Thursday 11 April 2013

Changing Internet and Other Service Providers in Israel


It seems that today we are all connecting to each other through a variety of ways - from using the Internet on our computers to connecting via smartphones. It is the "carrier" or "agent" who takes our "information" from one location to another. Better yet, or more commonly, we call that carrier a Service Provider.

If you're in Israel, you'll notice a host of service providers eager for your sign-up! Once you're in, they'll want to keep you forever. You'll be set up on a debit order or a recurring debit on your credit card once a month. With that comes their authority to simply debit you whenever they want, with whatever amount they want(!) It's hard to believe it, but this is true. This post will tell about our own personal experience and then tell you just how to get out of your current deal if you're not entirely satisfied, and how to break free into a whole new life with someone you feel may be more trustworthy.

Recently I noticed another change in my Smile (Internet Service Provider) debit amount. Actually I have been connected with them for years. Have I felt personally satisfied with them all this time? I'm not entirely sure. I had joined them when they were still known as "Zahav." Actually Smile was another separate company - as far as I understand - and Zahav then merged into Smile. It seems that our original agreement with Zahav (which was working nicely,) was terminated, and we never again got back to that wonderful agreement. Since then, I've found my own connection (especially in recent months) to have slowed down tremendously with no reasonable explanation on their part. I've called once before to cancel, but they "suckered" me in to a new and "better" deal, which service providers here are fond of doing. I stayed on, but noticed the deal wasn't quite what they said, and within a few months, my credit card was slowly being debited with a higher amount yet again! I still stayed, as "holding on" while I listen to the same music for an hour at a time just isn't worth the few extra shekels added each month. 

After the amount continued to climb, I called in again, totally frustrated at their apparent permit to simply debit me with whatever amount they wanted to. The service provider checked out that I had been with them for some time, and offered me 20 shekel off the original amount. Okay - so I stayed! Incidentally they called the next day to find out if they had given me good service. When one asks the day after the discount - one can only assume it was good. But when the monthly amount was debited, they had taken off only 5 shekel! They had not kept their word, and I had had enough of their inefficiency. 

I called to complain concerning their two-faced approach to keeping clients - and I did indeed wait for over half an hour, only to hang up after not receiving a response. I called again a little later hoping things would move faster. Unfortunately I waited an hour - literally - for service. When I told the representative I was disappointed with their service (and about to explain what I wanted now) she immediately hung up. I was livid!

Later we did actually manage to contact someone who did not hang up - but refused outright to ut us through to a manager or cancel our account - instead offering us her special deals. Threats of any kind make no impression on such people. Once you're on their books being debited monthly, you may well remain that way forever unless...

We did our checking into some other service providers, and have selected a provider that we feel will give better service. For those interested in seeing a list of providers, do see the Israel Science and Technology page of Internet Service Providers. What caught my eye especially was the line that follows immediately underneath the list. Do check it out, and you'll understand what I mean! I wished I had seen this sooner!

The new provider we called answered the phone within a short period of time, spoke English, and explained how their offerings work and how easy it was to join. We went online, joined up within 5 minutes, and made the change to the new provider. This was a far cry to what I had experienced with Smile. When I went online with the new provider, something else changed drastically! The speed of the Internet! It seems that my previous connection was indeed kept down mysteriously by Smile - though I cannot understand this, and they will obviously not explain!

NETEK - DISCONNECT ME!!!

The problem of disconnecting the previous provider still remained. It was just at this point (before formally making the change) that we found out about a terrific service called Netek ("Disconnect") which does all the work for you! There's no need to lose hope or even talk to a provider to do the work for you - and best of all, it's free!

On the site, you'll see a list of Israel's service providers and be able to select the provider you'd like to disconnect from. After just three easy steps, they will fax a legal document to the provider concerned informing them that you wish to be formally removed (including the monthly debit on the credit card of course!) and warning them of the legal consequences should they not respond within three days! GREAT! It's clean, no mess, no fuss and keeps everyone away from the need to shout, speak to "managers" or lose hope that you'll be stuck with your old provider for ever! Indeed, the law in Israel today is that a service provider must disconnect you at your request. The concept of lengthy contracts no longer applies, and it is your right to choose to change over to someone more suited - whenever you'd like to!

Of course, my experience with Smile is just that - it's mine. You may well be getting great service from them. But as for me, the frustration of staying with this provider with the constant change of terms and prices (without notice) was beyond honest (and perhaps even illegal!) 

It's been quite an experience, but I've gained much! If you find you're not satisfied with your provider, send a powerful and strong message to them using this service. Disconnect! Find someone better - and encourage proper honest service in Israel. That's what we need, and it's time we stand up for our rights!

Thursday 14 February 2013

Mishloach Manos to Israel this Purim

               Post written by Azriel Winnett
 
Do you have good friends and neighbors who deserve only top quality products in their Mishloach
Manos packages this Purim? And of course, they must be attractively wrapped and presented, as befits people of their standing. That’s a given! Another is that, great value notwithstanding, the prices mustn’t overstretch your pocketbook.

Sounds good, you say, but the big problem is, who has the time nowadays to run around searching for suitable food products, and then return home to the laborious task of wrapping the parcels nicely? Certainly not you! Moreover, your problems may be only starting, for on an exciting day that passes only too quickly, how will you get all the finished items into the hands of your friends, some of whom may even be living in another town?

With Purim drawing near, is it time to start panicking? No. not at all! Chesed Ve’Emet, Betar Illit’s own tzedakah and chesed organization, offers a range of highly attractive packages filled with mouth-watering goodies. Besides, your purchase will carry with it a very important bonus. It will be helping to support the Bayit Chadash program, which assists young disadvantaged engaged and newly-married couples to set up a Jewish home. Some of the young people helped up to this point would have simply been unable to marry without Bayit Chadash’s support.

All food products in the various Mishloach Manos packages carry the hechsher of Bedatz Eida Chareidis. If you live in Betar Illit or environs, or are able to visit, you can come to select and collect your package(s) personally. Alternatively, for a small fee, your packages will be delivered on your behalf anywhere in Israel on Purim day (or Shushan Purim in Jerusalem),

Here are sample descriptions of just two of our popular packages:

*A Classic Mishloach Manos basket. This Purim gift contains a packet of biscuits, a packet of crisps, 2 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, a packet of coated peanuts, a packet of sweets, two mini chocolates and 2 chocolate coins. It is packaged in clear cellophane plastic with purple flowers on and an attractive bow. Includes a personalized handmade card with name of recipient. Requests for design are an option.

* A glass rectangular dish with two matching white mugs with green stripes. The mugs are filled
with chocolate coated waferbiscuit and a packet of nuts. There is a small jar of Nescafe coffee and 4 chocolate coins. This Purim gift is attractively packaged in clear cellophane with a bow.

For more Mishloach Manos options and more details please visit: 


Act NOW and avoid disappointment! Please email to secure the packages of your choice and request further information.

A freilichin and uplifting Purim to all! May we merit to witness the final Geulah very soon.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Mishloach Manos 5773 - 2

 
We are happy to display more Mishloach Manos. As posted previously, All ingredients of our Mishloach Manos are Bedatz Eida HaCharedi the most widely accepted Heksher. All food items are specifically kept in their original wrapping so that the Kashrut is easily recognisable. The containers are all brand new and have not been Toyvelled as yet.


This Mishloach Manos is a full basket of goodies. It contains a new dishcloth, a bottle of red wine, a packet of pasta, a packet of roasted pasta, 2 tins of chickpeas, a tin of pineapple, a small jar of Nescafe coffee, a packet of chips, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, several chocolate coins. It has been packaged with clear celophane, a ribbon and silver crowns for a bit of fun.

It is selling for ONLY ₪180. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40



This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a calming green ceramic dish. It contains a packet of biscutis, a small bottle of red wine, a packet of Bamba, a packet of chips, a packet of sweets, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, 2 peanut brittle. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪69. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40



This Mishloach Manos is prepared in an oval Nikel dish. It contains a small bottle of grape juice, a packet of chips, a packet of Bamba, mini Halva, mini chocolate, peanut brittle, chocolate coins and a packet of nuts. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪68. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40



This Mishloach Manos is also on an oval Nikel dish but smaller than the one above it. It contains a small bottle of red wine, 3 mini Halva, 2 mini chocolate, 2 mini peanut brittle. 
It is standing on the box it came in, wrapped for effect but providing the opportunity to store in its original box. As with the other Mishloach Manos it is packaged and ready to go, except for the card which awaits your message. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪61. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40



This Mishloach Manos is prepared on a glass platter with a salt and pepper shaker set. It contains a packet of biscuits, 2 mini Halva, 2 packets of sweets, with chocolates peeping out from behind the sweets. It is attractively packaged and ready to go.

It is selling for ONLY ₪63. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

Here is an example of a packaged gift. It is prepared on a white china dish and contains a packet of chips, a packet of biscuits, 2 chocolate coated waifers, 1 packet of sweets, 1 small packet of nuts, 3 chocolate coins.

It is selling for ONLY ₪50. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

We have more Mishloach Manos being prepared, so do stop by again or be in touch if your needs have not been met in our two posts, thus far. All containers provide the opportunity to give a lasting gift of an item needed in most Jewish homes.

If you would like, we can add into any of these or other Mishloach Manos any of the following:
a mini Perek Shira, a Brachah card for Hafrashat Challah, a mini glass. These are $1.50 each in addition to the Mishloach Manos.

For $2 we can add a braided Havdala candle or a set of 2 white or coloured candles.

For those sending a Mishloach Manos to a Sem Girl, why not add one of Lori's lipsticks or lipliners from FaceFacts by Lori. We sell them at greatly reduced price as part of raising funds for our Bayit Chadash Gemach, with Lori's permission. You can select the colour from the colour chart on Lori's website and let us know which one to add into the Mishloach Manos.

Or select from one of our stunning Fridge Magnets (or the full set). They sell for ₪10 each or for the set as listed on the blog.

Please email us to place your order or to make a time to purchase from us in person. All Mishloach Manos need to be paid for a week prior to Purim.

The Outcomes of Applying for Help - Bituach Leumi

Someone came to our blog wanting to know the outcomes of applying for help through Bituach Leumi. There are some who know the system and have what is called "Protexia" i.e. the right contacts, who manage to obtain benefits from Bituach Leumi. There are some organizations set up to assist with this too. I do not know them but you can try contacting places like AACI or Nefesh b'Nefesh to ask if they have information on how to claim and be successful.

Personally, my outcome was a lot of wasted time, frustration and heartache from being embarrassed and humiliated. I never obtained benefits from having had a work injury and having to rehabilitate myself due to not having benefits or appropriate referrals. I did not receive unemployment benefit either.

It is like everything in Israel, Hashgachah Pratis, Divine Intervention. If you have the right contacts and Hashem is in agreement, in theory, there are a range of situations where Bituach Leumi assists. If you do not have the right contacts and / or Hashem is not in agreement, it ends in wasted energy, heartache and no benefits.

Hatzlachah. Pray hard for a favourable outcome and remember, if prayer works, don't settle for asking for benefits ask for all your needs to be covered and all Am Yisrael to live in all of Eretz Yisrael without the need for any others to assist, but only assistance from Shamayim. May we merit the Rebuilt Yerushalayim and our Righteous Redeemer, a time when there will be revealed good and enough for everyone.

Monday 11 February 2013

Mishloach Manos 5773


A Classic Mishloach Manos basket. This Purim gift contains a packet of biscuits, a packet of crisps, 2 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, a packet of coated peanuts, a packet of sweets, two mini chocolates and 2 chocolate coins. It is packaged in clear celophane plastic with purple flowers on and an attractive bow. The card will be attached once we know who it is going to and if needing delivery the address. Cards are handmade a requests for design are an option.

All ingredients of our Mishloach Manos are Bedatz Eida HaCharedi the most widely accepted Heksher. All food items are specifically kept in their original wrapping so that the Kashrut is easily recognisable. The containers are all brand new and have not been Toyvelled as yet. 

This Mishloach Manos is selling for ₪48. The Mishloach Manos and can be collected from us or we can deliver within Eretz Yisrael for a delivery fee of ₪40.

This lovely Mishloach Manos contains: a glass rectangular dish with two matching white mugs with green stripes. The mugs rae filled with a chocolate coated waifer biscuit and a packet of nuts. There is a small jar of Nescafe coffee and 4 chocolate coins. This Purim gift is attractively packaged in clear celophane with a bow. Aside from the card with your message on, this Mishloach Manos is ready to go.

It is selling for ONLY ₪65. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a cream, oval ceramic dish. It conatins a box of Lipton tea, a packet of biscuits, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, 2 packets of sweets and 3 chocolate coins. This gift is attractively packaged as the others and awaits it's card. Aside from the card it is good to go.

It is selling for ONLY ₪69. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40




This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a set of two matching white dishes with a blue check and floral design. It contains a mini bottle of grape juice, 2 mini Halva, 2 peanut brittle, a small packet of sweets and is attractively packaged with clear celophane and bow.

It is selling for ONLY ₪60. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40
 


This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a glass basket bowl. It contains a packet of biscuits, a packet of sweets, a packet of coated nuts, 2 chocolate coated waife biscuits, a mini Kifkeif. It is attractively packaged in clear plastic with ribon.

It is selling for ONLY ₪53. Yםu are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40.


These almost matching Mishloach Manos provide an idea of the packaging for these Mishloach Manos. Butterflies, crowns or other decorations can be added to any of the Mishloach Manos at additional cost. These Mishloach Manos are prepared in diamond shaped green dishes. They contain a packet of chips, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, 1-2 packets of sweets, 2 peanut brittle and one has 3 chocolate coins.

These Mishloach Manos are selling for ONLY ₪43 and ₪46.50 respectively. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40.

 
This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a stunning glass vase. It contains 2 packets of coated nuts, 2 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, a packet of chips, 2 mini flakies, a 2 packets of sweets, 3 chocolate coins. Below you can see how it is packaged and is ready to go as soon as your card and message are added.

It is selling for ONLY ₪71. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40
 

We have more Mishloach Manos to add, G-d willing tomorrow, or you can order your own choice of food items and container. All containers provide the opportunity to give a lasting gift of an item needed in most Jewish homes.

If you would like, we can add into any of these or other Mishloach Manos any of the following:
a mini Perek Shira, a Brachah card for Hafrashat Challah, a mini glass. These are $1.50 each in addition to the Mishloach Manos.

For $2 we can add a braided Havdala candle or a set of 2 white or coloured candles.

For those sending a Mishloach Manos to a Sem Girl, why not add one of Lori's lipsticks or lipliners from FaceFacts by Lori. We sell them at greatly reduced price as part of raising funds for our Bayit Chadash Gemach, with Lori's permission. You can select the colour from the colour chart on Lori's website and let us know which one to add into the Mishloach Manos.

Or select from one of our stunning Fridge Magnets (or the full set). They sell for ₪10 each or for the set as listed on the blog.

Please email us to place your order or to make a time to purchase from us in person. All Mishloach Manos need to be paid for a week prior to Purim.

Sunday 27 January 2013

Yibaneh Yerushalayim Continues

 Article written by Azriel Winnett

Yibaneh Yerushalayim (May Jerusalem be Rebuilt) is a full color magazine geared to helping people set up a new home, after marrying or making aliyah to Israel, in accordance with authentic Jewish values. With a modern layout and printed on quality paper, it is produced to high professional standards. Its stimulating content includes informative articles by experts prominent in their respective fields and inspiring Torah tips, as well advertising offering quality products and services suitable for the publication's target readership. Distribution is  currently free.

Two issues, which were distributed in the Jerusalem area and throughout Israel, have already been published. The feedback had been extremely positive and it is clear that many people are very eagerly awaiting the third issue, which is now in an advanced stage of preparation. This issue boasts new features and many more articles. You can preview one of them: How Our Emotions Affect Our Relationships by clicking here.

This magazine is part of our expanding Chesed ve'Emet organization that is engaged in disseminating Torah knowledge and values in various ways and in a wide range of chesed activities. In particular, the journal is a component of the Bayit Chadash project, which helps in a very practical way less privileged engaged and newly married couples (with a focus on empowering orphans) who simply lack the means for all that is essential for a new Jewish home. Couples we have helped in the past have found it difficult to find the right words to express their deep gratitude for this critical support.

We have great plans for upcoming issues of Yibaneh Yerushalayim. We know that it fills a genuine need and has enormous potential for making a real difference to people's lives. But if we are to continue with this project, we are compelled to appeal to the generosity of those to whom the Jewish family as the cornerstone of Torah-based Jewish life is precious.

As our publication is still new, potential advertisers - on whom we eventually will rely to meet the bulk of our publishing costs - understandably want to see that it will last and be effective before making a decision to advertise with us. Of course, this places us in a paradoxical predicament. Similarly, without basic capital, it is also difficult for a new publication like ours to attract the right calibre of sales people to solicit advertising.

With your generous support, we hope it will be possible to publish our next issue very soon even without enough advertising. Your support will also give us the resources to expand distribution of the magazine, and this will in turn help to enable us to attract more and higher-paying advertisers.

In order to make production as efficient and cost effective as possible, we will also need to invest in a computer that is able to handle the necessary graphic design software, as well as to purchase the software itself(Adobe Creative Suite) and other required accessories together. We will then manage to produce the magazine from start to finish on our own, with substantial long-term savings. In addition, we look forward to being able to update our current website making it user friendly, easy to navigate and enjoyable to use - packed with projects and information to assist our community.

Please become a partner with us in our holy work! We do feel that our modest publication could play a not insignificant role in promoting authentic Jewish values, an important aspect of which is the stability of our family life.


For those who are serious donors requiring any other information or would like to give something further to this project, please email us so that we can set up a time to talk on the phone about this very urgent Mitzvah.


If you have a service or product related to weddings in Israel and setting up a new home here, please email us for prices to purchase adspace in our next edition. If you know anyone who loves sales, please have them email us


Please note this article, as with all others on this blog, is copyrighted and may not be used without written permission of the manager of the blog. (written permission MUST be signed by the manager of the blog)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails