Bank Hapoalim, one of the largest members of the Israeli banking sector, has launched a new initiative with the Aliyah organization, Nefesh B’Nefesh, to assist new immigrants to Israel.
Nefesh B’Nefesh’s primary goal is to help Olim, providing them with services that ease the immigration process. This partnership between Bank Hapoalim employees and Nefesh B’Nefesh will help Olim exchange information, chat, share experiences and maybe find a great matzah ball restaurant, all designed to settle immigrants into their new Israeli homes.
The bank stated that Aliyah can be confusing for newcomers, but the reward of a new life and starting fresh is well worth the effort. Challenges will confront Olim, including learning a new language, finding work and working through the various tasks necessary to establish a new life.
Employees at the bank are trained to connect with new immigrants who are funneled through Nefesh B’Nefesh and into a network named Poalim4Nefesh.
The bank said Olim should consider the bank’s Poalim4Nefesh network as a welcome home initiative.
“We see this collaboration with Nefesh B’Nefesh as a unique opportunity to give back to Israeli society in the most direct way possible, by welcoming new members of Israeli society with open arms and helping them feel at home,” said Eli Cohen who is the bank’s manager of service and social responsibility and marketing at Bank Hapoalim.
Poalim4Nefesh is patterned after Facebook. Users can build personal profiles, access forums to find answers to questions and also share thoughts about their new country.
This site is designed to extend Israel’s hospitality to the newest citizens of Israel.
As for banking, new Olim opening a bank account in Israel will need to present the Teudat Zehut. In order to take advantage of any discounts offered by banks to new citizens, Olim may also need to show their Teudat Oleh.
To open an account, new customers will need the following paperwork:
1. Teudat Zehut
2. A country of origin passport
3. A check, credit card or cash to make a deposit
In return, the bank will provide:
1. A bank account number
2. Directions for banking online
3. Check books
4. A credit card application
5. Information on the bank and a beginning bank statement
If this will be a joint account, the spouse must be present. Bank accounts cannot be opened over the telephone. Checks from other countries may take three to four weeks to clear.
Bank Hapoalim was founded in 1921 and plays a major role in Israeli financial affairs. It operates 270 branches that offer full-service banking for households, corporations and small businesses.
