Aliyah glossary
Israeli forms and conversations often use Hebrew terms even in English. This glossary explains the everyday meaning without replacing the legal definition used by an authority.
UK newcomers encountering Israeli terminology
Written for people moving from the UK to Israel.
Free to read and use.
Independent and free, supported by IsraelProperty.com.
The UK-to-Israel lens
Translate the system, not your documents
Use the glossary to understand common terms used in portals, appointments and benefits.
Do not use a glossary entry as a translation of a legal or civil document.
Ask the responsible organisation what a term means for the next action in your case.
The short version
Three things to keep in view
Ask what a term means in the specific form or decision you are dealing with.
Different spellings can refer to the same Hebrew word.
A plain-English definition is not a statement of eligibility.
Aliyah and status
- Aliyah — immigration to Israel under the relevant Israeli legal and administrative route.
- Oleh / Olah — a male / female new immigrant; plural: Olim.
- Law of Return — the Israeli law forming the basis of eligibility for Aliyah, subject to official determination.
- Teudat Oleh — new immigrant certificate used in dealing with certain rights and services.
- Teudat Zehut — Israeli identity card.
- Misrad HaKlita — commonly used name for the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
Health and public services
- Kupat Cholim — health fund through which eligible residents access statutory health services.
- Bituach Leumi — Israel’s National Insurance Institute.
- Arnona — municipal tax associated with a property and local authority.
- Ulpan — organised Hebrew-language study.
- Sal Klita — conditional absorption-basket financial assistance for eligible new immigrants.
Housing, money and transport
- Va’ad Bayit — building committee and commonly the shared-building charge it collects.
- Shekel / new Israeli shekel / NIS / ILS — names and codes used for Israeli currency.
- Rav-Kav — a public-transport smart card; current ticketing methods should be checked officially.
- Mashkanta — mortgage.
- Madad — index; a contract may refer to index-linked adjustments that need explanation.
UK document terms
- Apostille — a form of authentication issued through the UK Legalisation Office for documents that qualify.
- Certified copy — a copy certified in the manner required by the recipient; the acceptable certifier varies.
- Full birth certificate — a certificate containing the complete registered details rather than a short-form version.
- DBS / ACRO — different UK criminal-record products; use the exact document requested for your process.
Sources checked for this guide
Open the official page and re-check it before a high-stakes decision. Linked services can change after our review date.
Important information: Definitions are simplified. Current law, forms and official instructions control. Read the full disclaimer.
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