“When an individual wants to make aliyah,” says Jonathan Davis, head of Reichman University’s Raphael Recanati International School, “and they’re seeking my advice, I tell them to make a list of assets and a list of liabilities. I tell them, ‘Write down all of the points in favor of aliyah on one side of the page, and write down all the liabilities on the other side of the page. Be honest with yourself so that you make the right decision.’”
The numbers indicate that the balance sheet among Reichman University’s international students tilts heavily in favor of aliyah. The Raphael Recanati International School numbers some 2,500 students from 90 countries, and between 50% and 60% of those students will make aliyah, says Davis. During their three years of study at the university, students have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Israeli life and weigh the pros and cons of living in Israel before making a decision. “They have to fend for themselves here during these three years, on a social basis, in security situations, with Israeli bureaucracy, and with the medical system. To a great extent, this is a type of extended absorption center,” he says wryly.
Students at the International School can improve their Hebrew by studying in the university’s ulpan programs and socialize with their Israel-born peers through a wide range of programs, clubs, sports competitions, and social events. “They have a chance to integrate here socially and get to know who Israelis are,” Davis explains. He points out that international students at Reichman comprise 30% of the student body, meaning that for every international student, there are three Israeli students. International students find it easy to blend in and feel at home with native Israelis on campus, and forge lifelong friendships.
One of Reichman University’s most favorable assets on the aliyah balance sheet is its unabashedly Zionist nature. The fact that Yom Hazikaron and Yom HaShoah are fully observed on campus, and that Hatikvah is sung at the end of every school ceremony, makes a positive impact on students.
As students in the International School edge closer to completing their undergraduate studies, they realize that they can find employment in Israel after graduation, and often begin to view aliyah as a realistic option. Davis explains that Reichman has a career placement office on campus for those seeking employment in Israel. The office assists them in creating their CVs, prepares them for interviews, and networks with Reichman alumni to support their job searches.
The university assists international students grappling with the daily grind of Israeli life, helping them navigate the difficulties that inevitably arise. “We’ve hired experts in aliyah and immigrant absorption (klitah),” says Davis. “They can take a student by the hand through the Israeli maze of bureaucracy of what they need to do to make aliyah. Over the years, we’ve made connections in different ministries and throughout Israeli bureaucracy that allow us to help these kids. Because we make it so much easier and because we also introduce these people to Israeli society, their likelihood of being successful here is probably higher.”
Reichman’s team of experts assists in acculturating students to Israel, helps them with technical and legal issues, and even provides guidance to students interested in joining the IDF. “We make sure that they know what they’re getting into, and we’re here to provide them with the tender, loving care that they wouldn’t get if they simply walked into an IDF recruitment office,” he relates, adding that Reichman conducts a workshop at the end of the school year for students interested in joining the IDF that is staffed by key IDF personnel.
Davis adds that Reichman University has some 350 lone soldiers among its student population. Professors are attentive to their needs, as well as the needs of both prospective and new immigrants. “In order to teach here, faculty members must teach in a Zionist atmosphere,” he says. “They can be left-wing Zionists, centrist Zionists, or right-wing Zionists. The common denominator of those different shades of Zionism is that each one of them is willing to sacrifice in defending the Jewish and democratic state from those who wish to destroy our country and everything we stand for.”
Concluding his remarks, Davis says, “We encourage those who want to make aliyah, and we’ll help them to the best of our ability.” Nevertheless, the university does not view aliyah as the school’s ultimate goal. “If you don’t make aliyah, you are not a failure,” he says emphatically. “When you return to your home country, you’re going to be a future ambassador for the State of Israel.”
This article was written in cooperation with Reichman University.