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The Very Best Picnic Spots in Israel

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Favorite Picnic Spots in Israel

Hebrew: מקומות מדליקים לעשות פיקניק בישראל

Spring, summer and even balmy autumn days are perfect times for family hikes, picnics in the forest or along the edge of a stream or perhaps at one of Israel’s many national parksYom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), the intermediate days of Pesach (Passover) in the spring and the  autumn festival of Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles), are ideal picnic times.  Enjoy the smell of pine trees,  blossoming spring wildflowers, gorgeous scenery and views at some of our favorite picnic spots.

Nubian Ibex
Nubian Ibex – goat species found in the Middle East (Wikimedia)

1.  Jerusalem – The Martyrs’ Forest (Yaar HaKedushim)

From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Route No. 1 turn off onto Route 38 at Shaar Hagai traveling towards Bet Shemesh.  Follow the sign post to the Martyrs’ Forest.  In the park you will find the Scroll of Fire Memorial, the Anne Frank Memorial and the Martyrs’ Cave.  At this time of year it is appropriate to take in the 8.5 meter Scroll of Fire M onument commemorating the destruction of our nation at various times through the ages.

2.  Another Jerusalem favorite – The Jerusalem Forest

Plenty of walking trails and picnic spots and lookout posts.  Wonderful views at sunset.

Parking, shade and picnic tables are available.

3.  Afula – Nahal Harod Park

Driving south of Afula on Route 60 turn left onto Route 675.  Travel about 1km from the Jezreel Junction to the entrance of Kibbutz Jezreel.  A paved road – parallel to Route 675 – forks off to Tel Jezreel.  The river trail, the Western Roman Bridge, Ganei Huga and the Basalt Canyon are just some of the attractions in the area.  The ancient ruins and antiquities in the Bet Shean National Park are close by.

4.  Beit Shemesh – British Park (Park Britannia)

South of Beit Shemesh, 10,000 acres of planted forest and natural flora, carob, pine and oak tress all nestle in the Judean Plain and make up Park Britannia. The park has a scenic lookout, marked walking paths and also historical and archeological sites.  A variety of wildlife including the mountain gazelle (צבי), caracals (חֲתוּלי הַמִּדְבָּר), rabbits ( ארנבים), porcupines (דרבנים) are often sited. There are numerous entrances to the park on Routes 38, 383 and 353

5.  Central Israel – Ben Shemen Forest

Hiking routes, a section of the Israel Trail, bicycle paths, archeological sites, wild flowers and picnic spots with a BBQ area are what you will find in the Ben Shemen Forest.  With easy access from Route no. 1 and Route 6 (Kvish Shesh) the forest is close to Lod and relatively close to Modiin.  Ne’ot Kedumim Park is also close by.

6.  The Negev – Beeri Forest

Following Route 25 at Saad Junction  turn onto Route 232 and a few kilometers down the road you will come to the Beeri Forest where you will find green fields, open spaces, wildflowers and lots of anemones (כלניות). There are a number of sites within the forest including the ANZAC memorial and some sulfur mines.  Once you have had your picnic you might want to take in some of the other sites in the area including the Yad Mordechai Forest and the town of Netivot which are both close by.

7.  Haifa – The Carmel Forest

Thousands of acres of natural woodland, planted forest covered with wildflowers make the Carmel Forest to the north-east of Haifa one of the most visited parks in the area.  Meander along one of may hundreds of trails.  If you come really early, you may be lucky enough to claim a picnic table and if not, just throw a blanket on the grass and enjoy the day.  Follow Route 672, take one of the turnoffs and find your perfect picnic spot.

8.  Tzfat – Blue Valley Park

580 dunams of parkland, north of Tzfat, lets you take in views of Mount Meron from every angle. If you are lucky you will see some of Israel’s wildlife including; deer (אַיָּל), ibex (עז הבר) and antelope (אַנְטִילוֹפָּה) on the many, marked footpaths in the Park.  A real joy for young children.  Route 89 takes you to Tzfat.  Once you are in Tzfat, drive towards the Central Bus Station and approximately 1/2km from the main junction, is the entrance to the park just off Atzmaut Street.

9.  Western Galilee – Adamit Park

Adamit Park offers spectacular views of the Western Galillee and Haifa Bay. An easy half-hour walk to Me’Arat HaKeshet (The Arch Cave) will be enough to build up your appetite.  Just drive east from Shlomi for about 4 kilometers on Route 899. Just before Moshav Yaara turn northwards onto the winding road that climbs up to Kibbutz Adamit (Route 8993). The entrance to Adamit Park is at the top of the hill.

Touring Tips

  • BBQ facilities are NOT available at all of these sites
  • National parks are run by KKL-JNF (Keren Kayment LeYisrael – Jewish National Fund).  Contact them with questions regarding facilities and possible entry fees. Tel:02-670 7411 
  • Be conscious of the environment.  Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
  • Have sufficient drinking water and plenty of sunscreen for your protection.
  • More travel tips here

Conseils Financiers – Alon Gal

Reading Time: 6 minutes

10 astuces pour faire des economies en Israel

דרכים לחסוך כסף בישראל

Cette information fut rendue possible grâce au don généreux d’un bienfaiteur anonyme.  Cette information fut rendue possible grâce au don généreux d’un bienfaiteur anonyme.

 money saving tips

Vous connaissez sans doute cette vieille plaisanterie.

Q. Comment faire fortune en Israël ?

A. Apportez-en une grosse avec vous.

L’argent est sans doute l’une des préoccupations les plus importantes de votre aliyah. Nombreux sont les nouveaux immigrants en Israël qui peinent à s’adapter financièrement à l’économie très différente de ce pays. Nous voulons conserver notre train de vie mais notre capital peut souvent se retrouver fortement diminué par des circonstances imprévues ; peut-être venez-vous de vous installer à votre compte, vous n’avez pas réussi à trouver de travail, ou vous avez été contraint de prendre un emploi moins bien rémunéré. Vous ne comprenez pas encore les différents plans d’épargne, les options d’investissement et les lois bancaires.

Alon Gal est le présentateur bien connu du programme de télévision très populaire de la deuxième chaîne d’Israël – Mishpacha Horeguet (Familles en progrès). Il conseille des familles qui ont perdu pied financièrement. C’est un coach des affaires très réputé, propriétaire et chef exécutif de « TUT Tikshoret ».

Alon Gal partage ici 10 de ses meilleurs conseils avec Anglo-list.

1. L’emprunt logement

Quand la plupart des familles en Israël achètent un appartement, elles souscrivent un prêt immobilier important. Dans beaucoup de cas, c’est une mauvaise décision économique. On se retrouve avec de très fortes traites mensuelles, créant ainsi une dette énorme. On doit alors faire face à l’accumulation des dettes que ce lourd emprunt peut générer et les problèmes qui en résultent. Notre qualité de vie s’en retrouve affectée. Il faut faire abstraction de l’aspect émotionnel d’acheter la maison de vos rêves. Un emprunt immobilier est un prêt, une question purement économique, et vous devez la considérer uniquement en ces termes. Continuez à louer votre appartement plus modeste pendant encore quelques années, faites avec ce que vous avez, économisez jusqu’à ce que vous soyez en mesure d’acheter un appartement plus cher et vous permettre un emprunt plus conséquent.

Solution : la totalité de vos emprunts logement, emprunts immobiliers et autres dettes à court et long termes ne doivent pas excéder 25% de votre revenu net total.

2. Anticiper l’avenir

Nous savons qu’il y a des dépenses diverses auxquelles il nous faudra faire face un jour ; bnei mitzvot de nos enfants, leurs études etc. Et pourtant, la plupart des familles se laissent surprendre par l’arrivée de ces dépenses. Il n’y a pas de surprise. Il s’agit, tout simplement, d’un manque de préparation de votre part. Vous allez donc peut-être devoir casser votre plan d’épargne ou prendre une hypothèque sur ce compte dans des conditions défavorables.

Solution : faites une estimation de toutes les grosses dépenses susceptibles d’arriver dans un avenir proche et lointain, planifiez pour ces dépenses et commencez à économiser pour elles chaque mois.

3. Communiquer

Bon nombre de familles que je rencontre ne communiquent pas bien. Un mari qui ne sait peut-être pas ce que sa femme dépense et elle qui n’a aucune idée du montant de la dette du ménage ou des prêts que son mari peut avoir. Très souvent, ils ne partagent pas non plus la responsabilité des enfants. Ils vivent dans des mondes déconnectés. Ils ont du mal à se responsabiliser au sein du mariage. Le résultat – ils ne s’aident pas et ne planifient pas à l’avance.

Solution : Tenez une réunion de famille mensuelle avec tous les membres de la famille et, au moins une fois ou deux fois par semaine, le mari et la femme doivent s’assoir ensemble pour faire le point et planifier leur vie.

4. Comptes épargne à court terme

Parce que la plupart des gens n’apprennent jamais, et encore moins deviennent experts dans le domaine des investissements, celui-ci est souvent négligé. Tout au long de ma carrière, j’ai rencontré des centaines de familles qui ont plusieurs centaines de milliers de shekels sur des comptes de dépôt à court terme. Le taux d’intérêt sur ces comptes est virtuellement zéro. Il existe de nombreuses possibilités d’investissement très solides et il est bon de les connaitre. Les bons du Trésor, les bons du gouvernement et autres plans, offerts par les banques, paient plus d’intérêts. Peu de gens savent que, en cas de faillite de la banque, les comptes de dépôt à court terme ne sont pas garantis. Avec ces dépôts à court terme, vous prêtez de l’argent à la banque et, en échange, la banque vous paie un faible taux d’intérêt. Les bons du Trésor ou bons du gouvernement, en revanche, ne sont garantis par la banque – la banque les garde pour vous. Dans l’éventualité d’une faillite de la banque, votre investissement est en sécurité et vous ne perdez pas votre argent.

Solution : Évitez les comptes de dépôt à court terme et prenez avantage des investissements plus sécurisés.

5. Les retraites

De même, la plupart des gens qui ne comprennent pas leurs investissements, ne comprennent pas non plus leurs systèmes de retraite. Même si vous contribuez à une caisse de retraite par votre emploi, la structure des salaires fait qu’un employé ne contribue pas forcément à la caisse de retraite. Soudain, au moment de prendre votre retraite, vous vous retrouvez avec 50% ou 60% de ce que vous pensiez avoir et parfois même moins. Le montant de la retraite vieillesse de la caisse d’assurance nationale (Bituach Leumi) est ridiculement bas. Nous attendons tous le moment de pouvoir bénéficier de notre retraite mais souvent, c’est une période qui peut s’avérer traumatisante sur le plan financier. Si vous n’avez pas contribué au fil des années, et certainement si vous n’avez pas contribué à une caisse de retraite de votre entreprise, cela devient un sérieux problème. Nous devons évaluer et gérer notre retraite sur une base annuelle.

Solution : évaluez vos besoins et commencez à mettre de l’argent de côté de façon à ce que vous ayez un revenu raisonnable à la retraite.

6. Revenus non protégés et invalidité

Peu de gens en mesurent l’importance. Dieu vous en préserve, demain vous vous retrouvez dans l’incapacité de travailler. Nous pensons être complètements couverts par la caisse d’assurance nationale (Bituach Leumi). Cela n’est pas tout à fait vrai. Tout d’abord, les montants versés par Bituach Leumi sont très faibles et, pour les avoir, il vous faut passer par une procédure longue et fastidieuse afin de prouver votre incapacité aux diverses autorités en charge. Il peut être difficile à admettre que, sans la protection adéquate de votre plan de retraite, vous pourriez avoir du mal à mettre de la nourriture sur la table.

Solution : Vérifiez la couverture exacte dont vous bénéficiez de votre emploi et de votre retraite. Compensez en investissant dans une assurance ou autre retraite complémentaire afin de vous garantir un revenu raisonnable.

7. Achats impulsifs

La plupart d’entre nous faisons des achats sous le coup de l’émotion. Par exemple, nous allons à l’étranger, dépensons trop au duty-free, nous achetons un écran plasma 127cm et nous laissons aller à des achats impulsifs dans les boutiques. Souvent, quand nous avons passé une mauvaise journée, nous compensons en faisant des achats superflus, sans importance, qui ne servent à rien. Ce type de consommation nous coûte cher. Soudain, nous sommes endettés et à découvert. Nous sommes contraints de faire des emprunts à court terme et à des taux très élevés afin de pouvoir tout rembourser. Pour satisfaire un frisson éphémère et une consommation inutile, nos finances peuvent s’en retrouver anéanties.

Solution : Planifiez vos achats, évaluez vos besoins et insérez-les dans votre budget en début d’année. Vous pouvez alors allouer une partie de votre budget aux achats superflus.

8. L’argent de poche

Étonnamment, les études montrent que peu de familles donnent de l’argent de poche régulièrement à leurs enfants. Au lieu de cela, les enfants viennent demander de l’argent à leurs parents en permanence. C’est une erreur. Les enfants n’apprennent pas à gérer leurs dépenses et ne savent pas comment les organiser par ordre de priorité. Du point de vue des parents, cette situation peut vite dégénérer. Les 50 shekels ici et 30 shekels là peuvent se transformer en plusieurs centaines de shekels par mois. La plupart du temps, nous n’avions aucunement l’intention de dépenser cette somme d’argent.

Solution : Organisez leur argent de poche. Avec eux, aidez-les à évaluer leurs besoins et l’argent de poche nécessaire pour satisfaire à ces besoins.

9. Offres spéciales

Les grandes enseignes commercialisent leur marchandise, en particulier les biens de consommation, avec des offres spéciales alléchantes : pour l’achat de 4, 1 gratuit, deux pour le prix d’un et autres formules de ce type. Au final, les familles se retrouvent avec des articles dont ils n’ont pas besoin et devront peut-être jeter. Ce sont là des achats inutiles qui empiètent sur votre budget. Chaque chef d’entreprise sait qu’il ne doit pas acheter trop de stock et risquer de se retrouver avec des biens inutiles qui réduisent son budget. Il en va de même pour le budget des ménages – gérez votre inventaire et faites vos provisions avec raison.

Solution : N’achetez que ce dont vous avez besoin. Ne vous laissez pas tenter, pour une petite réduction, de dépenser plus qu’il ne vous faut ou que vous ne devriez.

10. L’erreur classique

Nous avons déjà parlé de la retraite, de la capacité au travail, des dettes à moyen et long termes, de la consommation et autres questions. Mais encore, la plupart des gens ne savent pas combien ils dépensent chaque mois et ne peuvent pas rendre compte de leurs dépenses. Si tel est le cas, vous perdez le contrôle de votre vie. Il vous faut d’abord comprendre votre budget. Votre budget est le montant total de vos revenus nets. Planifiez vos dépenses.

Solution : Tout comme une entreprise doit justifier chacun de ses achats, une famille doit en faire autant. Seulement après avoir fait un inventaire complet de nos dépenses sommes-nous alors à même de gérer et contrôler notre budget.

Anglo-List Business Directory

15 Fabulous Free Attractions in Haifa

Reading Time: 6 minutes

15 fabulous attractions and free places to visit in Haifa.

Why spend a fortune of family outings when there are so many free places to visit in Haifa?

It’s easy to spend a few hundred shekels a day on family outings and it can become depressingly expensive.  Follow our guide to brilliant free places to to visit in Haifa, and have a fun-filled day without spending a fortune.

haifa free places sto visit nesher park
The suspension bridge at Nesher Park

 

The Bahai Temple

The Bahai Temple in Haifa is probably the city’s most popular attraction.  The golden dome of the Bahai Temple is a landmark and shines brightly in the summer.

There are 4 options for viewing the grounds:

  1. The Temple (Shrine of the Baab) on Sderot HaZionut
  2. From the lookout on Yefe Nof Street in the Central Carmel 
  3. A pre-arranged tour of the terraces starting on Yefe Nof
  4. A spectacular view from Ben Gurion Blvd in the German Colony.

Entrance to the daily terrace tour (except Wednesday) is free of charge and no reservations are needed – it’s on a first-come-first-served basis. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties or health issues.  Starting at 45 Yefe Nof Street, and lasting 50 minutes, the tour ends at the garden’s entrance on Hatzionut Avenue.  English tours are at midday.

Wear comfortable shoes and have plenty of water. The terrace tour maybe difficult for small children (and if you have bad knees) and once you begin there is no turning back.

2.  The Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa

The Hecht Museum is an archaeological museum at the Haifa University on Abba Houshy Road, Mount Carmel, Haifa.

For an English tour, coordinate your visit in advance with the Visitor’s Center at 04-8240097.  This is an interesting outing for the whole family and also for your out-of-town guests.

Bus no. 24, 37 and 37A get you to the university. Soon you will be able to get to the university with the cable car from Merkazit Hamifratz (expected October 2021)

3.  Clandestine Immigration & Naval Museum

Located at 204 Allenby St, the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum is dedicated to the illegal immigrants around the time of Israel’s independence and their right and struggle to live in this country.   The museum is also dedicated to the history of the Israeli Navy. Climb aboard the ship “Af-Al-Pi-Chen”, which brought 434 immigrants to Israel.  Also on view is the Dakar submarine that sank in 1967.  Thirty years later its conning tower was discovered. A visit to the Illegal Immigrants’ Detainee Camp in Atlit is well worth a visit after your visit to the Clandestine Immigration Museum.

The museum Is open from 08:30 – 16:00 on weekdays.  Buses: 1, 2, 5, 26, 44, 45 and the Haifa Metronit. Plenty of parking. Phone 04-8536249 for details. 

4. The Dagon Grain Museum & Silo

The enormous Dagon grain museum and silo is a distinctive fortress like construction on Ha’atzmaut St, near the Haifa port.   It can easily be seen from the top of the Carmel.  Guided tours of the museum and the plant are available The oldest exhibits are millstones and other items from Jericho dating from the eighth millennium B.C.

Museum opening hours: Daily from 08:00 – 10:30 (closed on Saturday). A guided tour can be arranged from Sun-Fri. at 10.30am; by appointment (tel. 04-866-4221). Entrance is free although one has to pay for a guided tour. 

If you are coming from out of town, the easiest way to get there is by train – get off at Haifa-Hashmona-Central Station and Dagon is on your door-step.

5.  The Israel Electric Company (Hevrat HaHashmal)

The Israel Electric Company’s visitors center in Haifa’s at the power station, offers an interesting explanation of how electricity is manufactured and distributed in Israel.  The visit includes a tour of the power plant.  The power station is located on Tuvim Rd in the Industrial Zone.

You can pre-arrange your visit to the power station on-line.  Wear closed flat shoes otherwise you will not be allowed into the power plant.  It’s a pity to miss it. 

A visit to the much larger power station in Hadera (half way between Haifa and Tel Aviv) is well worth it too.

6. Muhraka

Muhraka – The Horn of the Carmel is an old monastery that belongs to the Carmelit Order, who arrived in Israel from Europe in the 17th century. According to the conventional belief of Christians, Muslims, Druze and Jews, it is at this location that the dramatic battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place. 

The monastery is situated behind the Druze villages.

Take route 672 from Haifa University, pass Daliat El Carmel and make a left turn to Muhraka.  Visiting hours: 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00.  If you are using public transport to reach this outlying attraction then use your Rav Kav daily Travel Pass for a much more affordable travel option.

7. Haifa’s Beaches

Haifa has miles and miles of soft, sandy, golden beaches. In the summer, lifeguards are on duty during the summer months until 18:00. There are toilet and shower facilities.  Plenty of bars and cafes along the promenade and kosher options too. 

Bat Galim and the Surfers Beach in the northern suburbs are accessible by train – the nearest station is Haifa Bat Galim. 

Moving south; the Carmel Beach, Nirvana, Zamir, Dado, Dado South and the Student’s Beach (Train and bus stations – Haifa Hof HaCarmel – are located opposite). 

Beaches are also easily accessible by bus and Metronit. Free parking.

8. Gan HaEm (Mother’s Park)

Gan Ha’em is adjacent to the last station (Gan HaEm staion) of the Carmelit Underground in the Central Carmel neighborhood.  It is also adjacent to the Haifa zoological gardens and Wadi Lotem.  Gan Haem is a fairly large park and playground; swings, see-saws, slides, climbing apparatus.  It is a great place for a family picnic and picnic tables are plentiful. 

Often there are free concerts in the park on Wednesday nights in July and August.  Bring your own chairs.

9. Wadi Lotem

Appreciate nature and meander through the recently cleaned up Wadi Lotem trail. 

The trail starts just next to the events pavilion in Gan Ha’em, it’s easy and suitable for the whole family. The trail takes you from the Carmel down to the  coast – about a 3 kilometer walk.

10. Wadi Nisnas

Wadi Nisnas, is an Arab neighborhood in Haifa with a population of about 8,000 inhabitants.

It boasts a fresh fruit and vegetable market which is open 7 days a week.  You’ll discover specialized food stores, interesting restaurants and the best falafel Haifa has to offer.  Wadi Nisnas is known for the permanent open art and sculpture exhibition.  Alleys and walkways hide interesting artworks on doorways, the sides and fronts of buildings.

A do-it-yourself walking trail is demarcated from the Central Carmel to Wadi Nisnas.  It will take about an hour to descend from the Carmel down to the Wadi.  (Wadi NisNas, in December:  The Haifa Festival of Festivals – Chag HaChagim)

11.  The Carmel Forest National Park

“Little Switzerland” is part of the Carmel Forest National Park and is a short drive on from the Haifa University on Abba Hushi Rd., en-route to the Druze villages. Hundreds of acres of pine forests, walking trails and picnic spots. In the springtime you can enjoy the wild flowers that carpet the forest floor.

12.  The Hai Bar

The Hai Bar is part of the Carmel Forest National Park.  This animal sanctuary has re-introduced numerous native species to the area. Visit the forest in the spring to enjoy a mass of wild flowers. Purchase an annual membership – Matmom – from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.  You get free entrance to most of the parks in Israel and 50% discount to others. Tourists can buy a similar card called “The Green Card”.  For around 80 shekels you get entrance to 6 sites operated by the Israel Nature Parks Authority.  Entrance on Saturdays only from 08:00 – 16:00.  Call *3639.

13.  Nesher Park

If you are adventurous and not afraid of heights, the main feature of the 200 dunam (50 acres), Nesher Park, to the north-east of Haifa, is the 70 meter suspension bridge that spans a seasonal, winter river – Nahal Katia.  After a 15 minute walk from the parking area on trails that meander through the vegetation and shrubbery you reach the bridge. Additional facilities include a picnic area, lookout plaza, access trails and landscaped rock ledges. Follow Harub (Carob)Rd. in Ramot Yitzhak as far as the road sign that says KKL-JNF Nesher Park. Park your car in the car park and follow the sign  “To Nahal Katiya “.

14.  Stella Maris

The Stella Maris Church –  The Star of the Sea – was built on its current site in 1836.  It serves as a center to the Carmelit Order throughout the world.

The ceiling of the main hall is roofed and decorated by colorful paintings based on motifs from The Old and New Testaments

15.  Stella Maris Lighthouse & Elijah’s Cave

Your little boys will love this outing. Opposite the Stella Maris Church, Haifa’s lighthouse guides ships and naval traffic into Haifa Bay.

You can then stroll down a pathway which leads you to Elijah’s Cave.  An important shrine to many religions, the chapel includes the very cave in which the prophet Elijah is believed to have lived and taught.

The Ohel Sarah Network for people with special needs.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ohel Sarah – For People with Special Needs in Israel

Ohel Sarah is a non-profit organization that has been serving the special-needs population in Central Israel. Ohel Sarah offers services to children and adults ages 6 to end of life with emotional, behavioral and mental disabilities, including autism and communication disorders. Ohel Sarah helps its students reach their individual potential. All therapies, programs and sessions are geared towards increasing the students’ independence and preparing them for life after graduation. Their approach is unique in that it seeks to integrate its students into mainstream society, while backing and accompanying them every step of the way.  Aside from providing its students with the best possible care, Ohel Sarah offers extensive support, guidance and counseling to the parents and caregivers of its students. We see ourselves as equal sharers in the responsibility and joy of caring for their children, and cooperate closely with the parents.

Ohel Sarah’s Services

  • Education – Four schools for children ages 6-21 with various levels of cognitive disabilities.
  • Employment – Our three employment centers enable adults ages 21-60+ to spend their days in a meaningful way and enjoy various employment opportunities while receiving a monthly salary.
  • Housing – Ohel Sarah operates 13 group homes, where adults live independently as a family unit in groups of six. Assisted by a housemother, social workers, nurses and counselors.

Contact

For more information, volunteer or donate, please contact Rivky Ostrover

l:+972 3 578 2135 or rivky@ohelsara.org or visit their website

Mortgage Questions

0
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Your Israel Mortgage Questions & Answers

How much will I qualify for when applying for a mortgage?

Your monthly mortgage is based on your earnings and local Israeli banks will not allow you to take out a mortgage loan in excess of 40% of your monthly household income.  So for example, if your household income is 10,000 shekels, your monthly mortgage payment cannot exceed 4,000 shekels per month.  However there are certain instances where your total assets will be factored into the decision.  It is best to consult with a mortgage bank before you sign a property purchases contract.

Are there fixed mortgage rates in Israel?

Yes. Fixed rates are available in both linked to inflation and not linked to inflation products. Prepayment penalties can be a factor when taking a fixed mortgage.

How much can I borrow?

Israeli citizens, first home-owners, can borrow up to 75% of the value of the property. If you are considering an Investment property. Israeli citizens are entitled to borrow up to 50% of the value of the property. Non-Israeli citizens are generally limited to 50%.

Is my mortgage tax deductible?

Israeli citizens are not entitled to a tax rebate on their mortgage.  You may be entitled to a tax rebate in your country of origin if you are still filing a tax return there.  Citizens of the United States are entitled to a deduction on their mortgage interest.  It is best to consult with a local Israeli CPA who specializes in American tax laws.

How long does it take to obtain pre-approval – ‘ishur ikroni’ – on a mortgage?

The pre-approval does not take a long time to obtain.  Generally it is just a few days from the time all the relevant paperwork has been submitted.  You may even get the pre-approval within 24 hours of application.

How long does the mortgage process take?

Allow for 2 – 6 weeks from the time all the relevant documentation has been submitted

I have a lump sum, can I pay off my mortgage prior to the due date?

Consult with your mortgage bank and verify if there is a penalty clause in your mortgage contract.

Can I pay an additional amount every month to shorten the term of my loan?

This falls into the same category and a penalty clause may need to be paid.

Can I refinance my mortgage?

Should the need arise you can refinance your mortgage in Israel.  You will have to pay administration fees. 

 

Israel’s Nationwide Emergency Drills & Preparedness.

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The Home Front Command – Emergency drills & preparedness for Israel

You are startled by a loud noise, your cup of coffee falls out your hands and the hot liquid scalds your knee as it falls to the ground. It’s an air raid siren!!!  Yom Hazikaron, war, missiles, what now?  No need to panic.  It’s The Home Front Command (פיקוד העורף / Pikud HaOref) conducting a nationwide drill.

In an effort to prepare the community as well as the emergency services, every few months Israel’s Home Front Command conducts a nationwide emergency drill. Air raid sirens will be heard in some places.

Practice drills are also conducted in cooperation with the Israel Ministry of Education (משרד החינוך / Misrad HaChinuch) so that your school-going children are fully prepared in the event of an emergency like fire, earthquake or a national security situation.

How will I know that there is going to be a drill?

A few days before the drill announcements are made across the media that a national emergency drill will be taking place.  It will be announced on the radio, television stations and on news websites.  In case you miss the Hebrew announcements, Anglo-list will also publish the information in English on the website and across our social networks.

What can I expect?

If this is your first emergency drill, please note:

  • A 90 second-long siren goes off in certain locations or across the country.  Certain geographical locations may be excluded from the drill.  If so, this will be announced.
  • One hour before the drill, The Home Front Command sends a text message to mobile phone subscribers.  You will receive this announcement on your phone.   If you did not receive a notification, you should contact the Home Front Command and ask them to add you to the list.

Contacting The Home Front Command

  • The Home Front Command can be contacted by dialing 104 from any phone.  Phone instructions are available in Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic, Amharic, French, German and Italian.
  • Their website: https://www.oref.org.il/ is available in 4 languages; Hebrew, English, Russian and Arabic.

Israel’s Public Housing for New Immigrants.

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I am an ‘Oleh Hadash’, do I qualify for public housing in Israel?

public housing
A typical public housing block in Israel

The cost of real estate in Israel has risen by about 50 percent over the past 6 years. For people with limited incomes and for those who have little possibility of improving their financial situation, this increase has added to the housing crisis in Israel.

State-owned public housing apartments are significantly cheaper but most of the public housing apartments are located in the peripheral areas and the waiting period, if you are eligible, for a public housing apartment can be several years. The number of state owned public housing units is drying up. In 2011, for example, the state owned just over 65,000 public housing units, 50 percent less than in 10 years earlier.

Do new immigrants qualify for public housing?

New immigrants can qualify for a public housing apartment if they fit in the following categories.

1. A severely disabled person with a permanent disability of 75% or more as determined by Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) or the Ministry of Defense.

2. A minor – up to the age of 18 – who is eligible for the Disabled Child Benefit from Bituach Leumi.

3. The sufferers of certain medical conditions including: a kidney dialysis patients, heart disease patients, people with heart disease requiring a heart transplant, people with a malignant disease requiring radiation or chemotherapy, a liver or lung disease that necessitates a transplant, AIDS patients or patients with chronic mental illness.

4. A person with a “Teudat Iver” – a Certificate of Blindness

5. An immigrant family with at least one severely disabled member

6. An immigrant family with at least one members suffering from severe illness

How do I apply for public housing?

To apply for an apartment and public housing assistance, please consult with your aliyah and absorption coordinator.  If you meet all the criteria, your name will be added to the waiting list.

Useful Resources

Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute)

https://www.gov.il

Haifa – 8 Palyam St., Tel: 04-8633666

Jerusalem – 13 Weizmann Blvd., Tel: 02-6709211

Kfar Saba – 34 Weizmann St., Tel: 09-7479888

Bet Shemesh – 8 Hanassi St., Tel: 02-9906111

There also branches in:  Ashdod, Beer Sheva, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Eilat, Herzliyah, Kiryat Shmona Netanya, Petach Tikva, Rechovot, Ramat Gan & Rishon LeZion

Ministry of Housing & Construction (Misrad HaBinuy VeHaShikun)

Haifa – 15 Palyam St., Tel: 04-863-0666 / 1-800-229-944

Jerusalem – Kiryat HaMemshala; Tel: 02-5847211

Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (Misrad Haklita)

https://www.moia.gov.il/Moia_en/HomePage.htm?

Haifa – 15   Palyam St. , Tel: 04 8631116/7

Jerusalem – Kiryat Ben Gurion, Tel: 02-6752611

Kfar Saba – 23 HaTa’ash, Tel: 1-599-500-906

Tel Aviv – 6 Esther Hamalka, Tel: 03-5209153

Bet Shemesh – 10 Hashiva, Tel: 02-9939102

There are also branches in: Afula, Arad, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, Carmiel, Dimona, Eilat, Hadera, HaShfela, Holon, Kiryat Arba, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Shmona, Maalot, Migdal HaEmek, Mitzpe Rimon, Modi’in, Nahariya, Netanya, Petach Tikva, Rechovot, Rishon LeTzion, Sderot, Tzfat, Upper Nazareth, Western Negev and Yerucham.

Did you know?In 2012, 67.9% of Israelis lived in homes they owned and 26.9% lived in rented homes.

According to an in-house survey Anglo-List did in 2014, 39% of the Anglo community want to be paying off a mortgage while 45% are happy to live in rented accommodation.    Click here for the survey results

Jewish Marriage in Israel

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Getting married in Israel – The Jewish marriage.

Mazaltov! You have finally decided to tie the knot.  There is so much to organize before your big day it’s quite overwhelming.  But amidst the excitement of shopping for a dress, booking  a wedding hall and arranging transport for the cousins from Dimona, you’ll  need to get the boring, mundane paperwork organized.
bride and groom

In order to register for a Jewish marriage you need to open a marriage file (“tik nissuin”) at your local religious council or Rabbinate.  This needs to be done no less than 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the marriage.

If you are over the age of 18 and planning on a Jewish marriage in Israel you must register for marriage with the Israeli Rabbanut (Rabbinate). This is not applicable if you were married outside of Israel, prior to your Aliyah.

What documents do I need to give the Rabbanut?

  1. Teudat Zehut or a passport
  2. Three passport photos for both parties
  3. Birth Certificates
  4. Proof of Judaism – this could be a letter from your Rabbi abroad stating that you are Jewish and born to a Jewish mother.  If you are a convert you will need to provide your official conversion papers.
  5. You will also  have to bring two witnesses who will testify they know both bride and groom as singles.

Are there any other documents I need to provide to the Rabbinate prior to the ceremony?

Depending on your specific circumstances, and where applicable,  you may also be asked to provide a copy of your divorce certificate (“Get”), a death certificate and your parent’s marriage certificate. The Rabbinate will also raise the topic of family purity, instruction and the mikveh as well as the required certifications in this regard.

After the marriage ceremony

After the marriage has taken place you will need to present a copy of your ketubah and your marriage certificate to the Rabbanut.  You will also need to register your marriage with Misrad HaPnim (the Ministry of Internal Affairs) who will update all official records and issue the necessary documentation for your teudat zehut showing your marital status and new name.  Your passport will be stamped with your new name.

Contacting the Offices of the Rabbanut in the main cities

  • 12 HaHavatzelet, Jerusalem – Tel: 02 621 4888
  • 1 Rehov Ori, Tel Aviv – Tel: 03 693 8900
  • 60 Rehov Herzl, Haifa – Tel: 04 864 1187
  • 8 Rehov Ha Telmond, Beer Sheva – Tel: 08 620 4000

Interfaith Marriage: A Personal Story

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Interfaith marriage & laws in Israel

By: Jona Taylor

interfaith marriage min

My common law husband David and I had the crazy idea we would get married in Israel.  We forgot the fact that Israeli marriage laws are different than in the United States. In America practically anybody can get married to whoever they want if they are of age. Most states still don’t allow gay marriage, and no state that I know of would let you marry your dog or cat; However, Interracial and interfaith marriages are allowed in all states, even Alabama.

David and I can’t get married in Israel because civil marriage is not allowed. Basically, only Orthodox religious marriages are permitted. Christians may marry other Christians, Muslims may only marry Muslims, and Jews may only marry Jews. Oh, but there’s more, certain ultra-orthodox Jewish sects allow marriage not only between cousins, but even nieces. To top it off, a Jewish convert can only marry another Jewish convert.

Not to worry, love conquers all. Israel will accept marriages that were performed in other countries. Therefore, although David and I can’t get married in Israel, if we married before coming here, or take a trip abroad to elope, the marriage would be accepted. I was told by my gay friend that Israel accepts his marriage which was performed in a country that allows gay marriage.

So the majority of Israelis go abroad to get married. How ironic is that? A lot of this comes from the old Ottoman Empire, and many of the surrounding countries — aka enemies calling for the complete and total destruction of Israel — have similar laws and customs.

Cyprus is the country of choice where most Israelis travel to marry. In fact, there is the Cyprus wedding cruise ship that leaves port about once a week during wedding season and once a month during the slow season. I’ve never been to Cyprus, so I can’t tell you what it’s like, but obviously they allow civil marriages and are profiting from the archaic Israeli marriage laws. There are couples in the US that refuse to marry until gays can marry. As a matter of principle, David and I should not get married until Israelis born in their own native land are allowed to marry their person of choice in a civil ceremony.

Jona Taylor is a freelance writer living in Haifa, Israel. Read her blog

Hebrew-English: Marriage & Divorce Terminology

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Learn new Hebrew words and phrases with transliterations

Marriage & Divorce

 

English Transliteration Hebrew
Marriage  Nisuim  נשועים
 To get married  LeHitchaten  להתחתן
 Marriage license  Teudat Nisuim   תעודת נשועים
 Religious marriage certificate  Ketubah  כתובה
 Divorce  Girushim  גירושים
 To get divorced  LeHitgaresh   להתגרש
 Lawyer/attorney/advocate  Orech/et din   (m/f) עורך/עורכת דין
 Divorce lawyer  Orech din LeGirushim  עורך דין לגירושין
 Child abduction  Chatifat yeladim  חטיפת ילדים
 Hague convention  Emanut Haag אמנת האג
 Rabbinate  Rabbanut רבנות
 Rabbinical court  Bet Din Harabbani  בית הדין הרבני
 Family court  Bet Hamishpat LeMishpacha  בית המשפט למשפחה
 Family law  Bet hamishpat LeInyanei  mishpacha  בית המשפט לענייני משפחה
 Custody  Achzakat yeladim  אחזקת ילדים
 Child custody  Mishmarot yeladim  משמורת ילדים
 Child support  Hachzakat yeladim  החזקת ילדים
 Prenuptial agreement  Heskem Mimun  הסכם ממון
 Mediation  Gishur  גישור
 Divorce mediation  Gishur LeGirushin    גישור לגירושין
 Divorce mediator  Megasher LeGirushin   מגשר לגירושין
 Maintenance  Mezonot  מזונות
 Infidelity  Begida  בגידה
 Divorce agreement  Heskem girushin  הסכם גירושין
 Division of assets  Chalukat Rachush  חלוקת רכוש
 Family violence  Alimut bemishpacha   אלימות במשפחה

Extra Reading & Legal Resources