There was a time in my life I did consider such a move, but I am really in love with the land of my birth - the United States of America and the idea of moving to Israel is not something I would desire to do at least for now - though in retirement I might consider such a move again. What are your opinions on such a move?
2007-08-23 20:08:32 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
I moved from London to Israel two years ago and I reckon I can give you an impartial view of what it's like to move here.
In a nutshell, it's a great place to live, but it's not an easy one. Moving to Israel involves a lot of bureaucracy, and some level of culture shock too, but those problems will pass. But there are three main problems that can give you ongoing difficulty.
The first is the language, which will cause you a lot of grief. There are plenty of English speakers around who can help you, but many workers in the government offices, including the all-important immigration department, are Russians who don't speak any English. And in social circles, even the ones who can speak English will tend to speak Hebrew to each other, so you won't be able to join in group discussions until you learn to speak Hebrew yourself.
The second problem is the security situation, which is actually unlikely to affect you in any way except to make you fearful. You have to get used to having your bags checked wherever you go, but life is in fact very safe here - there is very little violent crime, and terrorist attacks have fortunately been very rare occurrences in recent years. However it can all change quickly sometimes, such as with last year's war with Lebanon.
The third problem is money. Salaries are roughly a third of what similar jobs would pay in the UK or US, but the cost of living in the main Israeli cities is at least half of the equivalent cost of living in the UK or US, so it is harder to make ends meet. But if you manage to hang on to a foreign job (working remotely), then you'll be able to live very comfortably indeed.
If you manage to handle those issues, then it is a great place to be, and I can say that I am personally having the time of my life. Israel is not a hellhole or a war zone - it is actually a first-world country with the facilities and infrastructure to match. Health care is excellent for example (and free!), and Israelis have one of the best life expectancies anywhere in the world. It is a fascinating and beautiful country, and so are its people.
Hope that helps - from personal experience I can recommend it, but you need to do your homework first. Don't be one of the many people who turn up here with nothing but a dream of a land flowing with milk and honey, and end up disappointed...
2007-08-25 07:28:09 · answer #1 · answered by Londoner In Israel 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I am British, but during my gap year, some time back, I spent six months in Israel and absolutely loved it. I went back the following summer for another three months, and have been there for several shorter holidays also.
I would not definitely rule out a move to Israel, especially because in the UK at present things are going from bad to worse and there is a lot of anti semitism.
But if as you say you are 'in love' with the USA, then clearly you are really happy there, which is nice to hear!
Moving to a different country is of course a massive step. In an ideal world, I guess being able to have two homes, one in each country, would be rather nice...!
2007-08-23 23:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
At a point in time, I also considered a move there. For Jews everywhere, Israel is a special place. I have visited Israel seveal times and have always enjoyed my time there.
If it is something someone truely believes in, then they should do it!
MikeInRI--You could always make Aaliyah, have a dual citizenship and try living in both places.
2007-08-24 01:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by Adam 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I always have a love for Eretz Yisroel.I am going there after i finish everything and my life and finacial issues are good.Then i would make Aliyah.But that would be around retirment time.Because hey its never too late.Because the oldest man to make aliyah made aliyah about two weeks ago.He was in his ninteys.
2007-08-24 08:13:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I lived in Israel for ten years,probably the best of my life.Such interesting people we are! Unfortuantely it was difficult to make ends meet and my group of friends all left for fatter horizons.I followed after a few years,now we are scattered.I do miss being a Jew among Jews.
2007-08-24 00:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by Barbara D 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
I want to move to Israel someday.
2007-08-25 10:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by גיבור האבקות 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would like to live there for a while and see what is like first.
2007-08-24 09:14:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would move there if the war is over...when i visited there may 2006, we had a security guard. if you live there, you are your own security guard and im not committed to do that
2007-08-26 10:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by miss_jew_booty 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I, too, just repeated your thinking to another American Jewish friend yesterday. I want to make aliyah, but not now.
2007-08-23 22:34:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I would definitely like to make aliyah.
After college, though.
2007-08-27 09:33:46 · answer #10 · answered by LadySuri 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋