Gesher Welcoming Services Helps Newcomers Adjust to Life in Canada

Moving to a new country involves a lot of adjustment, and Jewish Federation’s Gesher Welcoming Services program helps Israelis settle into life in Metro Vancouver.

Hebrew-language gatherings like the monthly Breakfast Club for women help to foster friendships and connections that not only help newcomers find a community in their new home, but that can last a lifetime.

It’s not only social connections that are key to settling in. Newcomers have to navigate social, financial and institutional systems that can vary wildly from what they’re used to in their home country.

So in addition to social events, Gesher hosts workshops like a recent series on topics related to Canadian financial systems. Sessions covered topics including the registered savings accounts, investment options, and how to prepare your taxes. RBC representatives and a senior accountant from the community volunteered their time to present these workshops in Hebrew.

Gesher welcomes Israelis to the Lower Mainland year-round. If you’re new in town, connect with Gesher Welcoming Services on Facebook.