Age for independant aliyah

[israelbound]

Ministries?

You stated that at the other ministries, things could be considered different concerning age. I'm going through an Israel Aliyah Center in the U.S. My Shliach recently contacted me and said that her inquires regarding my daughter who will be 17 at the time of Aliyah, resulted in them saying that they'll have to see the whole package. I'm praying that things go well. If not we'll just have to work with her dad, as much as we don't want to. As I said, she's at college level and so is quite mature and independant. This decision to make aliyah is something that all of us want and are really looking forward to the possibility. Hopefully all will go smoothly. We're making plans and arrangements for a December move.

 

[israelbound]

Age for independant aliyah

I'm posting this question because I'm confused. I read that one can make aliyah at age 17 as an adult. I also found this information inside of the Guide for the New Immigrant, which is posted on the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption website. Nefesh B'Nefesh indicated the same, but my Shliach has said yes, then maybe, then she'll find out. Perhaps someone can clairify this for me. I'm not trying to second guess, I just want verification. She's a wonderful lady, I guess I'm just anxious to find out what the facts are. This is my situation... I'm planning on making aliyah with my children from more than one parent. I have sole custody of one, and the other is 17 and really doesn't want to upset her dad, or give him the authority to make her wait until she turns 18 when she'd really like to go in 2005. My oldest and I went on a trip to Israel and fell in love with it. She has a passport, which can be obtained in the US with the signature of 1 parent after age 16. Her dad was afraid for her to go because he's freaked out by terrorist threats to Israel. Then again, he's afraid for her to drive a car and doesn't want her to drive until she's older (to give you some kind of idea about him). So, rather than put him in a position to have to condone our decision, she would like to be able to this on her own. She might be able to talk him into it, and she also might not be able to. Another reason why she would like to make aliyah before January 2006, and still at the age of 17 is because of the upcoming change in law regarding military service. After January, those immigrating at age 17 will be obligated to military service. She doesn't want to be forced to serve, but would like the option to choose once she's there and is able to make a better decision about serving in the IDF. Anyhow... any help would be greatly appreciated... Oh, and also this forum is of great help and has answered some of the questions I've had about other things. Thanks!