Arrival & First Days

Greetings all! It has been a whirlwind few days and I am very glad to be updating! We arrived early Wednesday morning in Israel. This was my first time riding the Israeli airline (El Al) and it was very nice. Fun fact, did you know the passengers sing upon landing? Very cool to feel that kind of excitement on the plane. Our plane held 70 new immigrants amongst the passengers and we were welcomed over the intercom in Hebrew and English :) There were several families, a few older couples, but mostly younger singles. So I met a few people around my age who were doing much the same thing I am!

After we got off the plane, we were whisked through passport control and then off to Misrad Ha'Klita (the office of absorption). Here we were offered drinks and food, phones to call home and inform relatives of arrival, and computers to use. One by one we were called into offices with immigration officers and given our Teudat Oleh (basically an ID given to identify you as an immigrant to receive special services). Then we signed a paper to be given health insurance (yes that's right folks, one paper and I'm fully insured, no questions asked). Then they gave me the first payment of my Sal Klita (money given over the first few months of living in Israel to help defray moving and settling costs). About 10 minutes later it was off to baggage claim where they had our bags waiting, on to meet family (Rotem's family was there to meet us with balloons :), into a free taxi and off! Whew!

It was really an amazing process... SO organized, efficient, and welcoming. Rotem's family and friends have been great and so helpful!

I will post some pictures of the travels and updates on our new apartment as we finish our move-in this weekend!

Love to all!


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Location:ביאליק,Ness Ziona,Israel