Klitah News - March 5, 2010
 
U.S. Consular Fees May Increase
Be advised that the United States Department of State has begun the administrative law process which may lead to significantly higher prices for consular services. The matter is under consideration in Washington, and the change in tariffs is not yet final. However, it is likely to become law, and likely to come into effect, though not before 12 March 2010. This will affect the following services - renewed passports, new passports, reports of birth abroad, adding pages to your passport, notarizing documents.
 
Applying for United States Social Security is done through teleclaim appointments by the Federal Benefits Unit of the Tel Aviv United States Embassy only.  The appointments are by telephone in the afternoon hours so that United States Government offices are open. If you are not born in the United States you may have to show your birth certificate, otherwise you do not need to send/bring documents to the Embassy.  To apply for a teleclaim appointment in order of the Federal Benefits Unit’s Preference:
  1. Email:  telavivfbu@state.gov   
  2. Fax: 03 516 5880    
  3. Call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am – 11am :  03 5197531.   
In all instances, write/leave your Name, Social Security number and your Telephone Number.  You will be called within days of your email/fax/message. However if you are not home, the FBU personnel will NOT call again.  So if you do not hear from them within a week or two, send/leave your message again.   
 
The American Citizens Services Unit of the United States Tel Aviv Embassy is coming to Sefad to give consular services on Tuesday March 9th at Livnot U’Lhibanot 17 Alkabetz Str. Old City 10am – 14:30 pm. Passports, registering births and notarial services will be available.  Payment will be in certified dollar bank checks only.  For an appointment: email: consularsvcs@pobox.com with the word appointment in the subject line. 
 
For Residents of Jerusalem the following applies to you:
 
Social Security and Other Federal Benefits :
Applying for a Social Security Benefits or Number (Card)
If you would like to apply for a social security benefits or a social security number (card), please review the following information closely.
We provide assistance to residents of our consular district which includes Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.  Residents in the Tel Aviv consular district must be served at the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.
We are open to the public for walk-in services on Monday, Tuesday (closed on Wednesday), Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  All applications must be submitted in person along with original documents, which will be returned after copies are taken.  
Applying for a Social Security Number or Original Social Security Card
All applicants over the age of 12 must appear in person.
To apply you must do the following:
1. Fill out the SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS using legible handwriting.  The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5.  Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
2. Provide Proof of Your Age (in the form of one of the following)
·         You can present your foreign birth certificate, or 
·         Your consular report of birth abroad (FS-240)
3. Provide Proof Of U.S. Citizenship (in the form of one of the following)
·         Signed, U.S. Passport 
·         Naturalization Certificate
·         Citizenship Certificate 
·         Consular Report of Birth Abroad FS-240 or FS-545
4. Provide Proof of Identification (in the form of one of the following)
·         Signed, unexpired U.S. Passport or Foreign Passport
·         Alternatively, current (non-expired) proof of identification from a recognized authority.  For adults, all identification documents without an expiration date must have been issued within past 2 years. 
·         For children, identification documents must have been issued within the past 4 years.  An immunization card, health certificate, or letter from a doctor should include the applicant’s name and date of birth.  Health Insurance or U.S. Medicaid cards must show the child’s name and either a photograph of the child or the child’s age or date of birth.
5. (If Applicable) Parents Applying for Children Under 18 Must Provide Proof of Identification 
·         Signed, unexpired U.S. or Foreign Passport
·         Drivers License
·         Israeli I.D. Card
Applying for a Replacement Social Security Card (Same Name and Number)
Available for U.S. citizens only by providing: 
·         The completed SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK letters using legible handwriting.  The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5.  Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
·         Proof of Identification as described above. 
·         Parents applying for children under 18 must also provide identification as described above.
Applying for a Social Security Card because of a Name Change (Marriage or Legal Name Change)
Available for U.S. citizens only by providing:
·         The completed SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK letters using legible handwriting.  The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5.  Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
·         Original Marriage Certificate
·         Legal Name Change Certificate
·         Proof of Identification showing the new name.  The identification must meet the criteria described above.
 
Further Information
If you do not know your social security number, please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 from the United States, or at 1-880-772-1213 from Israel, the West Bank or Gaza.  For further information, please visit: http://www.ssa.gov.
 
AACI's Counselor Available for Appointments
Yanina Musnikow, the AACI Absorption Counselor will be available for appointments on Tuesday March 16th (to give those of you who can’t come on Thursdays a chance) at the Information Center on 131 Sderot HaMeginim str.  The Center is off HaMeginim between Ben Gurion and Rothschild Blvds. a block from Lyn Medical Center.  Please confirm the appointment by email: ymusnikow@aaci.org.il or call Sundays – 09 8330959 or Wednesdays – 03 6960389. 
 
New Registration Dates for Student Authority Benefit New
There are now set deadlines for registration for the Student Authority (Minhal Hastudentim) assistance.
 
The dates are as follows:
Semester 1: Until 15th December 2010
Semester 2: Until 15th June 2010
Summer Semester: Until 15th August 2011
 
Those who miss the date will not receive the benefit.
 
It is important to come to the Student Authority prepared with all the relevant information and documentation.
 
 
 




Are you in Israel and thinking of making Aliyah?
Thinking of Israel as your home?
 
The Jewish Agency, in conjunction with The Ministry of Interior, are working together in order to help you change your status from within Israel through a personal and swift service.
 
This service includes:
* Assistance with organizing forms and documentation.
* Validating Preparation of Aliyah forms for Eligibility
* Exclusive meetings with an interior ministry representative.
* Customized absorption plan. 
* Receipt of your Israeli ID card in a special ceremony
* Personal guidance by an absorption specialist 
 
 
For more information and registration
We welcome you to contact us toll free!  
 
Oleh Service Center,
22 hours per day (Except Shabbat)
 
1-800-228-055
 
 
State of Israel Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Employment Division
Employment Referral Center for Olim
The Employment Referral Center for Olim, in conjunction with the Employment division of the Ministry of Immigrant absorption has been established in order to help Olim find suitable employment.
In order to receive assistance from a Center, it is necessary to meet the following criteria:
* New immigrant in Israel for up to 10 years
*Admissible level of Hebrew (after ulpan aleph)
*Professionals who mustn't have a license in order to practice in Israel (such as medical
  professionals, lawyers and accountants)
*Applicants who have not received any assistance in the past from a similar service

The center provides various employment services, including:
*Assistance in job–placement by professional staff
*Job-hunting workshops and professional assessment by career counselor
* Basic computer courses in Hebrew
* Hebrew improvement, especially related to employment
*Help in writing CV and preparing for job interview
You are welcome to use our technical facilities: telephone, fax, internet.
There is no charge for these services
To make an appointment or to get more information please call:
Tel Aviv      03 561 4546
Jerusalem    02 537 1186
HaSharon   09 748 2324
For application to our Center, please prepare your Israeli identity document, teudat oleh, c.v. and identity photography
AACI'S $70,000 Small Business Loan Program
AACI is pleased to be in partnership with the Koret Foundation’s Israel Economic Development Fund (KIEDF) and to have established a small business loan program for AACI members.
Loans can be for up to 5 years and for up to NIS300,000.  They can be used for either starting a new business or expanding an existing one.
 
The process begins with an applicant turning to an AACI counselor to review basic eligibility, and make the referral to KIEDF.  KIEDF will provide business consulting services including review, advice, guidance, and the preparation of a business plan for the applicant.  If it is decided to go forward with the loan, the applicant will be introduced to a bank used by KIEDF.
Assuming the bank approves the loan, AACI and KIEDF funds are used to provide bank guarantees and an interest rate subsidy for the loan.  For further details, contact your AACI counselor.
 
Business Mentoring Project
AACI is pleased to invite established professionals and business people to participate in a project of the Council of Olim Associations to mentor potential olim in their fields of business.
Volunteer mentors will become networking resources for potential olim. Correspondence with olim about their field will enable them to make informed decisions about their future business opportunities and have a smoother Klitah process. Participants will attend special events and lectures with mentors from around the world.
 
A few hours of your time can make a big impact on someone’s decision to make aliyah and give him or her an invaluable insight into the Israeli marketplace.
The Council of Olim Associations is the coordinating body of 24 member organizations whose objectives include building synergy and maximizing the capability of all the associations.
Interested? Send an email to jarbel@aaci.org.il  with the subject ‘Business Mentoring Project' and the project coordinator will be in touch with you.
 
Israel Business Connection
 
 
 
October 3 - 17, 2010
14 Night European Cruise
 
October 25, 2010. 3pm
AACI's Memorial Ceremony
 
October 28, 2010
AACI & Komen Israel Race for the Cure
 
November 12 - 17, 2010
Jewish Prague
 
January 11 - 20, 2011
Kosher Thailand
 
 
 
 
 
 
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