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Aid and Resources
Using a Foreign Driver's License in Israel
  Where does one turn to on tax matters? Who provides regular medical services? How can you convert your driving license into an Israeli one? What are the traditions of Jewish holidays? Answers to these questions and many more – in this section.
 
Official bodies

Everyday life in any country entails a considerable amount of dealing with the authorities. Coming to a new country, you probably wonder where to turn to on official matters and how to benefit from state services.

The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption has complied a comprehensive guide detailing the services given by public bodies in the areas of law, welfare, civil rights, family, voluntary activity, and more. An additional online guide refers to legal procedures involved in the life cycle – birth, adoption, marriage and death.

 Practical guide to home insurance and car insurance
 Table of services offered to immigrants by various bodies
 National Insurance Benefits

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Health

Medical services are provided in Israel by four healthcare funds (Kupat Holim). It is important that you register with a healthcare fund immediately upon arriving to Israel. For your convenience, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption has put together a booklet about common major health issues in Israel.

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Welfare

The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) is Israel’s central welfare body, securing reasonable income for those in need: retired, unemployed, disabled, pensioners, single-parent families, and many more. The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption has published a guide on National Insurance allowances and services.

In the National Insurance Institute’s website you can also find detailed information on benefits you may be entitled to such as accident injury insurance, alimony, children’s insurance and others.

Additional guides from MOIA include a guide to services for the disabled and a guide for pensioners.

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Driving

In order to convert your driver’s license from abroad to an Israeli driver’s license, you need to approach the licensing bureau in your residential area. Bring the following documents:
 Conformation of vision test and medical check-up
 Your foreign driver’s license and its photocopy
 Your Israeli ID certificate (Teudat Zehut) and immigrant certificate (Teudat Oleh)

You are also required to pass a driving test of 15-20 minutes.
For further details call the Licensing Authority’s national information line: 1-700-70-43-70.

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Holidays

The Jewish calendar is full of holidays and memorial days, each with unique history, significance, and traditions celebrated to this very day throughout Israel. The Jewish Agency provides a detailed guide as well as a shorter introduction to the Jewish calendar and is festivals.

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