Local Assistance

Through the Zichron Yaakov Municipality’s Social Services Department and the Israel Ministry of Absorption, and through our partners, a variety of supports is available to Olim.  English-speakers should check back on this web site periodically, and join the Five Towns list serve and relevant Facebook pages (See Electronic Pages in this site).  

Naomi Brickner, Olim Project Director, works in partnerships with the Ministry of Absorption and the Zichron Yaakov Municipal Social Service Department, assists potential and new Olim with information and many forms of assistance, including navigating bureaucracy and government offices.  naomib@zy1882.co.il & 050-310-2290 (8:30-12:30).

If you wish to schedule a personal meeting with Alan Glezier, your regional absorption counselor, or a phone call, you can do so via myVisit website or app.

An online application- via the personal account

myVisit website – to schedule an appointment online

MyVisit app – to download the app: App store  Google Play

Heidi Goldsmith, the Municipality Social Services Department Liaison to the English-speaking Olim organizes informational and cultural/ community-building events, supports, and provides overall advice to Olim, as well as running the KEF Club for English-speakers ages 55+. heidig.zichron@gmail.com 

Rachel Ozick, Zichron Yaakov Department of Social Services Social Worker (native English speaker), oversees Olim projects and staff.  rachelo@zy1882.co.il 

National Organizations

AACI (Association of Canadians and Americans in Israel) Yanina Musnikow of AACI (Association of Canadians and Americans in Israel, but they help everyone once they join) at  ymusnikow@aaci.org.il

ESRA (English Speaking Residents in Israel)  Local contact: Lucille Cohen lumco2@gmail.com

Nefesh B'Nefesh   www.nbn.org.il

ULPAN (Hebrew lessons) in or near Zichron Yaakov:

INTENSIVE ULPAN IN HADERA, Sponsored by the Ministry of Absorption, for Olim up to 10 years in the country. No charge.  Only for eligible Olim Hadashim. Level Aleph (Beginners).  This course is intensive:  500 hours total:  5 months, 5 days a week; Level Aleph, heavily subsidized.  Mornings 8- 12:30, or evenings 5:30 – 9 pm 3 days a week. One needs a referral from the Ministry.  

INTENSIVE ULPAN AT KIBBUTZ MAAGAN MICHAEL, For young adults (late teens, early 20’s, with occasional exceptions)  5 months, Levels Aleph through Daled; higher enrichment also available    Contact:  052.3784550

ULPAN VEAHAVTA, Open to everyone, 2 mornings a week for 1.5 hours each lesson.  Learning in small groups, according to Hebrew levels.  Fee.  Takes place in friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Kehillat Veahavta (Masorti synagogue), located at the Shmura Commercial Center, Zichron Yaakov (next to Spin Plus), on the second floor (there is an elevator).  For more information contact Sigal at 052.865.5504 or sigalson@gmail.com

HEBREW READING AND SPEAKING at the Matnas (Zamarin Community Center) once a week in the afternoon.  Also, Sunday mornings in small groups.  Free.  Contact Zamarin Community Center:  http://www.zamarin.org.il/