I received a recommendation from friends about the firm, and indeed every word is correct, a service team, professional, welcoming, a fair price for the work I requested, I am satisfied
Sveta Vashkevich
We (myself and my husband) came to Mr. Joshua Pex – for his professional advice – and we received such human warmth and caring attitude, that our hearts melted …
His attention to our details and our situation peculiarities, combined with his professionalism and knowledge, helped us to map out what needs to be done on our part: we appreciate and recommend You, Mr. Joshua!
Prima Lorenzo
I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! They deserve more then 5 stars!! They are very friendly and professional. I've got Austrian citizenship in 4 months for all family members which consists of 12 people! The entire team is very friendly and responsive. They are always answering questions and support during the process. I recommend to everyone. Was 100% satisfied.
Esty A
I had a consultation with Batya and she was very helpful. She made sure I understood all the information I needed, and was patient with me in gathering documents I needed.
Наталья Мажуга
Great lawyers Joshua Pex and Nechama and Michael Deker who really want to help you and I have very trustful relationships with them. All my cases they took they won. Thank you and let’s keep working together
Kfir Cohen
We were searching for a law firm that will be honest with us and really work hard for a satisfying result, it wasn't an easy task
We found them online; they were the only law firm from all of our searchings which were completely honest and NOT gave us just what we wanted to hear
Using them guaranteed honesty above all. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result
They really care about helping their customers without any other interest
Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result
We definitely recommend using them
Israel iluz
We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way.
We highly recommend this law firm. They proved to be reliable, efficient and pleasant to work with.
Matthias Oppliger
I have been receiving services from this Law Firm for several years now and I want to say THANK YOU to the team, especially Joshua Pex. They are doing outstanding work. The services I have received for both our Israeli non profit association but also our social business have helped us solve many issues at hand and provided solutions in complicated situations. Personally, I am grateful for support in visa issues as a foreigner living now in Israel for many years.
Schruuf
We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier.
Adi Katina
Great Team. With no doubt, this office is actually thee best-leading office in Israel. Simply put, if you want your case to win, just join them, hand in your documents, and celebrate the victory.
Kindest regards,
Adi k.
Shurouq Hajyassin
We were very satisfied with the consultation we had.
You were very straightforward with us , You tried to help us in every way you could . we really appreciate that.
And of course the fast reply we got from you on our emails and the appointment you gave us .
You deserve more than 5 stars????
Arielle Bosch
Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. They are quick to respond, engaged, and obviously top-notch lawyers. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you, Joshua and Itamar for your help with our Joint Life Application. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. I appreciate your candor and evident integrity. Hope to work with you in the future, and will send everyone I know in need of legal aid your way. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Shaltiel Devorah
Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.
TarcisioePotira Freitas
I really recommend the law office's services. The service is very professional and efficient, the price is right. I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them.
Jacob Newberry
A really excellent firm. They knew exactly how to handle my situation effectively and efficiently, and we got the result I needed without much fuss. Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help!
YK C
We had a pleasure of working with Irena Rosenberg who assisted in getting our two U.S. born children registered in Israel and supported visa process for my wife in 2021. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to move to Israel where I am originally from after living in the U.S. for over 20 years, but we had no idea how to go about securing visas before and after arriving in Israel. Irena is knowledgeable, reliable and competent lawyer who always had answers to all our questions which made us feel confident that everything would be fine with her assistance. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer.
Lauma Zariņa
This is definitely the best lawyer I know!!! very honest and super helpful he really helped me a lot dealing with immigration issues in Israel and it was very successful!
I highly recommend
David De La Rosa
Very friendly, professional, and effective, highly recommended
Dongdiet & Nellie
We are very happy with the services. Somehow they managed to translate the law lingo into language we actually understand 😉 and their outstanding YouTube videos helped us to have a better grasp of what process we had to go through. Their patience, clear explanation and experience are very valuable. It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch.
Marce Ruth St. Rey
Party time in the heart, my beloved husband received his residence after so much time of battles and faith. Gratitude, God has blessed us with wonderful beings who have accompanied us, including a "precious angel" who touched our hearts, our excellent and fantastic lawyer: Maria Chernin Dekel, sweet and wonderful human being, who has guided us and stayed On our side. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. God bless you dear Maria, you have exceeded your professional duty by containing us and collaborating with us in hard times, very hard, for that we want to thank you publicly, you are unique!!!
We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm.
Sergei m Vashkevich
We came to Mr. Joshua with so many questions (and most of all, with so many concerns and worries) …
When we explained our case to him, first of all, he calmed us down and helped us to see the big picture, which took away our fears;
Then he presented us with a detailed explanation and a few options to explore, and a timeline, how things work and necessary steps to undertake on our part,
We thank and highly recommend Mr. Joshua for showing us so much empathy, care and professionalism (!)
Andreas Kelling
We have been working with Decker, Pex & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well.
Halvor Ronning
Courteous, clear, efficient service.
Michael and Ariellah Waizman
For Advocate Joshua Pex.
We were in a devastating situation when my wife received an order from the immigration office to leave Israel within 30 days, without any explanation, after we have been married and in the process for six and a half years. We heard of Advocate Pex through a friend of a friend. We contacted Mr. Pex and he was ready to help us when he heard of our situation.
The service is amazing! Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. The advice Mr. Pex gave us was great, such as what to do, he gave useful links, and advice about which officials to contact. The price for the service was great!
The process until we received the extension for another year for my wife was not long (3 months). Things started moving once Mr. Pex came into the picture.
We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! We achieved our goal and the fear of deportation has been lifted!
Michelle Long
Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I have needed legal advice and assistance with immigration due to a complex situation of mine, and he has been extremely available and responsive, honest and clear about my route and how to proceed. Very much recommended!
Josh W-S
The firm had a quick response to my last-minute needs, they were helpful in communicating with me in English, and they fulfilled my needs in a timely fashion.
Amir Abt
The best lawyer firm I’ve had dealt with. I would like to thank Anat Levi and Ariel Galili from the Jerusalem branch for all of their efforts and patience, we could not have been Able to reach to where we are now without them
Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. I reported directly to him for various activities I performed as in intern. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. He is completely trustworthy and high caliber in his work. His partners and employees are very blessed to work with him. I am honored to know them.
Heather Lebrun
Genaan Abdelall
I cannot recommend Nechama enough! Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients is unparalleled. From the moment I reached out to her, she provided clear and concise communication, and helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease.
Throughout the entire process, Nechama went above and beyond to ensure that I was informed and comfortable with every decision. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, and was able to offer sound advice that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
What sets Nechama apart is her compassionate and empathetic approach to her clients. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and it shows in the way she handles every case.
If you are in need of a lawyer, I highly recommend Nechama.
Sophie Cooperman
Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Explained the bad clauses in the contract, and their possible consequences. Thank you for your amazing job, your professionalism, your consultation and honesty. You showed me from your experience how it can be done differently. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer.
I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger.
Yossi Montrose
Very knowledgeable and professional
Greg Olson
We highly recommend Adv. Mike Decker and have know him for many years. He has helped our family with many battles over the years. We recently received our permanent residency after 23 years in Israel. We so much appreciate Mike’s representation of us.
Gáspár Erőss
If you need to solve any complicated legal issue in Israel, don't hesitate to contact them. Otherwise you will loose hours/days/weeks with things that they can solve in minutes. They helped me to obtain my expert working visa in Israel and even after that they responded further questions and gave me advices related to administrative issues in Israel which saved me a lot of time. Irena Rosenberg and Michael Decker worked on my case, they are very professional and helpful. They will not let you down, feel free to contact them.
Stuart Safft
I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. We will be forever grateful for all of the help, guidance and support which Ariel Galili of Decker, Pex & Co. provided through this process.
I am a Jewish, 80-year-old American, and my wife is not Jewish. We had started the process on our own back in November 2020 via the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh, but soon became entangled in the delays and often-changing regulations due to Covid-19. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department.
We found Decker, Pex & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. Ariel did a superb job of leading us through the process, helping us to understand which documents were essential, which would most likely be required, and which, though included on the list of required documents, were rarely required. He helped us several times to understand what was likely and unlikely to occur as “the next step.” Helping us manage our expectations was extremely useful to us.
Besides his knowing the laws, regulations and procedures, Ariel also made us feel that he was truly interested in helping us to successfully work through this process in as smooth, timely, and frustration-free manner as possible.
My wife and I strongly recommend anyone planning to go through this process seriously consider hiring Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. and, specifically, Ariel Galili.
Morgan Jones
The team at Decker, Pex & Co have been awesome to work with in helping our US company establish banking in Israel and in providing counsel for legal needs in Israel. I highly recommend!
Paul Prince
The team of lawyers and assistants are incredibly professional. Aiming to give their clients the advice possible regarding the normative and the law of Israel. With well trained and professional secretary at the front desk to the lawyers team, I could say that I had one of the most professional services possible. I'm super glad of choosing Joshua Pex of Law office for immigration solution, lawyers to advise in my case, to me, it is remarkable.
Eden Weiss
Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.
Michael Soffer
I would like to recommend Attorney Yehuda Elcharar. He assisted both me and my company in a complex lawsuit. He handled negotiations that led to a favorable outcome much quicker than expected.
I am extremely pleased with choosing Attorney Elcharar. Many thanks also to the office team, Oz and Chaya, for their assistance throughout the entire process.
Thanks again ????
Priscilla Moses
competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended
Lilian Granovsky
I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.
lynn vonne
Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.
Dumitrascu Cristina
Best lawyer house from Israel! I couldn’t dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive it’s how a true lawyer house can be!
Working in European market and international now, I couldn’t dare to let myself wide my wings on countries unknown to me. Definitely they’ll be the lawyers representing me, my business at every international aspect and on personal development.
When you hear Decker,Pex,Ofir &Co, you hear 10+ class services, luxurious professionals, confidentiality and exclusive attention to your needs.
Alexander P Gutterman
EU PASSPORT ! Big news! Thanks to Michael Decker and the other good people at the law office, as well as to the virtue of my ancestors, the cruelty of the Inquisition, reparations issued in the Iberian Peninsula, and etc, I am delighted to be on track for Portuguese and European Union Citizenship! A truly incredible development and one which brings me deep joy.
The decision to emigrate to another country is always difficult, no less so when making aliyah to Israel. Olim (new immigrants to Israel) struggle with the Hebrew language, Israeli mentality, and the extensive bureaucracy they face in trying to arrange their legal status. However, the State of Israel encourages Jews to immigrate, and makes every effort to ensure a smooth absorption for immigrants. Accordingly, olim as entitled to many rights, including monetary benefits, Hebrew-language studies, assistance in finding employment, tax benefits, scholarships, and a subsidy for apartment rental.
Unfortunately, olim are not always aware of the rights and benefits they can receive. In this article, an Israeli immigration law expert explains olim benefits and what kind of assistance olim may need in taking advantage of their rights.
Our law offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specialize in Israeli immigration law. Attorneys from our office offer legal advice and assistance on issues such as obtaining Israeli legal status, the process of Aliyah, taking advantage of olim rights, and more.
Aliyah to Israel in 2020
In 2020, almost twice as many immigrants made Aliyah as in the preceding years. There are many reasons for this; for one, the Corona crisis, which is causing uncertainty worldwide, has convinced many diaspora Jews and those eligible to return to Israel that this is a good time to make Aliyah. In addition, the recent increase in anti-Semitic and terrorist incidents raises fears among diaspora Jews. Despite the challenges Israel faces, it is still considered an island of relative stability and security in these times.
Sadly, not all new immigrants undergo successful absorption in Israel. This stems not only from general integration difficulties, but also from inadequate familiarity with the many rights accruing to olim, as well as the means of taking advantage of these rights. Language difficulties and lack of knowledge of local laws do not make this any easier. In this article, we will describe the central rights guaranteed to olim, rights which our office assists clients to actualize.
Financial assistance for olim
Olim are provided with many forms of financial assistance. The best known of these is the “absorption basket”, which is granted to olim on their arrival to Israel. In essence, this benefit consists of payments from the government throughout the first period of residency in the country. The absorption basket is intended to help out olim until they can find work and a place to live and begin establishing themselves in Israel.
The absorption basket comprises a living allowance for 6 months, designed to be in tandem with Hebrew studies in ulpan. Olim are entitled to up to 500 hours of Hebrew language classes. The studies can be spread out over about 5 months (for daytime classes) or about 10 months (for evening classes, which enable students to work during the day). The most effective way to actualize this right is to arrange legal oleh status before arriving in Israel. This is done via Israeli representatives abroad (embassies and consuls).
What if you are entitled to the absorption basket but did not start the Aliyah process before arriving in Israel? Actualizing this right depends on residing in Israel for up to 24 consecutive months; or a cumulative total of 24 months over 3 years from the initial date of Aliyah. It is important to know that if you leave Israel while receiving the absorption basket payments, the payments cease. They are resumed only if you return to Israel within a year of your initial Aliyah. Resumption of the payments is not automatic; it requires filing a request with the Aliyah and Absorption Ministry.
Besides the absorption basket, there are a variety of other payments and rights to which olim are entitled. These include a guaranteed minimal income and a living allowance for olim who cannot support themselves by employment.
Tax benefits
Understanding that many olim are required to pay taxes in their country of origin, especially in the initial period after arriving in Israel, the government grants various tax benefits to olim. Olim are entitled to an “acclimation year”, including exemptions and benefits related to investments abroad. An additional article on our site explains the acclimation year in detail and how to take advantage of an oleh’s rights during that year.
Likewise, olim receive tax exemptions and discounts on the purchase of vehicles, as well as on importing personal articles. The law even grants tax exemption points to olim, differing depending on how long the oleh has resided in Israel. Tax exemption points are granted for up to 3.5 years.
However, new immigrants are also required to report bank accounts and assets both in Israel and in their country of origin. Israeli tax authorities track foreign bank accounts (in the U.S., for example, as reported several years ago on the web site Globus). To make sure that you comply with the above reporting requirements, it is recommended to consult with an attorney specializing in taxes and commercial law.
Assistance with living accomodations
During their first years in Israel, olim are eligible for a rent subsidy. Moreover, an oleh who purchases a home is eligible for financial assistance and a discount in taxes on the purchase. Likewise, regulations provide olim with a discount of up to 90% on municipal property taxes (arnona). This discount must be arranged through the property tax department of the municipality where the oleh resides. If an oleh is refused this discount, or given a discount which is less than the one to which they are entitled, such a decision can be appealed – first to the local authority, and in some cases even to the regional administration of the Interior Ministry and the Administrative Affairs Court. For detailed information on filing an appeal regarding municipal property taxes, see this article on our website.
Pension and rights for olim over the age of 60
Many Aliyah applicants decide to move to Israel at an advanced age. This is particularly true now, as the Corona crisis has caused Israelis to bring elderly relatives from abroad who would otherwise be forced into Isolation. Note that even if an oleh is not eligible for an old-age pension from National Insurance, they may be entitled to receive a special pension granted to olim of retirement age.
Even if an oleh is not eligible for an Israeli pension, they are likely eligible for various benefits from the National Insurance system (Bituach Leumi). For example: weekly hours of assistance from National Insurance, assistance from welfare services for dental treatments, a grant for the cost of heating, and more. There are even special grants for Holocaust survivors (including for those who made Aliyah at an older age), administered by the municipality where they live. All these benefits for the elderly are in addition to the above benefits to which all olim are entitled..
Rights and benefits for children and lone soldiers
Families who make Aliyah with children are entitled to a child subsidy provided by National Insurance. They are also entitled to educational assistance for children who are olim. The Olim Student Branch of the Education Ministry runs a program called “Olim children learning” (known by the acronym “Yael” in Hebrew). The program addresses the needs of elementary school aged Olim, offering remedial assistance in language enrichment, study skills, etc.
There are a variety of additional benefits and entitlements reserved for lone soldiers (those who immigrated without their family while of age to serve in the IDF). First, lone soldiers are entitled to a monthly monetary grant from the IDF. There’s an additional monthly grant from the Ministry of Absorption for lone soldiers who have made Aliyah less than 5 years ago. For Ethiopian Olim, said grant is up to 15 years from the date of their immigration.
In addition, there is entitlement to a subsidy of rent expenses and housing maintenance paid by the IDF. The Ministry of Construction and Housing also offers participation in rent expenses, in addition to the assistance by the IDF. Apart from all these, there are unique benefits for lone soldiers; such as a long annual vacation for a family visit abroad, referral to adoptive families around the country (who host lone soldiers on vacations), and so on.
Additional rights and benefits
In addition to the rights described above, olim have access to many additional benefits, such as; health insurance and reduced fees to the health funds; scholarships; professional training; and assistance in finding employment. The latter is provided via the employment centers of the Aliyah and Absorption Ministry, scattered throughout the country. Note that if someone starts the Aliyah process while still in the country of origin, they can apply for many of the above benefits before arriving in the country. If you encounter any difficulties in determining your eligibility for a certain benefit, or in obtaining it, it is recommended to consult with an attorney specializing in immigration law, with experience helping olim actualize their rights.
Legal assistance and counseling regarding making Aliyah and taking advantage of olim rights
If you have a question or if you need assistance in actualizing your rights as a new immigrant, you can contact our law offices specializing in Israeli immigration law. The attorneys in our office have extensive experience in providing olim with legal representation before the various government authorities and courts regarding realization of their rights. You can contact an attorney from our office via the telephone numbers or email address below.
Sadly, not all new immigrants undergo successful absorption in Israel. This stems not only from general integration difficulties, but also from inadequate familiarity with the many rights accruing to olim, as well as the means of taking advantage of these rights. Language difficulties and lack of knowledge of local laws do not make this any easier. In this article, we will describe the central rights guaranteed to olim, rights which our office assists clients to actualize.
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