REHOVOT

Rehovot is home to the world famous Weizmann Institute of Science, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment (HUJI) and various hi-tech and biotech businesses that define the character of this “science-centric” modern city. Home to two academic institutes in addition to universities like Bar-Ilan and Tel-Aviv, Rehovot has adopted a young, trendy “University town” vibe. The ongoing influx of visiting academics from abroad helps to infuse the city with a truly international flavor.

A third of the population is religious, and 21% have an academic education. The city has a wonderfully warm Anglo Orthodox community with many shuls and kosher food establishments.

Ramat Beit Shemesh

Ramat Beit Shemesh is a well known Anglo area filled with singles, families and 55+ community members. It’s Shomer Shabbat with people of all religious levels, living together. There is shopping, medical resources and community resources for everyone. You will hear lots of English, Hebrew, Spanish and French spoken on the street.

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Pardes Chana

It’s not exactly in the north of the country, nor in the center. Maybe that’s what makes Pardes Channa in the northern Sharon region a place where each person can be whatever he or she wants. On the one hand, the town has filled up in recent years with city people from Tel Aviv, Ramat Hasharon and other cities in central Israel who came here for the dream of a country home, a garden and a family dog—despite the early morning traffic jams on Israel’s coastal road. On the other hand, Pardes Hanna has become a place for beatniks and artists who have discovered a place to create, to launch initiatives, and enjoy a rich community life. Amid this modern-day influx, let’s not forget the veterans of ‘Moshava HaYekkim’ (1929), who grew up under the patronage of Baron de Hirsch (“The Known Benefactor”), and of Karkur (1913), who preserved the character of Arab landholders from the Ottoman period. Here we see a dynamic mix of old and new, longstanding and new young residents, artists and common people. Something in this human patchwork seems to be going quite well. This town with its seemingly endless tiny roads and its 43,000 residents somehow still refuses to become a city. Maybe it’s due to the prestige of remaining a ‘local council’, or maybe due to the bureaucracy involved.One way or another, Pardes Channa (named for Hannah Rothschild, the niece of Baron de Hirsch) is marking 90 years since its founding and 50 years since its union with Karkur in 1959. “So why does everyone call it “Pardes Canna” rather than “Pardes Channa-Karkur”? Irit Oren, director of the Veteran’s House, explains: Both communities have strong sentiments for their past and neither wants to surrender its classic name. Pardes Channa was once considered the “spoiled younger sister” due to the philanthropy of the Baron while Karkur’s roots go back to an English association founded on capital and entrepreneurship that, surprisingly, succeeded during hard times in Israel. Neither really wanted the other, but just like today’s political rivals in Israel they understood that two is stronger than one.

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Neve Daniel

Neve Daniel is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of Jerusalem. It is situated atop one of the highest points in the area, and offers views as far as Tel Aviv to the west and the mountains of Jordan to the east. The settlement is under the administration of the Gush Etzion Regional Council. The population has grown rapidly, and includes Olim from a variety of countries, including a significant percentage of English speakers. The majority of residents are Orthodox, and English speakers generally show a high level of interest in integrating with greater Israeli society.

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Kiriyat Hasharon

Kiyrat Hasharon is a new and very pleasant neighborhood to live in, part of the City Hall of Netanya. It has only been around for a little over fifteen years. A few years ago almost no one knew of its existence. It had to be said that you lived next to the Academy this academy frequently receives French speakers. For example: Alain Finkielkraut the famous philosopher who no longer needs to be presented. It also has a section for French and English speaking students. Today, having developed strongly, this district has become very popular. It is located 5 to 8 minutes from the beach and the Hastmaout kikar by car and 30 minutes on foot. A train station is also accessible on foot which is important if one has to work in Tel Aviv in Ramat Gan or even in Haifa. The many advantages of Kiryat Hasharonis that living in a quiet area where children can play outside without problems while having all means of transport and sports nearby. But there are many others. The prices of rents or apartments are lower both at the seaside and in Netanya center.

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Be’er Sheva

Be’er Sheva is Israel’s fourth-most populated city located in the south near the Negev Desert. The city is a mix of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Ashkenazi families as well as diverse population of Jews from India, Russia, Ethiopia and now the United States. The game of chess is very popular in Be’er Sheva so much that it’s become Israel’s national chess center, with more chess grandmasters per capita than any other city in the world. Be’er Sheva is also home to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. This city also serves as a center for Israel’s high-tech and developing technology industry. There is a lot of new construction, schools, shuls of all kinds, modern shopping centers, and walking paths, with low cost housing options.

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Haifa

Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. There are a number of great things to do, including the Bahai Gardens, German Colony, as well as a number of top museums. The city is part of Israel’s so-called “Silicon Wadi”. High-tech companies around the Matam technology park, where Google, Apple and IBM have offices. Popular among English speaking olim are the neighborhoods of Ahuzza, Upper Hadar and Neve Shaanan. Ahuzza areas are fairly affluent neighborhoods and are home to both religious and secular communities. Near to Haifa University, makes this area desirable to international students and expats who make this neighborhood their home. The Upper Hadar is situated halfway between The Central Carmel neighborhood and the Hadar shopping district. Property prices are lower and all major bus routes, the Carmelit route and in close walking distance to shopping, this is an ideal location if you do not have your own car. The Upper Hadar offers wonderful views of Haifa Port, the bay and Galilee. Neve Shaanan is a large residential and commercial center with a selection of suburban shops, supermarkets and restaurants. This area is a very popular choice for English speaking, young immigrant, observant Jewish couples. Join Devorah Benarroch from KIm Bash Real Estate to meet some Anglo’s who are now living in Haifa, Israel. Community & Real Estate information, by Kim Bash

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