Philosophy of life in Israel
The baby is not even three weeks old, but last week I went to the Israeli Interior Ministry in Gilo to take care of a few governmental issues:
- Notify the government of her name, and get it recorded as part of our National ID
- Get a copy of her birth certificate (actually two, on for me, and one translated for the US Government)
- Get her a passport
It may seem a little early to do the passport, since we have no trips planned, and I won’t even be able to get her an American passport until February 29th, (more about that later) but I have a very strong philosophy about government offices in Israel—always assume that any office you need is going on strike tomorrow.
When we first made aliyah, we had to wait an additional six months to get our driver’s licenses because the DMV was on strike…people who made aliyah the year after us had to wait months before they could receive their shipments because the port workers were on strike. So, if the government will allow me to get a passport for a two week old, I will!
As for the US Consulate in Jerusalem…they have a new “improved” system where you have to register on line to get an appointment. I tried to get an appointment back in November–way before she was born, and the soonest I could get was February 29th! I think people are hoarding appointments. There is even a gemach (Free loan association?) which collects un-needed appointments to give to other people!
NOTE: I received her passport in the mail on Sunday….I did all the paperwork on Wednesday!
VERY CUTE!!! I love your little harem! Good luck on getting Michal to sleep - (I think I saw that comment on facebook) we’re still trying to figure that one out with Erin! Shavua Tov!
Comment by rachel steinberg — January 27, 2008 @ 6:09 am
LOL, about the strike comment.
USA: I know about the on line booking, I did it for a collegue…I think it’s b/c so many don’t book in advance and end up requesting urgent appointments.
Okay.
governmental issues:
>Notify the government of her name,
Was able to do that at the hospital where I had her.
>Get a copy of her birth certificate >(actually two,
I belive with Gil, I requested it through the post office…what do we need it for though ? I still haven’t dealt with Emily’s one.
>Get her a passport
Well, she can only get an Israeli one…but i’ll wait till we have plans…though I do need to renew mine…
Comment by Orli — March 16, 2008 @ 6:18 pm