Eight places that English speakers love
NEARLY 3,000 Engl i s h - s p e a k i n g Jews of all ages made aliyah to I s r a e l i n 2 01 4 and at least that many are planning to make the move from the UK, North America, South Africa and other locations in 2015. Towns and cities across Israel have rolled out the red carpet for these sought-after immigrants — and they’re receiving a particularly warm welcome from the estate agents.
While most Anglo immigrants tend to integrate themselves into towns and cities with an existing community of English speakers, various incentive plans offered by aliyah organisations such as Nefesh B’Nefesh have created a subtle but growing shift in where new olim are heading.
“Over the years we have witnessed a significant number of olim who are moving to areas traditionally popular among Anglos,” says Dov Newmark, director of UK Aliyah at Nefesh B’Nefesh.
“But more recently we have noticed an increasing trend of olim wanting to move to Israel’s northern and southern frontiers — thanks, in part, to Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Go North and Go South programmes.
“All of our olim are fulfilling the Zionist dream and have made valuable contributions to strengthening Israel in the economic, political and national security spheres.”
Below are the top towns and cities where Anglos have put down roots during the past year, based on statistics supplied by Nefesh B’Nefesh.
JERUSALEM
Owning a piece of the Holy City is a powerful incentive for many Anglos to live, work and experience Jerusalem in its entirety.
The city’s wide range of educational outlets, its medical centres and burgeoning high-tech industry has also made it easier for many young families to make a lasting home here.
Some Anglo entrepreneurs, such as former Londoner and Masterchef Israel graduate Josh Steele, have jumped into the growing bistro/restaurant scene.
TEL AVIV
Anglos have played a pivotal role in reviving the city’s Modern Orthodox singles Shabbat scene. Hundreds of single men and women (secular, traditional and Orthodox) actively participate in Friday-night minyans and dinners, as well as lavish Shabbat-morning kiddushes.
Without these youngsters, many central city shuls would have closed their doors years ago. Tel Aviv is a place where these young people work, meet, get married and enjoy the best the city has to offer 24/7.
BET SHEMESH
Home to its own Anglo-accented foot- ball club, Bet Shemesh owes its transformation from a formerly run-down low-income immigrant town to a thriving middle-class city to the many English-speaking residents, who have flocked to this metro Jerusalem suburb during the past decade.
With a nearby rail and bus link to both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Bet Shemesh is considered to be one of the most attractive suburban abodes for Anglo olim.
RA’ANANA
Founded by former residents of New York City more than 100 years ago, Ra’anana was — and still is — the role model for Anglo success in Israel.
Even today, English-speaking immigrants are still keen to move into this bustling town, which is just north of Tel Aviv, because of its high standard of living and its successful high-tech zone.
MODIIN
You know Anglos have made a major