Which regions are included in Go South?
The Go South program covers the Negev, Arava, Eilat and communities in proximity to Gaza. Major cities included in the program are Beer Sheva, Arad, Netivot, Yerucham, Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat. Click on the map image to see a detailed map of the region. For inquiries regarding whether a specific community is included, please contact:
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Who is eligible for Go South?
Participation in the Go South Program is open to Olim who would otherwise be eligible for NBN acceptance, and who have chosen to settle in the Go South region. Nefesh B’Nefesh is seeking applicants who are well-suited for settling in the South from professional, social, educational and lifestyle perspectives. Applications for the program will be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the NBN Review Committee, and will receive one of the following responses:• Full Go South NBN acceptance, with a financial grant
• Full Go South NBN acceptance for services, without a financial grant
• In limited situations, applicants may be rejected both for financial assistance and services
While Nefesh B’Nefesh will make decisions regarding an Oleh’s acceptance into the Go South Program, it cannot make any guarantees involving the Oleh’s acceptance into a community that requires an acceptance committee procedure.
Although Go South focuses on encouraging future Olim to move directly to the South, we will consider, on a limited basis, applicants who made Aliyah in the current calendar year to other areas of Israel and want to move to the South. In such cases, applicants will be eligible for Go South services including employment and community guidance.What sort of assistance can I expect to receive?
Go South participants will receive a wide range of specially-tailored services and benefits. A dedicated Go South Regional Coordinator (RKC) organizes social and educational programs and activities for Olim, as well as guiding them through the absorption process. In the first year of Aliyah, Go South Olim can expect to speak with their RKC a minimum of once a month. Go South Olim are guided through their employment search by the Go South Employment Coordinator who organizes and presents workshops to help Olim embark on their employment search - including preparing for interviews, networking assistance and getting leads on career opportunities. The coordinator meets with Olim individually as well as in groups.
Israel’s South offers employment opportunities in a wide variety of fields, including medicine, bio-tech, hi-tech, manufacturing, medical professions and the defense industry. Major employers include the Ben Gurion University, Syroka Hospital, the hotel & tourism industry, educational institutions and hi-tech companies. The South is also ripe for entrepreneurship, and there are resources available to assist those who are interested in opening a business in the area. Olim who come with strong Hebrew skills find that it is a great asset.
Is there financial assistance available?
Nefesh B’Nefesh is offering enhanced financial grants to qualified Olim who participate in the program. The grants are based on financial need as well as the Oleh’s Aliyah plan. Go South Olim must remain in the South for at least three years to vest the financial assistance. Should an Oleh leave the South but remain in Israel during the three-year period, they will be required to return 50% of the funds awarded to them. Should an Oleh move away from Israel during their first three years of Aliyah, they will be required to return 100% of the awarded funds.Should I take a pilot trip?
We strongly believe that a pilot trip is one of the most critical tools for planning your Aliyah. As such, the Go South staff will help you plan your pilot trip and meet with you when you are in Israel, focusing on your overall Go South Aliyah plan including community choice, employment potential, education and more. Olim must contact the Go South Pre-Aliyah Manager at
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in advance of their pilot trip and communicate details such as pilot trip dates and itinerary. In addition, Olim are expected to arrange a personal meeting with Go South staff members while in Israel. As the pilot trip is an important aspect of Go South Aliyah, the Oleh’s pilot trip experience is considered during the application review process. To get more information or to fill out an application
Please contact the Go South staff at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
