www.ujia.org.il
Founded: 1949
The UJIA Israel Ltd assists new immigrants from the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia. It has a central office in Tel Aviv, and two branch offices in Jerusalem and Karmiel..
UJIA provides, organizes and coordinates missions and visits from the United Kingdom, supervises and implements UK projects in Israel. It also coordinates all Israel Experience UK programs in Israel, operates the Galil Volunteer program as well as provides comprehensive absorption services to olim.
UJIA has pre-aliyah contact with immigrants through the relevant aliyah emissaries and through the Jewish Agency’s Aliyah and Immigration Department. New arrivals are met at the airport and may avail themselves of counseling services to ease the absorption process through individual interviews or by phone and email contact.
A special resource center for employment counseling assists in resuming preparation, work placements and a guided job-seeking process. A social worker is on hand for personal counseling. A social welfare discretionary fund grants assistance to needy immigrants. When necessary, the organization acts as an advocate on behalf of newcomers vis a vis government offices, local authorities or the army.
The UJIA advises on housing issues such as sale and rental contracts.
UJIA established Contact, a support group for new immigrants in the Tel Aviv area, and makes regular visits to immigrants in ulpans or absorption centers around the country.
UJIA volunteers also assist more needy immigrant populations such as the Ethiopians for whom they organize Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
