Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel

Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) is a non-profit organization of American and Canadian Jews who have made Aliyah to Israel.[1] AACI is a resource center for Israel's English speaking population. AACI assists its members with all facets of Aliyah and absorption into Israeli society. AACI has 5 branches throughout the country that offer absorption counseling services and social and cultural programs. AACI is funded mainly by program and membership fees along with donations.[2][3]

History

AACI was established in 1951. It runs numerous programs for the benefit of English-speaking immigrants from North America. In 1957, it sponsored housing projects for immigrants from the West in Kfar HaRoeh, Holon and Herzliya Pituah.[4] Another area of activity is consumer protection. In the 1970s, AACI organized appeals to the U.S. State Department to enable immigrants from America to retain their citizenship. It developed an English tutoring program to assist new immigrants from Russia and Ethiopia, launched a campaign for anti-smoking legislation and lobbied for the inclusion of immigrants over the age of 60 in the National Health Insurance Law.[5] In the past decade, it has launched public awareness campaigns to eliminate smoking in public areas and encourage the use of bicycle helmets. It lobbied for the inclusion of immigrants over 60 in the National Health Insurance Law and the inclusion of Western immigrants in basket of services granted to new immigrants. AACI initiated the construction of "Nofim," the first assisted living facility in Israel, which became the standard model for all assisted living facilities throughout the country.

In response to the dire need for housing shortly after the country's founding, AACI sponsored housing projects in 1957 for Western immigrants in Kfar HaRoeh, Holon and Herzliya Pituah. In 1958, AACI sponsored the first cooperative housing project in Nayot, Jerusalem. Other building projects include the area in French Hill, now known as "Tsameret Habira."

Marking the AACI's fiftieth anniversary, 21 American and Canadian immigrants were honored at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.[6]

AACI Programs

Aliyah Counseling

AACI has a target population of over 300,000 North American and English-speaking Israelis as well as all potential immigrants to Israel from North America. AACI counselors provide the needed services for both newly arriving Olim and Olim who have been in Israel for a longer time period to have a successful Aliyah experience. AACI is committed to assisting Olim in achieving successful klitah (absorption) through counseling, employment assistance, mortgage and emergency loan assistance, and social welfare and related services. AACI addresses the issues that impact the lives of our members and their quality of life in Israel. In doing so, the AACI has become the preeminent voice of Israel's English speaking community.

Employment

One of the most crucial measures of success in the Aliyah process is the ability for immigrants to find appropriate work. Out of the array of absorption services that AACI offers, the single largest demand from its members is for its employment services. English-speaking jobs seekers – both new and not-so-new immigrants – need one-on-one counseling, adaptation of their resumes to the Israel job market, knowledge of available jobs, seminars and workshops with experts, networking opportunities and more to make their lives in Israel a success. The ability of AACI to provide these client-focused levels of service is critically important to the Aliyah success of many English speaking immigrants.

Culture

AACI offers a large array of country-wide tours, art exhibits, and organized trips to music and theater productions as well as numerous library services throughout the country. The Jerusalem branch's new program center, the Dr. Max & Gianna Glassman Family Center, with a 200-seat auditorium an additional program rooms, can host a wide range of events.

Libraries

AACI hosts an English lending library, a library for the Visually Impaired, a DVD library and media club at its Jerusalem headquarters. The AACI English Language Library for the Visually Impaired and Homebound is the only one of its kind serving all of Israel. This volunteer-run English language library provides a crucial service for people who suffer from vision disabilities of all ages.

Memorial Program
AACI Memorial Forest plaque

AACI hosts an annual memorial service in honor of Americans and Canadians who have fallen in the service of the State of Israel or as victims of terrorist attacks. The memorial to over 300 people takes place at the AACI Memorial Forest, near Sha'ar Hagai. AACI believes it is an obligation to remember and honor those from the North American Jewish community who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure the existence of a Jewish State. The Memorial also educates the next generation of English speaking Jews about the heroism of those who have fallen.

Kosher Travel

AACI offers kosher international trips throughout the year, ranging from African safaris, cruises to Italy, and tours through the Baltics. Local trips throughout Israel include study and seminar weekends to Israel's most interesting historical sites.

Rusty Mike

AACI's Rusty Mike Radio Internet radio station was established in 2009. Operating out of Jerusalem, this English-language, community-based radio educates, informs, entertains, and connects people to Israel through discussion about the realities and practicalities of day-to-day life. The station takes no political or religious position, but rather informs its audience on the range of views that make up debate in the Israeli media. People in Israel and around the world tune in to hear discussions about culture, sports, health care, legal rights, employment opportunities, women's issues, road safety, and music. Listeners are entertained and get to know the real Israel by hearing from the people of Israel.

Awards and recognition

In 1990, the AACI received the Knesset Award for Improving the Quality of Life in Israel.[7]

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References
  1. "AACI - Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel". All Rights (Kol-Zchut) (in Hebrew). January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  2. Hoffman, Gil (December 14, 2017). "MKs scold ministries for mistreating Anglo immigrants". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  3. Richler, Jennifer (April 17, 2012). "Israeli Agencies Try to Keep New Arrivals From Leaving the Country". Tablet Magazine. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  4. AACI to ramp up advocacy efforts
  5. AACI to ramp up advocacy efforts
  6. AACI Honored, Haaretz
  7. AACI to ramp up advocacy efforts
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