Spelled hummous, hummus or houmous, pronounced with a gutteral “ggghhh’ sound, as if you need to clear your throat (and not hoo-moos) is a Levantine and Egyptian food dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is popular throughout the Middle East and in Middle Eastern cuisine around the globe.
“Wiping” hummus with pita
As you land at Ben Gurion International Airport, the first question you’ll need answered is: “Where is the best place to eat hummus?”. Some of the best Hummus establishments are Arab owned, so if you are looking for a Kosher establishment ask to see certification.
We asked members of the community including some immigrants (olim (Heb: vatikim) to make their recommendations for the best hummus eateries. They took up the challenge and let’s see what they had to say…
Abu Gosh
The best hummus in Israel can be found at the Abu Gosh Restaurant in Abu Gosh an Arab village on the main highway, close to Jerusalem just opposite the Haredi Ultra-Orthodox community in Telzstone (Kiryat Ye’arim). Abu Gosh has been nominated as the ‘best ever’ on TripAdvisor and it’s even listed in Wikipedia.
Akko
Hummus Sayeed in the old city of Akko. Ask anyone for directions. Be prepared to wait in a long queue
Deir El Assad (near Karmiel)
Hummus HaMelachim (The King of Falafel): Sharon says “It’s absolutely the best”
Haifa
Hummus Eliyahu on Dubnov St. Victor says that it’s the best.
Abu Yousuf: Robin says that she’s been going there for years and that they serve the best hummus in Haifa
Abu Shaker – a few doors away from Abu Yousuf. Their hummus and ful (fava beans) is hard to beat. Ask for extra lemon, parsley and olive oil.
Hod HaSharon
Ilan nominated ‘Kaduri’ in Hod HaSharon as the best.
Ilan nominated ‘Kaduri’ in Hod HaSharon as the best.
Hummus Ben Sira located on the street with the same name. Aaron voted this as the best Jerusalem hummus establishment.
Rosh Pina
Rosh Pina is a quaint little town in Northern Israel close to Kiryat Shmona. If you are in the area, take time to walk around and once you’ve built up an appetite head to Hummus Ousol next to the police station. They have a branch in Tel Aviv too. “Simply put, it’s a cut above all others”.
The hummus joint on the corner of Ben Yehuda Street and Frishman also got a top rating and Brian said “It’s the real deal!”
Zichron Yaakov
‘The Hummusiyah’ got full marks and it’s Kosher too.
Hidden gem
One kind hearted fellow with a delightful sense of humor said: “My house, I make really good and healthy hummus and falafel“. For fear of having hoards of people knocking at his door, he preferred to remain anonymous and would not reveal where he lived.
Recently a survey entitled “The Shopping Habits of the Anglo Community in Israel” was conducted by www.anglo-list.com. Suzanne Suckerman who developed the Anglo-list – the Aliyah and Israel lifestyle website – explained “Olim tend to have preconceived expectations about living in Israel based on their lifestyle back home and when they get here the realities can be very different. If they can establish how English speakers in Israel are actually living, they can set realistic expectations. When we design our surveys or web content we try to keep the collective experiences and frustrations of the Anglo community in mind”.
She further explained how the recent local media coverage on the shopping habits of Israeli expats living abroad, prompted her to investigate the shopping habits of the Anglo community living in Israel. When the results of the survey came in, we were able to analyze them as follows:
Food is essential for us to live so the trip to the supermarket is driven by a rational and existential requirements. However, 51% of respondents felt that the selection of products which they choose is primarily an emotional decision. For example 59% will buy food specifically from your country of origin, because it is comforting. 56% of you will shop in accordance with their religious beliefs and 53% have a medical condition that influences their food purchase.
So where do we shop? 87% of those surveyed do most of their shopping in supermarkets, 11% will shop at the supermarket nearest to their work and 52% will not be prepared to travel up to 10km to shop. The formula here is that you can travel up to 20 minutes in order to shop at a cheaper supermarket which is normally located outside the city or industrial areas. A good way to reduce your supermarket bill is that you shop alone which 58% do and 62% will shop without children. Children will increase your total shop by 25% I am impressed that 56.5% will shop at the shuk (an open air food market) here the products are much fresher than in the supermarket, but not necessarily cheaper.
As a family financial advisor I was impressed that 70% will prepare a list to shop at the supermarket and the majority will stick to it. This means that 30% of you still walk into the supermarket without a list and 22.2% do not have a food budget.
67% are aware that supermarkets manipulate us into making unnecessary purchases, like putting a free tasting food stand, having special offers, comfort food at the checkout and have the cashier inform you of the month’s special offer.
Sticking to a budget and planning a shopping list will ensure that you do not spend more than you earn and is essential in achieving financial stability.
Its easy to forget essential supplies when packing for a trip. While you are planning your trip to/in Israel here is a list of 10 essential items you need to pack.
The work week is Sunday to Thursday. Shops and attractions are open for half a day on Friday, closing at 1 or 2pm. Check opening hours before you set out.
In most cities and towns there is no public transport after 2pm on Friday. Public transport resumes on Saturday night after sunset (Sabbath end). Haifa is one of the cities that has some, but limited, public transport on the weekend.
Another general tip – Jewish owned establishments are closed for Jewish holy days. Again there is no transport and most shops are closed. During the Passover holiday it is forbidden for Jewish owned establishment to sell bread. Bread will not be served in your hotel.
Hotel accommodation is not cheap especially in the main cities; Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Consider a hostel, Airbnb or a field school or kibbutz guest accommodation.
Israel’s summer months from June to September can be very hot – very humid in some places and very dry in others. April and May is spring and October is pleasantly warm.
Clothing for Israel – all religious sites; Jewish, Christian, Moslem, Bahai or Druze require you to be modestly dressed.
For locals traveling Israel: have your local Israeli driver’s license and your identity card – teudat zehut on hand.
For foreigners visiting Israel or Israelis traveling abroad: your international driving permit where applicable, passports and booking confirmations. Make sure you have a photocopy of your identity documents in a safe place should they get lost.
Results of your coronavirus test and copies (in English).
Camera, Telephone & Chargers
These marvels of modern technology help us get more out of a trip; hundreds of memorable photographs and selfies, immediate telephone access as well as internet access to useful websites and apps. Pack the charger first and don’t forget your international plug adapters.
A one meter extension cord is also a useful item to pack into your luggage.
Toiletries
Toiletries are often forgotten as we need them until the last moment. Buy a selection of small plastic bottles from your pharmacy or local dollar-shop which you can fill with travel-sized quantities of shampoo, conditioners and liquid soap. Don’t forget to place them in a zip-lock plastic bag to protect your luggage in case of spillage. Toiletries are not cheap.
Hand Sanitizers, Wipes and Masks
Always, and especially now during the coronavirus crisis, travel with pocket-size packages of hand sanitizers, antiseptic alcogel and wipes and keep them in your day-pack. They will be especially useful in public places. Use them to wipe the handles of supermarket trolleys, door handles and elevator buttons – lots of germs there! Wearing masks in public places, over your mouth and nose, is a Ministry of Health directive for Covid-19. We have a communal responsibility to protect ourselves and others around us. Pharmacies, supermarkets, shopping malls and neighborhood shops are all stocked with these items. A pack of 50 surgical masks costs around 10 shekels.
Credit & Debit Cards
No need to carry large amounts of cash and this alone will significantly reduce your stress levels. Make 2 photo copies of your credit cards (one to keep with you and one to leave at home) so that you have always have your credit card details on hand should they get lost or stolen. Don’t forget to record the telephone number of the call-center to report a lost card. Since Covid-19, shops have upgraded their credit card payment systems and minimal contact with the shop keeper or assistant is now the norm during the payment process. You must have your PIN number in order to facilitate a credit card transaction.
Water Bottle
Don’t travel in Israel without a water bottle. Summer temperatures in Israel can reach as much as 40°C in some places. Dehydration is a real danger. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day per person. Make sure your children are well hydrated too especially when a “sharav” (hamsin) or heatwave prevails.
Comfortable Shoes
This almost goes without say – pack comfortable walking/hiking shoes or sandals. Lots of nature parks and trails in Israel. Good shoes that give you adequate support and protection and can also double for stony beaches, wading in streams or other water attractions. If you are in Israel and want to treat yourself to a good pair of sandals for outdoor activities, splurge on a pair of ‘Source’ sandals (or ‘Shoresh’ in Hebrew). They are well worth the 350+NIS price tag.
First Aid Kit
Never travel without a basic first-aid kit. Be prepared with pain-killers, plasters, anti-septic ointment, a tweezers and any other essentials you might need in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medication you may require. During the coronavirus we suggest you pack a thermometer as well. Anti-pyretics (drugs that reduce fever) should also be part of your first aid kit. Bikur Rofeh is the place travelers to Israel need to go to get emergency medical assistance unless your travel insurance states otherwise.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus you must isolate and seek medical attention immediately. Contact the Ministry of Health. In the interim rest, drink lots of fluids and take pain killers if necessary. Drink lots of hydrating fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate. If you have a fever take recommended doses of fever reducing medications.
Torch
Pack a pocket-sized but powerful torch or headlamp – you never know when this will come in handy. If you are a family of campers, check out our list of camping essentials.
Information Guide
Israel has a rich history so whether it is a travel guide-book or information sheets printed from this website or off the internet, you will find your information guides really useful. Don’t travel without them.
Is your Aliyah destination the Tel Mond – Mevaser Zion community?
Located just 15 minutes from Raanana and 10 minutes from the beaches of Netanya, Tel Mond has developed into an intimate suburb with both religious and secular residents. Located in the heart of the Sharon region, Tel Mond is home to a vibrant and active Anglo community. Residents of Tel Mond benefit from being only kilometers away from high-tech job opportunities, shopping centers, and the beach, while also being able to enjoy the calm and luxury of living in a suburban community.
Employment in Tel Mond – Mevaser Zion
Tel Mond has local businesses and neighboring hi-tech parks, and is easily accessible to employment opportunities in the center of the country.
Education / Youth
Education is core. Twenty-two free ganim (pre-schools) are dispersed throughout the community to serve religious and secular children from the age of 3 to kindergarten, as well as an early intervention pre-school for delayed development. For religious students, Ohr Torah (a public co-ed modern orthodox elementary school from grades 1 -6) has high standards for both Torah and general studies. Housed in a new modern complex, Ohr Torah scored the highest on national test scores when compared to all the religious schools in the Sharon region. The school has a new computer lab, projectors in all the classes, a mobile computer lab, as well as small classes – all of which are luxuries in Israel. Thirty-percent of its student body come from English speaking families, who are also congregants at the new Mevesar Tzion synagogue. English classes for native English speakers are available along with one to one Hebrew instruction for new olim. You can visit the school at https://www.facebook.com/OhrTorahTelMondwrTwrhTlMwnd
There are 3 secular elementary schools, which are all in one central location. There is also a middle school/high school in Tel Mond which services the secular community. Starting in elementary school, there are separate English classes in the schools for native-English speakers. Religious high schoolers are bussed into neighboring Raanana for various high schools. Many high schoolers in Tel Mond also attended “Meitarim”, a pluralistic High School in Raanana.
Both Bnei Akiva and Tzofim are active youth groups in the community. Tel Mond organizes joint programs for both secular and religious youth, which are sometimes recreational and sometimes educational.
Transportation
Tel Mond is centrally located. There is a train station in one of the neighboring communities. As in most suburbs, it’s convenient to have a car. There is bus transportation within the town, to the train, and to the main junction but not as frequently as in a city.
Tel Mond is situated just off the Tel Aviv-Haifa Route 4, and a 15 minutes drive from the coast. The community is very close to the Bnei Dror intersection, a major transportation center. The train station is located in nearby Bet Yehoshua with regular service to Tel Aviv (20 minutes) and Haifa (50 minutes).
Olim Services
The community and school play a major role in welcoming the oleh family and provide support throughout their acclimation. Residents can receive olim services, such as ulpan, in the neighboring Netanya and Raanana.
Tel Mond has an active community center that offers after-school care, all types of extra curricular activities (such as karate, ballet, art, gymnastics, chess, drama in both English and Hebrew) and various cultural programming.
There is a local public library, and sports center, as well as health clinics, fitness facilities, banks, restaurants, supermarkets, and clothing stores. The town is located several kilometers away from major shopping centers.
Community and Religious Life
Through out Tel Mond, there are synagogues for Sephardic and Ashkenazi residents, as well as a community Mikveh. The Mevasar Tzion Synagogue’s congregants are mostly Modern Orthodox English speakers. The synagogue serves as a center for religious and holiday programming and plays a key role in welcoming and assisting the oleh family as they get accustomed to their new life in Israel. For more information about the synagogue: https://mevaser.org.il/
Real Estate
90% of the homes in Tel Mond are semi-detached houses.
4 bedroom semi-detached homes: 2.5-3 million NIS 2,000 units (including 880 apartments) are currently being constructed. Apartment prices start at 2 million NIS.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in this community are named after the thematic street names. The older area is called Etzim/Volfson. The Kiryat Hinuch (education complex) is located in the Nahalim neighborhood. Most of the English speakers reside in Tziporim, Giron, Rigashot, and Achuzat Adarim. The other nearby neighborhoods are called: Prachim and Avnei Chen. All of which are a short walk from the center of town, the schools, and the synagogues.
“He died with a falafel in his hand” – a Richard Lowenstein movie from 2001 kind of describes how Israelis feel about falafel.
Falafel is a street food. It is a deep fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas (Heb: hummus) and/or fava beans (Heb: ful). Falafel is popular all over the Middle East and is reputed to have originated in Egypt. Falafel is served in a pocket of bread (a pita) or wrapped by a flat bread (a lafa). Either way it is served with any or all of these; hummus, tahina, chopped vegetable salad, pickled cabbage, hot sauce (harissa or szhug) and numerous other fillings
‘Falafelarias’ often have names like ‘The King of Falafel’, ‘The King of Kings of Falafel’, ‘Grandmas Falafel’ or sometimes they don’t even have a name and are just known as ‘that place on Whatever Street, next to the gas station’. We asked some Anglos and locals where they thought you could get the best falafel in Israel, here is what they had to say…
Afula
Golani Falafel – across from the police station in Afula. Simply the best and a great show to boot.
Haifa
Falafel Orian on Herzliyah Street. A favorite amongst locals and out-of-towners too!
Falafel HaZekaynim makes a great falafel flavored with fresh coriander – Rechov HaWadi in Haifa
Falafel George – opposite Felafel HaZekaynim in Haifa
Falafel George and Felafel HaZekaynim two ‘falafelerias’ that have been battling it out for years for the title of ‘Best Falafel in Haifa’. They have been featured on many Travel-Israeltelevision and culinary programs with Yishai Golan, Yisrael Aharoni and Hila Alpert. Foodies find it hard to declare a winner, but either way queues are long at both of these establishments.
The small settlement town of Pardes-Hanna Karkur lies halfway between Haifa and Tel Aviv.
Falafel Dvora in Karkur got the ‘gold’ for Best Falafel in Israel. Aside from Falafel Dvora the most notable event in Pardes-Hanna Karkur was when one of its residents, Gal Fridman won an Olympic bronze medal for surfing in Atlanta in 1996 and a gold medal in Athens in 2004
Jerusalem
“On Agrippas Street in Jerusalem, on the left side near the shuk. Best falafel I ever had.” This name of this falafel place seems to be a closely guarded secret.
Modiin
Modiin is a growing and upcoming town in Israel’s southern district. May Anglos now call it ‘home’
Falafel HaDerech at the entrance to Mevo Modiin, got the vote here,
All eateries in the Modiin Mall are kosher.
Netanya
Opposite the AACI in Netanya. This ‘Falafelaria’ was voted to serve the best home made pita bread. We have a feeling that this falafel joint got top marks as immigrants, who had had an exhausting morning at the AACI – Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel (an Aliyah office), were starving when they came out and so headed for the nearest eatery.
Israel Home, Repair & Maintenance Services – 20 Top Household Maintenance Tips
Is your plumber a drip? Does your electrician come at lightening speed? Is your mechanic a monster?
Maintenance standards differ in Israel. Finding a reputable technician or contractor is important and finding one that speaks English, in some parts of the country, can be challenging. A repair gone wrong is costly. We often hear horror stories about unscrupulous technicians, service and repairmen and we don’t want to be their next victim. Ask a friend and most likely the Hebrew slang word “fryer” which means sucker, will come up in the conversation. We are not saying that every technician is going to take advantage of you and that they are all dishonest, on the contrary most want to give good service, but here are a few tips, things to look out for and questions to ask:
Ask about their qualifications. Make sure your electrician is licensed. Plumbers from abroad are mostly licensed while local plumbers are not.
Is there a minimum call out fee?
Do they provide a written quote?
Will they help you to save money by giving you some tips and advice for the future?
Do they tidy up after they have finished the job?
Will a solid repair now, rather than just a quick-fix, save you money in the long term?
Do they come on time, as promised
Be prepared to negotiate
Insist on an invoice
Check if there is a guarantee; is the guarantee on their labor and/or on the parts
If you sign up for a service contract, make sure you understand it 100 per cent and then do the maths. You may spend more on the premiums than you are likely to spend on repairs.
Does your household insurance policy allow you to call your own technician? Do you have to use the insurance companies contractor?
Does your landlord insist on using his contractor? Perhaps you can call your own and then deduct the cost of the repair from your rent.
Some suggest telling the technician that you are new to Israeland are sure that the technician will empathize and give a discount. Some suggest never letting on that your are new to Israel otherwise the technician will take advantage of your lack of experience in these matters.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or stand your ground.
If he wears a kippah it does not always mean he is an honest business man.
If possible, for large jobs, get written estimates from at least 3 contractors, keeping in mind the lowest bidder may not be the best choice or be giving the best solution.
When comparing quotes don’t only look at the price. Compare the material and parts. A contractor could deliberately be quoting on inferior material and parts in order to get the job.
Financial Independence for Women Victims of Violence in Israel
Established in 2007, Women’s Spirit assists women victims of violence to develop financial independence and occupational security. We believe that the link between financial dependence and violence (physical, sexual, economic and mental) against women is crucial and therefore the departure of women from the cycle of violence involves the establishment of their financial independence.
While many organizations and welfare offices in Israel provide women victims of violence with excellent crisis and emotional support, Women’s Spirit is the only organization that provides women victims of violence a long term, personally tailored solution, to help them break the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives by improving their occupational and financial status. This is done through mentoring and coaching, professional skills workshops, training, financial literacy, computer mastery, language development, job placement/training.
We operate our main branch in Tel Aviv. In addition we have programs presently in two (soon to be four) battered women’s shelters – in the North and in the South. We provide personal and group professional training, one-on-one mentoring sessions with trained coordinators and volunteers from the community, a special course designated for women who are self-employed, a course on budget management, employment search preparation training and assistance in finding work. (We can accommodate non-Hebrew speakers.)
Women’s Spirit recruits and trains hundreds of volunteers – each year that accompany women victims of violence as mentors, business coaches, private tutors, financial consultants, legal consultants and more. In addition, the organization collaborates with the community and businesses that provide professional development and employment opportunities.
Past/Present/Future: Since our founding in 2007 Women’s Spirit has served over 1200 Women Victims of Violence. In 2015 we will serve 450 women victims of violence and expand our services: from two battered women’s shelters to four; expand our services to additional municipalities; develop our work to reach further north into Israel (by creation of a branch of Women’s Spirit). In addition we support women victims of violence’s financial and occupational state, through systemic changes in public discourse, state policy and legislation. We raise awareness to the strong link between financial dependence and gender violence and impact laws and regulations that limit women’s ability to rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence after leaving the violent circle.
If you or someone you know are in need of our services – please call Liat @ 072-2507770
If you would like to be a volunteer mentor – please call Sivan @ 072-2507770
Working in Israel – What are the realities? Results of our Employment Survey
We often spend many agonizing moments planning our careers and employment in Israel in an attempt to find the perfect job that suits our needs and meets our expectations. What actually happens when we get here? What are the realities for English speaking olim? Are you working in your chosen field or have you been forced to change your career path because of a lack of Hebrew language or other skills? Are you being exploited or discriminated against? These are just some of the questions we asked in November 2014, and here are the results:
Came expecting to be housewife. Being an agunah and then a divorce changed the reality and I reentered the workforce after a 25 year hiatus. Sort of skews things.
Employed full time, but working as atzmai due to lack of “positions”
Working for an American company which requires me to be both an employee for the US and an “esek patur” for Israel.
I have a small business and also work part time.
Due to Protekzia, I had a job before I arrived, but only started about 6 months after arrival.
Found my first job through a friend who was already living in Israel, within a month of aliyah. B”H, I’ve been working ever since.
I was sent to learn English teaching by my Kibbutz and the rest is history
I am working part time as a metapelet. When I first came, I got a job working at the Matnas giving music lessons and directing the orchestra. This was a full school year and I was still in Ulpan. At the end of the year, I was told that my Hebrew was not adequate to be rehired for the following year. Besides my metapelet work, I have a small biz and teach music privately.
My current job is with an institution with whom I formerly did a Masa internship many years prior.
My pay is “bubkis”.
Varies wildly depending on how I feel or whether I have to make up time for Yom Tovim as I have no vacation or sick leave. The US isn’t as progressive as Israel and doesn’t actually require it so my boss won’t give it. Can take any time I want but unpaid.
The income from my job is less than 5000. The good monthly income is from my Israeli husband
Choosing you Aliyah or other community – comparisons, pros & cons
Modiin is a popular destination for English speaking olim
So you are planning your Aliyah and relocation and you need to make one of the biggest decisions of your life – choosing a community in Israel. There are many to choose from and how can you make sure to choose the right one? First try to figure out what you’re looking for. Do research and find a neighborhood that best describes you. What would make your happy? Living in a religious community, a primarily English speaking community, special schools, an easy commute to work, a place where all the action is or a pastoral setting perhaps? Your Aliyah organization, family and friends have probably made numerous suggestions and you are still confused. Raanana, Modiin, Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv, Tzfat, the Golan perhaps? The choice is endless. The decision could be easier if you had inside information. Each community has its own unique character and it would be great to know that you neighbors, share your views. We asked members of our Facebook group, what they loved and what they disliked about their specific community. Remember, these are just opinions and everyone has their own. What might be a pro to one could be a con to another.
As you will see few found nothing wrong with their communities and few felt nothing was right. These are the results:
Aderet
Aderet is centrally located in the heart of the Israeli countryside near Beit Shemesh. Train station in nearby Beit Shemesh. Warm, caring community. Great place to bring up kids.
Need a car. Hard for teenagers as public transport is limited to 5 buses a day to Beit Shemesh
Amirim village
Amirim is a vegetarian community in Northern Israel near Tzfat. It’s quiet and spacious but has a small English speaking community.
Ariel – university town
Ariel has a lot of pros: a cool climate with dry and clean air. Diverse population. Religious and not religious. Good education and a great University. National center of leadership – the only one in Israel. Center of performing arts. Two industrial areas (Ariel and Barkan). Personal assistance for new Olim. Hebrew Ulpan and many special projects and discounts for some city services for Olim.
Ariel has a growing Anglo community but there are limited opportunities for singles
Ashkelon – great beaches
Ashkelon has great beaches. It’s not far from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Good transport. A growing English speaking community. Affordable housing. Lots of community activities. Relaxed atmosphere.
Not enough parking for a growing city but that is common in all of Israel’s major cities and towns
Beer Sheva or Be’er Sheva
Beer Sheva is laid back with a small town atmosphere. Active Mayor improving facilities. Small Anglo community means faster integration into Israeli lifestyle.
Lots of hills. Smallish (but growing) English speaking community, so learning and mastering Hebrew must be a goal. Growing community of international students at Haifa University and the Technion.
Hod HaSharon – The splendor of the Sharon
Hod HaSharon has a small-town feel. Lots of open green space. Playgrounds. Sports and cultural activities. Good schools. Warm people. Not too many Anglos. Rush-hour congestion but new roads on the drawing board.
Jerusalem is very cosmopolitan. The Kotel. Great cultural activities. A growing young Anglo community. Lots of English and Hebrew speakers – choose what you prefer. Good public transport. The evening breeze. All out of town guests will want to crash on your couch. Religious tension.
Kadima, an agricultural moshav
Kadima is an agricultural Moshav predominantly growing strawberries The smell wafts over the area making our mouths water. Sometimes, though the stench of the fertilizer is overpowering. Friendly community. Lots of new development (but quite a bit of noise in the process). We are close enough to the sea to be able to take time out for a swim or a tanning session. Centrally located and TA is only a 30 minute drive south
The post office is so tiny that there is always a queue out into the street. Time they built an new one. Small Anglo community – mostly Israelis with young kids. There is a big rich/poor divide between the ‘new’ part and the old the kvar. As we are in a valley (The Sharon Plain) the views are unimpressive. Public transport is severely limited. You really need a car to get anywhere
Karmiel in the heart of the Beit Kerem valley
Karmiel, finally on the railway route. Natural beauty. Expensive housing but not enough jobs.
Kochav Yaakov (Tel Zion)
Kochav Yaakov is close to Jerusalem. Decent sized, tight knit and supportive Anglo community. Not enough green space. Heavy traffic to and from Jerusalem at peak hours.
Maaleh Adumim – 7km from Jerusalem
Maaleh Adumim has a large English speaking community. Lots of traffic jams. Hard to integrate into a Hebrew speaking community.
Modiin/Maccabim/Reut
Modiin is close to the beach and mountains. Central. Close to work opportunities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Supportive English speaking community. Housing is expensive but less expensive than Jerusalem and the central region. English speaking neighborhoods and Hebrew speaking ones if you prefer. Clean. Modern. Close to Ben Gurion international airport. Great parks and pretty good amenities. Mild winters. Great quality of life. You don’t get much bang for your buck especially in the Anglo neighborhoods. Hard to find a nice backyard. Lots of hills and steps.
Netanya – capital of the Sharon plain
Netanya has great beaches. Great shopping and markets. Great for retirees. Easy walking. Good transport. Very cosmopolitan. Good sized Anglo and French speaking community
Bad storm drainage, lots of puddles and “rivers” to cross in the winter rains. Noisy traffic. Not courteous. Not enough parking. Over building. Traffic issues.
Petach Tikva (Petah Tiqwa)
Petach Tikva has a good mix of dati and non-dati. Healthy mix of all economic classes. Lots of options for schools. No tourist appeal.
Ra’anana
Raanana has lots of English speakers. High standard of living. Clean. Great services. Religious tolerance. Very expensive housing. Two new train stations.
For those in the know, South Africans affectionately call it Raananafontein.
Beit Shemesh & Ramat Beit Shemesh
Beit Shemesh boast a number of Anglo ultra-orthodox schools. A very big English speaking community you can manage without Hebrew but it slows down your integration with Israelis. Affordable rentals. Crowded. Lots of employment opportunities that require you to work USA hours – you need a car for that as buses stop before midnight.
Ramat Gan – home to one of the world’s major diamond exchanges
A stone’s throw to Tel Aviv. Lots of public transport. Great zoo. Great shopping. Mostly good transport. Not too many Anglos. Lots of hills. Lots of buildings in a bad state of repair but lots of new ones too.
Rechovot or Rehovot
Rehovot is easily accessible by train. Attracts a specific type of person i.e. those involved with the Weizmann Institute and other research and hi-tech projects. Good religious mix and good mix of Anglos and Israelis. Close to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. No tourists. Not much night-life.
Shiloh
1/2 hour by car to Jerusalem. Insufficient public transport. Property is difficult to find.
Tel Aviv – the city that never sleeps
Tel Aviv is a vibrant city for singles and families. Great for beach lovers. Lots of culture. Thumbs down for schools in some areas. Lots of stress.
Tel Mond – founded by Alfred Mond
Supportive English speaking community. Very suburban atmosphere. Close to Raanana but more value for your money.
Excellent English library. Lots of singles. Lots of stairs. Fabulously cool in the summer.
Zichron Yaakov – views and vineyards
Good middle road between urban living and something a bit more cosmopolitan than a small moshav. Good for families with teens. Good choice of schools. Large Anglo community. Close to everywhere and everything. Sea views and lots of nature.
Other options
If city life does not appeal to you, you might want to move to and live on a Kibbutz instead….
To sum up – look for the good and you’ll find it where-ever you are.
Tell us what you like or dislike about your community and we’ll add it to the list.
The New Fair Rental Law was passed on Monday, 17th July, 2017. The new law sets out the guidelines for landlord-tenant relations.
The housing and rental market in Israel is tough Prices are high and not in proportion to salaries and income. It is especially difficult for low income families, young people and couples who are trying to save and make their way to becoming homeowners.
In 2014 statistics showed that 67% of Israelis owned their own home but for the remaining 33% who rent, unscrupulous landlords are a big part of their nightmare.
There have been horrendous stories of landlords renting out storerooms, basements, converted balconies and other unthinkable options as dwellings.
The new law describes the minimum requirements for a space to be considered a livable and habitable apartment, including that it must have a bathroom separated from the rest of the unit, openings for air and doors and windows to close them, a front door that can be locked, and working sewage, electricity and lighting systems.
If these conditions are not met, the rental contract can be canceled.
All to often we hear stories of landlords who do not attend to leaks, blockages, plumbing problems, electrical issues and other repairs that should be carried out but are never attended to. Renters will have to pay for damage they cause to the property through “unreasonable use,” but owners are responsible for repair of damage caused by “reasonable use,” and must do so within 30 days. Urgent repairs must take place within three days. If they fail to meet that responsibility, renters may deduct the cost of repairs from their rent.
Over the years, there have been stories of frustrated tenants who were forced to move to another dwelling in a better state of repair. This sometimes meant having to pay higher rent, extra moving costs as well as many other inconveniences. For new olim with limited language skills and not familiar with their rights, this experience was a nightmare.
Renters are responsible for utilities, municipal tax (arnona) and day-to-day maintenance. The owner of the property has to pay for anything that increases the value of the property, as well as household insurance.
There will be more control over guarantees a tenant will need to provide. Up till now it was common for landlords to make outrageous demands for guarantees. The law now stipulates that landlords may not demand a guarantee of more three months’ rent. The guarantee money can only be used if rent or other payments the renter owes are not paid on time, if the renter caused damage to the property, or if the renter did not leave the property on time.
The party that hires the realtor will have to pay for it.
If the parties agree for the renter to continue living in the property past the time listed on the contract, either side can end the arrangement with reasonable notice.
The law applies to properties being rented for between three months and 10 years, and does not apply to vacation homes or assisted living facilities.
