The Land of The Western Wall, The Dead Sea

& Bethlehem

Information on Relocating to Israel

• The capital city of Israel is Jerusalem with about 775 thousand people. Israel is a Republic. Note: The Israeli government has designated Jerusalem as the capital, although this is not recognized by the UN, and most foreign embassies are based in Tel Aviv.

• Languages: Hebrew is the official language, spoken by about two-thirds of the population. Arabic is also an official language spoken by around 20% of the population. English is spoken in most places and other languages, specially French, Russian, Spanish and Yiddish are widely used. The TV programs are in Hebrew and Arabic. Through Cable and Satellite TV you can receive programs in English, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, French and Turkish.

• Population: The population is about 7.04 million people - 80.1% are Jewish (Europe/America-born 32.1%, Israel-born 20.8%, Africa-born 14.6%, Asia-born 12.6%), 19.9% non-Jewish (mostly Arab).

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are Tel Aviv, Herzelia and Raanana.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas like Tel Aviv and Hertzelia varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house and very rarely buy their homes.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. The local currency is New Israeli Shekel (NIS). However, accommodation leasing (as well as purchasing) prices are sometimes set in US$.

• Schools: We have the American International school in Even Yehuda (about 30 KM north of Tel Aviv), the Anglican School in Jerusalem and the French School in Jafa. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Public transportation (buses and trains) is very popular and the government subsidizes their rates. The sherut is Israel's own indigenous mode of transportation, operating in and between main cities every day but Shabbat (the Sabbath). Individuals share a van or cab, which accommodates up to seven people, at a fixed price usually equivalent to the bus fare for the same route. Expats do not tent to use these services and usually will use companies car or their own.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday - Thursday 8.30 am - 1.00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 4.00 pm – 6.00pm. On Friday 8.30 – 12.30pm. Different banks and branches may have different open hours.

• Shopping:  Sunday-Thursday 8.00 am – 7.00 pm; some shops close at 9.00 pm. Most shops are closed on Friday afternoon and Saturday. Muslim owned stores close on Friday, while Christian owned stores on Sunday. It takes a while to realize that Sunday is a normal working day unlike in Christian countries.

• Climate: Israeli summers are long (lasting from April to October), hot and virtually rainless. During these months Tel Aviv and the coast are humid, while the atmosphere in hill towns such as Jerusalem is drier and cooler. The winter season (from November to March) is generally mild, but quite cold in hilly areas. Spells of rain are interspersed with brilliant sunshine. During the winter the Dead Sea and Eilat (all searingly hot in summer) have ideal warm, sunny weather.

• Culture: There are nightclubs and discos in most cities. Tel Aviv has a wealth of entertainment to divert the visitor and there are rock, jazz, folk and pop music clubs in all the main cities and resorts. Israeli folklore and dance shows can be seen everywhere, especially in the kibbutzim. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra can be heard at the ICC Binaynei Ha’uma Hall in Jerusalem during the winter. A summer attraction is the Israel Festival of International Music. Cinema is popular in Israel and many cinemas screen three daily shows of international and local films (all Hebrew films are subtitled in English). Tickets for all events and even films can be bought in advance from ticket agencies and sometimes from hotels and tourist offices.

• Public holidays: Jewish Holidays: January/February-Tu B'Shevat*; February/March-Purim*; March/April-Pesach; April/May-Independence Day; May-Lag Ba'Omer*; May/June-Jerusalem Liberation Day*; Shavuot; July/August-Tisha B'Av*; September/October-Rosh Hashana; Yom Kippur; Succot; Simhat; Torah; December-Hanukkah*. Note: * Jewish/Israeli holiday which are not considered public holidays (i.e.: most work place and all of the shopping areas are open on those dates).