similar backgrounds
- Create balanced cultural identity
Professional Frustration
Challenge: Career setbacks and professional disappointment
Solutions:
- Set realistic expectations and timelines
- Invest in additional training or certification
- Build professional networks gradually
- Consider alternative career paths
- Seek career counseling and guidance
Success Stories and Best Practices
Community-Led Initiatives
“We built the support ourselves. We did not wait for anyone to build the framework for us,” explains one successful immigrant who now helps others through multiple volunteer programs.
Successful Integration Models:
- Mentor-mentee programs between veteran and new olim
- Professional networking groups by industry
- Cultural celebration events that bridge communities
- Practical workshops on Israeli life skills
- Social clubs that combine Hebrew practice with friendship
The Role of Giving Back
Many successfully integrated olim find that helping newer immigrants accelerates their own integration and creates meaningful connections to their communities.
Government and Organizational Support
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration Services
Current Improvements: “Hundreds of employees accompany them, checking where they are learning Hebrew and how, where the children are being educated, and whether they are finding suitable employment.”
Available Support:
- Hebrew language programs
- Professional licensing assistance
- Community integration programs
- Financial support for integration activities
NGO and Community Support
Major Organizations:
- Nefesh B’Nefesh: Comprehensive aliyah and integration support
- The Jewish Agency: Absorption centers and ulpan programs
- AACI: Community building and social services
- Local municipalities: Integration departments and services
Creating Your Personal Integration Plan
Phase 1: Immediate Needs (First 3 Months)
- Basic Hebrew: Start or continue ulpan immediately
- Essential Services: Set up banking, healthcare, utilities
- Initial Community: Join one immigrant support group
- Practical Skills: Learn basic bureaucratic processes
- Emergency Network: Identify people to call for help
Phase 2: Foundation Building (3-12 Months)
- Hebrew Progression: Continue language learning intensively
- Social Expansion: Join additional communities based on interests
- Professional Development: Begin career transition process
- Cultural Learning: Participate in Israeli cultural activities
- Routine Establishment: Create stable daily and weekly routines
Phase 3: Deep Integration (1-3 Years)
- Advanced Hebrew: Achieve functional fluency for work and social situations
- Career Establishment: Secure stable professional situation
- Community Leadership: Consider volunteer roles and community involvement
- Cultural Balance: Establish comfortable identity as Israeli while maintaining heritage
- Relationship Depth: Develop meaningful friendships with both olim and Israelis
Phase 4: Long-term Integration (3+ Years)
- Community Contribution: Mentor newer immigrants
- Cultural Bridge: Help others navigate integration challenges
- Professional Success: Achieve career goals in Israeli context
- Home Feeling: Develop true sense of belonging and home
- Identity Integration: Comfortable identity as Israeli
Measuring Integration Success
Personal Indicators
- Comfort level in Hebrew conversations
- Meaningful relationships with Israelis and other olim
- Professional satisfaction and security
- Cultural confidence in various Israeli settings
- Sense of belonging and home
Community Indicators
- Active participation in community activities
- Contribution to others’ integration journeys
- Involvement in Israeli civic life
- Comfortable navigation of Israeli systems
- Bridge-building between different communities
Challenges and Realistic Expectations
Common Long-term Challenges
- Maintaining connections to country of origin
- Balancing heritage culture with Israeli integration
- Dealing with ongoing bureaucratic complexities
- Managing family integration at different paces
- Economic pressures during transition period
Setting Realistic Expectations
- Integration is a gradual process taking several years
- Setbacks and frustrations are normal and temporary
- Different aspects of integration progress at different rates
- Professional integration often takes longer than social integration
- Maintaining perspective during difficult periods is crucial
The Role of Technology in Integration
Digital Integration Tools
- Hebrew learning apps and online resources
- Virtual community groups and forums
- Professional networking platforms
- Government services online portals
- Social media groups for immigrants
Building Digital Communities
- WhatsApp groups for neighborhoods and interests
- Facebook communities for immigrant support
- Professional LinkedIn networks
- Online Hebrew practice groups
- Virtual cultural events and activities
Conclusion: Building Your Israeli Life
Social integration after aliyah is both a personal journey and a community effort. Success depends on active engagement, patience with the process, realistic expectations, and willingness to both give and receive support from your new community.
“Ulpan offers housing and full support to olim, helping us deal with everything from daily challenges to getting our documents in order, all with the opportunity to meet new friends in our new country and participate in a critical Hebrew learning program to help us integrate into Israeli society.”
Remember that integration is not about losing your identity but about expanding it to include your new Israeli experience. The most successfully integrated olim often become bridges between their heritage cultures and Israeli society, enriching both communities in the process.
Your journey of social integration contributes not only to your own success and happiness but also to the multicultural tapestry that makes Israel a vibrant and diverse society. Every immigrant who successfully integrates while maintaining their unique background adds to Israel’s strength and character.
The path may be challenging, but with the right approach, support systems, and mindset, social integration can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life in Israel. Take advantage of the resources available, be patient with yourself and the process, and remember that every successfully integrated oleh before you started exactly where you are now.
Welcome home, and may your integration journey be smooth, successful, and rewarding.
For ongoing support and resources, consider connecting with Nefesh B’Nefesh, AACI, local immigrant absorption departments, and the growing network of immigrant-founded community organizations throughout Israel.