One of the great benefits of becoming an Israeli citizen is qualifying to get a real Israeli cell phone, as opposed to the rental i was using that was costing a small fortune. In order to get a cell phone here you have to have a bank account and in order to have a bank account you have to a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). Fortunately, i was able to take the morning off of work last week to get my TZ, so now all i needed to do was get an hour off another morning to go open my bank account.
Why would one need to take off work to go to the bank you may ask... well, like many institutions here, the banks run however they please and many of them close at 1:00 on work days, and surprisingly on Fridays, the only day that most people in this country have off that isn't during Shabbat, the Sabbath, many of these banks have the nerve to be closed. Not only is this inconveinent but in my mind it goes against all logic. So much so that this past Friday morning I was at the gym talking with some friends about plans later that day and i casually mentioned that i was going to the bank when i was done. The 2 friends i was talking to, and the woman lifting weights next to us, laughed, "The bank will be closed by the time you are done here, and thats if it was even open at all today." My plan to get something accomplished that day was clearly shot and the more i talked to different people about banking in Israel the more discouraged i became.
Something important to note about Israeli banks is that while chain banks, like Wells Fargo or B of A in America, do exist they are completely unrelated to one another in this country. So, the bank you open your account in is the bank at which you must make all your transactions. Another thing in my mind that goes against all logic. Internet banking exists, and so does direct deposit, but it is HIGHLY recommended. by every Israeli, that you open your account at a bank near your home. This is a great idea, if your a family and don't plan on moving for a long time. I on the other hand only plan on living in my current apartment for a year at the longest, and who knows where i will go after that. Thus, i chose to open my account in the city center, AKA town.
So Monday morning i got someone to cover for me at work and i headed to the bank. I arrived and felt like i walked into the year 2040. There were bright lights, flat screens on any and every flat surface, a touch screen ATM type thing that's sole purpose was to dispense numbers for waiting in line, a woman's recorded voice announcing which number was being helped at which of 25 plus windows and EVERYTHING was a bright, shiny, headache inducing white.
Since i wasn't sure which side of the bank i was supposed to be on, i opted not to take a number. It was a risky choice, cause Israelis, if they are actually choosing to follow the rules, will get in your face if you even think about cutting the line. In the end it worked out since i am female and i played the dumb, American, damsel in distress card.
A very nice woman, who spoke maybe two words of English, helped me open my account. We did the ENTIRE transaction in Hebrew. The documents they had me sign were also in Hebrew so i could have very well signed my life away but, anytime i signed near a number with a $ next to it i made sure to ask, "Ani lo tzricha leshalem et zeh, nachon?" (which roughly means, "I don't need to pay this, right?, and would be totally acceptable Hebrew if i was 4 years-old). About an hour after i walked in, i walked out of the bank with my very own Israeli bank account number and the promise that i would return in 4 days to receive my ATM card, the ATM code of their choice, and the ability to deposit money into the account.
After work that day, with the number to an empty bank account in hand I ventured into the cell phone store. If i thought i was in 2040 in the bank, i entered the year 2070 when i set foot in the Cellcom store. It was more futuristic, with more flat screens, with bubble graphics, white lacquer furniture and the same woman's recorded voice announcing numbers and windows.
I waited patiently and was helped by the nicest girls, who fortunately spoke perfect English, but for the life of her could not understand why i would leave America for "this". The first question she asked me when i sat down was, "Do you keep Shabbat?" I was stunned. I didn't know the answer. She was asking me a personal question and i was racking my brain. I must have looked perplexed because after 10 or so seconds of no response from me she explained that she was asking because they have really great phone plans for people that "keep Shabbat" or in other words, don't use the phone on Shabbat.
I have to admit, lately I've been experimenting with my religiosity. For the first time in my life I am observing the laws of Kashrut, and i have been playing around with my ideas of what i want to do on Shabbat and what I want to refrain from. Choosing to tell her that I was in fact "Shomer Shabat", or observant of the Sabbath, seemed like a perfect way for me to explore these internal issues some more.
So, YOU are now reading about the life of a proud owner of a cell phone that is Shomer Sabbat. The phone still works during Shabbat but from 8:00 pm on Friday until 4:00 pm on Saturday it is 10 shekels, roughly $2.80, a minute to use. However, incoming calls are still free. So i guess the phone is only partially "Shomer Shabbat", but either way i think it is hilarious, amazing and totally unique to this incredible country and i FREAKING LOVE IT!
Much love from the Holy Land!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Big Day...
So this past Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to experience a true right of Israeli passage... I visited the Misrad Hapnim (The Israeli Ministry of Interior), the office responsible for Citizenship, Israeli ID cards, Travel documents (passports), Birth certificates and Visas. I was going there to receive my Teudat Zehut, Israeli ID card.
My employer gave me the morning off to go on this "adventure", they told me, "see you around 1:00", since the Misrad Hapnim closes at noon on Sundays.
There are a few things that I should explain before this story continues...
First, my job. I currently work at a truly INCREDIBLE organization called "Nefesh B'Nefesh" (Jewish Souls United). Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) was founded in 2002 by one of the most fascinating, inspiring, dedicated and respectable people I have ever had the honor working with. The sole purpose of NBN is to help Jews from North America and the UK move to Israel, become citizens and live happy and successful lives in the Holy Land. Since its inception NBN has helped nearly 14,000 people fulfill their dreams of making Israel their home.
Enough with the PR... so I am a receptionist at NBN (you can call me Pam) and I freaking love it. I sit at the hub of the office answering all the calls that come into the organization's main line, over 100 a day, and greeting all the people that visit our offices, nearly 70 on any given day but often more. I have various other responsibilities and truthfully look forward to going to work everyday. I have amazing co-workers and get to work with a population that loves Israel as much as I do.
So when I had to go to Misrad Hapnim, obviously NBN understood why I had to go, how long it would take and what the process I would be going through would be like... I had been advised to bring a book and lots of patience.
Also important to share is, certain institutions in Israel don't really believe in 9 to 5. For instance, banks are open in the morning, they close for a few hours in the middle of the day and then, if your lucky, they re-open in the late afternoon for a couple hours. Government offices, like Misrad Hapnim, do something similar. They choose days to be open in the morning, like on Sundays they are open until noon, and they choose days to be open in the afternoon, like on Mondays they are open from 2:30 - 5:30, thus making everyday packed with people trying to do their business.
The story continues... so everyone at work told me to get to Misrad Hapnim at 7:00 to start waiting in line for the doors to open at 8:00. Now, if you have even been to Israel, or even a place with a lot of Israelis, you know that there is no such thing as a line. It may start out as a line but as soon as the doors open, or the bus pulls up, or the person at the window calls "next in line", it is a mad dash. Elbows are thrown, old people are knocked over, pregnant women stomp on toes to get you out of their way, all common courtesy is lost and whatever line may have been there becomes a mosh pit.
Since i am a sleeper i figured there was no point in getting there to line up in a line that was going to be irrelevant at 8:00am. I arrived at the office just as the doors were opened, pushed my way up to the front along with everyone else, and received a ticket with #10 printed on it along with a form to fill out. I was stoked to get #10, i sat down, filled out my paperwork and waited for them to call my number. I only had to sit about 20 minutes but in those 20 minutes i was reminded of one of my favorite qualities of Israel... her diversity.
Because there are so many different services provided by the Misrad Hapnim (see above) it is a complete cross section of Israeli society. There are Sabras (born Israelis), tourists, new immigrants, Jews, Arabs, old people, babies, moms with 10 kids in tow, Ethiopians, Russians, Thais, Brits, Americans, Canadians, Israelis and everyone else under the sun. As i sat there, half asleep, I partook in some of the greatest people watching of all time (Coachella is the only people watching experience I've had that rivals this one). I witnessed a son helping his elderly mother navigate the complicated system of paperwork and numbered windows. I saw an Israeli mom to a 6 or 7 month old daughter translate the form of an American mom to a 6 or 7 month old son. In that office I experienced a sense of community that I can honestly say I never felt at the DMV in the states. I'm sure my senses were heightened due to the fact that my 10 year old dream was about to become a reality, but I was truly touched by my experience the day I received my Teudat Zehut.
With my Teudah Zehut, and much love from the Holy Land.
My employer gave me the morning off to go on this "adventure", they told me, "see you around 1:00", since the Misrad Hapnim closes at noon on Sundays.
There are a few things that I should explain before this story continues...
First, my job. I currently work at a truly INCREDIBLE organization called "Nefesh B'Nefesh" (Jewish Souls United). Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) was founded in 2002 by one of the most fascinating, inspiring, dedicated and respectable people I have ever had the honor working with. The sole purpose of NBN is to help Jews from North America and the UK move to Israel, become citizens and live happy and successful lives in the Holy Land. Since its inception NBN has helped nearly 14,000 people fulfill their dreams of making Israel their home.
Enough with the PR... so I am a receptionist at NBN (you can call me Pam) and I freaking love it. I sit at the hub of the office answering all the calls that come into the organization's main line, over 100 a day, and greeting all the people that visit our offices, nearly 70 on any given day but often more. I have various other responsibilities and truthfully look forward to going to work everyday. I have amazing co-workers and get to work with a population that loves Israel as much as I do.
So when I had to go to Misrad Hapnim, obviously NBN understood why I had to go, how long it would take and what the process I would be going through would be like... I had been advised to bring a book and lots of patience.
Also important to share is, certain institutions in Israel don't really believe in 9 to 5. For instance, banks are open in the morning, they close for a few hours in the middle of the day and then, if your lucky, they re-open in the late afternoon for a couple hours. Government offices, like Misrad Hapnim, do something similar. They choose days to be open in the morning, like on Sundays they are open until noon, and they choose days to be open in the afternoon, like on Mondays they are open from 2:30 - 5:30, thus making everyday packed with people trying to do their business.
The story continues... so everyone at work told me to get to Misrad Hapnim at 7:00 to start waiting in line for the doors to open at 8:00. Now, if you have even been to Israel, or even a place with a lot of Israelis, you know that there is no such thing as a line. It may start out as a line but as soon as the doors open, or the bus pulls up, or the person at the window calls "next in line", it is a mad dash. Elbows are thrown, old people are knocked over, pregnant women stomp on toes to get you out of their way, all common courtesy is lost and whatever line may have been there becomes a mosh pit.
Since i am a sleeper i figured there was no point in getting there to line up in a line that was going to be irrelevant at 8:00am. I arrived at the office just as the doors were opened, pushed my way up to the front along with everyone else, and received a ticket with #10 printed on it along with a form to fill out. I was stoked to get #10, i sat down, filled out my paperwork and waited for them to call my number. I only had to sit about 20 minutes but in those 20 minutes i was reminded of one of my favorite qualities of Israel... her diversity.
Because there are so many different services provided by the Misrad Hapnim (see above) it is a complete cross section of Israeli society. There are Sabras (born Israelis), tourists, new immigrants, Jews, Arabs, old people, babies, moms with 10 kids in tow, Ethiopians, Russians, Thais, Brits, Americans, Canadians, Israelis and everyone else under the sun. As i sat there, half asleep, I partook in some of the greatest people watching of all time (Coachella is the only people watching experience I've had that rivals this one). I witnessed a son helping his elderly mother navigate the complicated system of paperwork and numbered windows. I saw an Israeli mom to a 6 or 7 month old daughter translate the form of an American mom to a 6 or 7 month old son. In that office I experienced a sense of community that I can honestly say I never felt at the DMV in the states. I'm sure my senses were heightened due to the fact that my 10 year old dream was about to become a reality, but I was truly touched by my experience the day I received my Teudat Zehut.
With my Teudah Zehut, and much love from the Holy Land.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Happy 60th!!!
Israel celebrates Memorial Day and Independence Day back to back. Personally, I think it is an incredible way to remember all those who sacrificed so that we could have this country to call home. At sundown on Tuesday evening, a siren sounded across the entire country signaling the start of Yom HaZikaron. There were events taking place all over the country remembering those that had lost their lives to secure our homeland. Although I did not go out that evening to attend any of these events I was fortunate that the Nature Museum, who's property backs up to the building I live in, hosted a concert that night and I was able to hear the speakers, though I have to admit I didn't understand much since it was all in Hebrew, and the music performances that lasted late in to the night.
Wednesday morning at 11:00am another siren sounded. This one lasted for 2 minutes and served as a moment of silence for all those who perished during our country's fight for independence. At 10:58am, myself and several co-workers left our desks and headed up to the roof of our office building in an attempt to not only hear the siren more clearly, but also to see all the cars on the roads stop and drivers and passengers exit their vehicles for those two minutes in remembrance of Israel's fallen soldiers and terror victims. It was a first for me and something I will never forget.
Wednesday was basically a “half-day" for the entire country since it was Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial day), which was really nice for me since I had MAJOR jet lag. Once the sun set on Wednesday the country shifted from mourning to celebrating. I had got off work at 3:00 and made my way home, took a short nap, packed and then headed off to Tel Aviv for a night of celebrating Is
rael's Independence Day and a day of continued celebration and relaxation on the beach.Eliana, Sonya and I arrived at Michalya, Eliana's sister's, apartment in the heart of Tel Aviv around 9:00pm where we dropped off our stuff and quickly made our way out to the parties. Tel Aviv was filled with street party after street party. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. Taking over entire side streets, major intersections and rooftops were hundreds and hundreds of Israelis, Americans, Russians, South Americans and who knows who else celebrating Israel's 60th birthday. Cars were not able to drive, people could barley even walk but everyone was there, with love in their hearts for this country, their home.
After several hours of party hopping we headed back home to Michalya's to get some rest for what lie ahead of us on Thursday. We woke up semi-bright and early, around 1
0:00am, quickly rallied and headed off to the beach, about a 10-minute walk from Michalya's apartment. All week we had heard planes flying overhead preparing for the much talked about Air Show that would take place all over the country on Yom Haatzmaut. The Air Show was set to begin in the very south of the country and work it’s way up all the way to the very North. Since we were sort of in the middle of the country we weren't exactly sure when to expect the planes so we tried to arrive to the beach as early as possible.After about 2 hours of 5 minute countdowns, we literally said "only 5 more minutes" about 25 times, the Air Show finally began with 2 helicopters dropping about 10 Paratroopers into the sea and them swimming up to the beach. It was great! After the paratroopers about 100 sailboats quickly filled the water... it was unreal. They were everywhere and it was a beautiful sight. The beach and Tayelet (Promenade/boardwalk) had been packed since before we arrived and the beach and filled up to
what felt like maximum capacity. There were 
hundreds of people in the water up to their knees, with hundreds more on the sand and boardwalk. When the planes finally started flying in the crowd was in awe. The lifeguards were trying to get everyone to cheer as plane after plane flew over the sea. There were older fighter planes and new ones. There were ones doing tricks, blowing smoke and even ones fueling up right above our heads. The crowd loved it!!
One of the most amazing things of the day was a plane that dropped about 15 parachuters right onto the beach. Unfortunately, it was a windy day and one the parachuters was blown a bit off course and landed on the crowd injuring himself and several people. Hopefully they will all recover and be OK.
The day was completed by a phenomenal sushi dinner, the best I have ever had in Israel, and the drive back to Jerusalem. Today, Friday, the country resumed a normal life although I hear that the celebrations will carry on all month.
All in all, it was a wonderful and special way to be welcomed back to the country that is now my home.
Much Love from the Holy Land!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
10 years in the making
It is official.... I am an ISRAELI CITIZEN! After 9 years of dreaming and a year of planning it has finally happened and I am extatic!!
I landed in Israel yesterday,monday, afternoon after a 14.4 hours flight from Los Angeles. The flight flew by adn for the first time, probably ever, I actually spoke to the people next to me and made friends with their 2 year old daughter. She was VERY entertaining and made sure to inform me every time she pooped.
Yesterday was the first time I ever flew into Israel during the day. It was such a different experience. the weather was beautiful, 80 degrees, and the the skies were clear and i could see all of Tel Aviv as we approached the run way. However, I somehow managed to miss the largest Israeli flag on the planet that was supposedly displayed perfectly for all arriving flights to see... oops.
I was greeted as i was walking off the plane by a gentleman holding sign with my name on it, also a first for me, minus the time the syran-wrap twins picked me up (love you Hirsch and Elan) and i thought it was very cool. The man greeting me was from the AACI, which i think stands for Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel but I'm totally sure, was so sweet. He whisked me through passport control and right up to the Ministry of Absorption where i received my Teudah Oleh (my documentation that states i am a new immigrant) and my first of seven payments from the Israeli government. It was all very exciting!!
After collecting my 4 ENORMOUS bags from baggage claim i exited the airport and was greeted by my good friend Eliana, with a BEAUTIFUL sign, and her future sister-in-law Tamar. It was exciting and emotional and one of the greatest feelings I have felt thus far in my life.
Three of us quickly loaded the car and headed to Eliana's younger sister, Avital's, apartment so i could shower and get changed before we head to Yoni, Eliana's fiance's, graduation from training in the Army. It was such an experience to go from walking off the plane, to becoming a citizen, to going to an Arm ceremony honoring those who defend out country. It was also special for me to get to be with Eliana, Avital and their Parents because they are very much my family here and have been involved in my entire Aliyah process from day one 10 years ago.
Following the ceremony i did something very Israeli... we went to Hooters for dinner. If you missed that i was being sarcastic. But we did go to the only Hooters in Israel to celebrate Yoni's graduation and my Aliyah.
I finally made it home just before midnight, needless to say i was EXHAUSTED, but am very, very happy to be home. My good friend Sonya is staying with me for a few days and it is nice to have the company and the help to unpack.
Next thing on the agenda is Yom HaZikaron, The day of rememberance for all the fallen soilders, tonight, which is immediataly followed by Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's independence Day and 60th birthday) the next day. Then it is back to real life and opening a bank account, getting health insurance and dealing with Israeli bureaucracy.
I had an INCREDIBLE visit in America!!! I am so happy that i got to see as many poeple as i did in that short amoint of time and was able to get in some quality time with many of you. Thank you for making an effort to see me as much as possible.
Much love from the Holy Land!!!
I landed in Israel yesterday,monday, afternoon after a 14.4 hours flight from Los Angeles. The flight flew by adn for the first time, probably ever, I actually spoke to the people next to me and made friends with their 2 year old daughter. She was VERY entertaining and made sure to inform me every time she pooped.
Yesterday was the first time I ever flew into Israel during the day. It was such a different experience. the weather was beautiful, 80 degrees, and the the skies were clear and i could see all of Tel Aviv as we approached the run way. However, I somehow managed to miss the largest Israeli flag on the planet that was supposedly displayed perfectly for all arriving flights to see... oops.
I was greeted as i was walking off the plane by a gentleman holding sign with my name on it, also a first for me, minus the time the syran-wrap twins picked me up (love you Hirsch and Elan) and i thought it was very cool. The man greeting me was from the AACI, which i think stands for Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel but I'm totally sure, was so sweet. He whisked me through passport control and right up to the Ministry of Absorption where i received my Teudah Oleh (my documentation that states i am a new immigrant) and my first of seven payments from the Israeli government. It was all very exciting!!
After collecting my 4 ENORMOUS bags from baggage claim i exited the airport and was greeted by my good friend Eliana, with a BEAUTIFUL sign, and her future sister-in-law Tamar. It was exciting and emotional and one of the greatest feelings I have felt thus far in my life.
Three of us quickly loaded the car and headed to Eliana's younger sister, Avital's, apartment so i could shower and get changed before we head to Yoni, Eliana's fiance's, graduation from training in the Army. It was such an experience to go from walking off the plane, to becoming a citizen, to going to an Arm ceremony honoring those who defend out country. It was also special for me to get to be with Eliana, Avital and their Parents because they are very much my family here and have been involved in my entire Aliyah process from day one 10 years ago.
Following the ceremony i did something very Israeli... we went to Hooters for dinner. If you missed that i was being sarcastic. But we did go to the only Hooters in Israel to celebrate Yoni's graduation and my Aliyah.
I finally made it home just before midnight, needless to say i was EXHAUSTED, but am very, very happy to be home. My good friend Sonya is staying with me for a few days and it is nice to have the company and the help to unpack.
Next thing on the agenda is Yom HaZikaron, The day of rememberance for all the fallen soilders, tonight, which is immediataly followed by Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's independence Day and 60th birthday) the next day. Then it is back to real life and opening a bank account, getting health insurance and dealing with Israeli bureaucracy.
I had an INCREDIBLE visit in America!!! I am so happy that i got to see as many poeple as i did in that short amoint of time and was able to get in some quality time with many of you. Thank you for making an effort to see me as much as possible.
Much love from the Holy Land!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)