These days, Chaim V’Chessed has been growing at phenomenal speed. From our expanded medical services staff to the influx of phone calls and emails we receive each day, from our new contacts and soon-to-be-released projects, we are constantly busy making sure that our service gets better and better. Believe it or not, even though February is the shortest month, it has still broken the record for the month with most new cases so far! Here’s a peek into some of what we have been busy with this month.
Beitar Special Education Fair
Our Special Education directors, Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum and Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim, were featured at a fair for parents of children with special needs in Beitar. Their presentation guided dozens of mothers on how to make the most of what is available within Israel’s special education system.
Legal Update With Dikla Hadari, Adv.
In a meeting with Adv. Dikla Hadari, a highly respected Jerusalem attorney, the Chaim V’Chessed staff was appraised of the latest legal developments concerning foreigners.
One important change that Adv. Hadari shared is the recent reduction in Mas Shevach, the capital gains tax owed after selling a property, for foreigners. According to a new regulation, foreign residents of Israel who do not own property outside Israel will now pay the same amount of this tax as Israeli citizens.
Mesila Features Rabbi Paysach Freedman
Mesila is an acclaimed organization that guides families toward financial stability. As part of their newly expanded outreach to the English-speaking community in Israel, Mesila invited Rabbi Paysach Freedman, CEO of Chaim V’Chessed, to share insights with their guides-in-training. Rabbi Freedman advised Mesila’s trainees on little-known benefits and tips on accessing government aid, which English-speakers in Israel are often unaware of.
Misrad Hapnim To Issue Five-Year Student Visas
Many English-speaking residents of Israel hold student visas. These have typically been granted for only two or three years at a time, and having to renew them is often a real headache! As of mid-February 2017, the Interior Ministry has just overhauled the rules for student visas. Now, eligible foreign students may be granted student visas for up to five years at a time. On behalf of the English speaking community in Israel, Chaim V’Chessed reached out to Aryeh Deri, Minister of the Interior, to thank him for his efforts that will surely benefit many.