r/Olim

Hi everyone,

I’ll be moving to the Ye’elim Absorption Center in Be’er Sheva soon as a new olah, and I’d love to hear from people who have actually lived there or know someone who has.

What was your experience like?

I’m especially curious about:

- the rooms/apartments and their condition

- sharing the kitchen and bathroom with other residents

- cleanliness and laundry facilities

- the general atmosphere and people living there

- staff/support at the absorption center

- monthly costs and utilities

- whether the 700 NIS monthly price for a single person is accurate

- the surrounding neighborhood and supermarkets/public transport nearby

Did you generally feel comfortable living there? Is there anything you wish you had known before moving in?

Any recent experiences would be especially helpful. Thank you! :)

After a few years here I collected some things about Israeli shopping that surprised me and that no ulpan teaches:

Zikui is not a refund. When you return something, many stores give store credit on a paper slip. It looks worthless. It is real money. People lose these constantly.

Gift cards last 5 years by law. Stores sometimes print shorter dates on the card. The Consumer Protection Law says at least 5 years, and it wins.

BuyMe cards (the ones everyone gets from work) can be split across purchases, and the leftover balance stays on the card. Check it before assuming it is empty.

Loyalty clubs stack up fast here. Your kupat holim, your credit card and your workplace each sign you up for clubs with real discounts, and then nobody remembers which club works where.

What else surprised you about shopping here? Curious what I am still missing.

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Hi everyone 😊

My name is Rachel, I’m 40 years old and from Germany. I made Aliyah last week and I’m already in Israel.

Right now I’m staying in temporary accommodation in Ashdod, but I can only stay here for about two more weeks. I’m therefore looking for a room, shared apartment or sublet for a few weeks or a few months.

I’m quite flexible about the location. Tel Aviv and the surrounding area, Holon, Petah Tikva, Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva or other places with good public transportation would work for me.

I’m currently looking for a job and I also want to attend Ulpan. I’m clean, respectful, quiet and I don’t smoke. I’m really just looking for an affordable and safe place where I can stay while I get settled here.

I’m already looking in Facebook groups as well, but because my Facebook profile is new, unfortunately I can’t post in many of the groups yet.

Maybe someone here knows of a room or sublet, or knows someone I could contact. I would be very grateful for any help or recommendation 🙏

Thank you 😊

Rachel