As an English speaker living in Israel life can be exciting and exhilarating! But sometimes the pressure of living within a new culture can become a little too much and we can become overwhelmed by the ‘Aliyah rollercoaster’! In any case finding help and locating resources in a foreign language and culture is difficult, but during these times of distress especially, it can become almost impossible to find the help we need.
For this reason I wanted to concentrate in one page links to useful information for the English speaker in Israel. I also list these resources on my links page, but here I will go into a little detail about what each site offers.
I would say for those who are classed as ‘olim chadashim’ or ‘toshavim chozrim’, the first port of call is to turn to one of the olim support organisations. They provide varied and excellent services, including help with finding employment and managing beaurocracy. The Ministry of Absorption will provide essential information and assistance to olim from any country as will The Jewish Agency.
Esra is a social and community organisation in the central Sharon area of Israel that was set up to help English speakers integrate into Israeli society through social, cultural, educational and civic activities. Members are also able to volunteer in its community projects.
There are a number of very helpful organisations developed specifically for immigrants from particular countries. North American and British olim can be in touch with Nefesh B’Nefesh. More specifically, Americans and Canadians can gain support from the AACI and British olim from the UJIA . South Africans can contact Telfed and Australians the ZFA .
Of course any English speaker, oleh or not, can be in touch with their embassy of consulate.
If you feel that your difficulties are more of an emotional nature than it may be important to speak with a psychologist. When looking for a psychologist you should check that they are licensed and qualified. You can check that the psychologist’s license with the Register of Israeli Psychologists. Every psychologist will be registered on this site if they are licensed. You can also check out their credentials further if they have a website or, for example, if they have a profile on the networking site: LinkedIn.
It is also important to be aware of the national support organisations. Eran provides a confidential 24-hour, 365 day a year emotional support hotline for people feeling alone, depressed or in crisis. The hotline number is 1201. There are also special departments for senior citizens, soldiers, Russian and Arabic speakers and an internet hotline for youth.
Enosh is non-profit association for Mental Health which aims to promote mental health issues, provide rehabilitation services and support during recovery from mental health problems, encourage independent living within the community and fight stigma. It offers to its members: supported housing, vocational rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, holidays in Israel and abroad, mentoring, family counseling and support and continuing education programmes.
Na’amat provides support services to women, children and families in Israel. It offers educational programmes, legal counselling, domestic violence intervention, single parent family support groups and cultural enrichment programmes. Emunah promotes religious and zionist ideals through volunteering in community projects and provides spiritual and emotional support for religious women.
The ‘Agudah’ provides individual, social and community support and information services to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (youth and adult) community and their families.
The Association of Rape Crisis Centers provides confidential, crisis-oriented assistance to victims of sexual assault and those close to them. The 24 hour crisis line number is 1202 for women and 1203 for men.
If you are having difficulty managing alcohol or drug misuse you can turn to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Sonja Lyubomirsky from the University of California has done some interesting research comparing people who describe themselves as happy or unhappy. She found that 40 per cent of our happiness is within our power to change! Lyubomirsky identified 12 scientifically robust ways in which we act and think that naturally enhance happiness. 
Dr. Lisa Law, ClinPsyD 
