The Complete Guide to Anglo Communities in Israel

Introduction

Israel has long been a destination for English-speaking immigrants (often called "Anglos") from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. These immigrants have created vibrant communities throughout Israel, often clustering in specific neighborhoods and cities where English is commonly heard alongside Hebrew.

This comprehensive guide explores the various Anglo communities across Israel, providing detailed information about each area's character, amenities, housing options, religious atmosphere, and more to help potential olim (immigrants) make informed decisions about where to settle.

Jerusalem and Surrounding Areas

Baka and German Colony

Overview: Perhaps the most well-known Anglo enclave in Jerusalem, these adjacent southern Jerusalem neighborhoods are sometimes called the "Anglo bubble."

Anglo Population: Approximately 30-40% of residents are English speakers.

Religious Character: Mixed. These neighborhoods attract a diverse range of residents from secular to Modern Orthodox, with many traditional and Conservative Jews as well.

Housing:

  • Primarily apartment buildings, many in beautiful old Arab-style architecture with arches and gardens

  • Limited number of private homes

  • Housing prices: 35,000-45,000 NIS per square meter to purchase

  • Rental prices: 6,000-12,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Efrata (religious girls' school with strong English support)

  • Geulim (secular elementary)

  • Numerous preschool options with English-speaking staff

  • Proximity to several high schools including Pelech, Himmelfarb, and Boyer

Community Life:

  • Multiple synagogues offering English services, including Yakar, Nitzanim, and Shir Hadash

  • Café culture along Emek Refaim Street

  • First Station complex with restaurants and cultural events

  • Community centers with English programming

  • Active Anglo social scene with regular events

Transportation:

  • Light rail extension planned

  • Multiple bus lines to city center (approximately 15 minutes)

  • Walkable neighborhoods

Pros: Beautiful architecture, central location, vibrant community life, diverse religious options.

Cons: Expensive housing, tourist crowds during holidays, limited parking.

Katamon and Old Katamon

Overview: Adjacent to Baka and German Colony, these neighborhoods have become increasingly popular with Anglos, particularly young Modern Orthodox families and singles.

Anglo Population: 25-35%

Religious Character: Predominantly Modern Orthodox with a growing population of young religious singles and families.

Housing:

  • Mix of older apartment buildings and some newer constructions

  • Purchase prices: 32,000-40,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 5,000-9,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Proximity to Efrata and Geulim

  • Several English-friendly preschools

  • Evelina de Rothschild/Chorev schools within reasonable distance

Community Life:

  • Numerous synagogues including the "Shtiblach" with multiple minyanim

  • Young, dynamic community with many Shabbat meal invitations

  • Café Hillel and other meeting spots

  • Active singles scene

Transportation:

  • Multiple bus lines

  • Approximately 20-minute walk to city center

  • Future light rail extension planned

Pros: Young, energetic community, more affordable than Baka/German Colony, strong religious infrastructure.

Cons: Less green space, some areas need renovation, hillier terrain can be challenging.

Arnona and Talpiot

Overview: These southern Jerusalem neighborhoods have seen significant Anglo growth in recent years, offering more affordable options near the Baka/German Colony area.

Anglo Population: 20-30%

Religious Character: Mixed, with a strong Modern Orthodox presence but also many secular and traditional residents.

Housing:

  • Mix of older buildings and newer developments

  • Some garden apartments available

  • Purchase prices: 28,000-36,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,500-8,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Efrata and Geulim are accessible

  • Several preschool options with English support

  • Proximity to high schools including Hartman and Himmelfarb

Community Life:

  • Growing number of synagogues with English speakers

  • Talpiot industrial zone offers shopping and entertainment

  • YES Planet cinema complex

  • Developing community infrastructure

Transportation:

  • Multiple bus lines

  • Future light rail plans

  • Further from city center (30-minute bus ride)

Pros: More affordable than central Jerusalem neighborhoods, newer housing options, developing area.

Cons: Less established Anglo infrastructure, further from city center, some industrial areas nearby.

Ramot

Overview: This large northern Jerusalem neighborhood has several sub-neighborhoods with varying characters and significant Anglo populations, particularly in Ramot Bet and Gimmel.

Anglo Population: 15-30% depending on specific area

Religious Character: Predominantly Orthodox, ranging from Haredi to Modern Orthodox depending on the section.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and cottages

  • More space for the money compared to central Jerusalem

  • Purchase prices: 25,000-33,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,000-7,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Numerous religious schools including some with strong English support

  • Several Haredi options

  • Preschools with English-speaking staff

Community Life:

  • Many synagogues with English-speaking congregants

  • Shopping centers and commercial areas

  • Large parks and green spaces

  • Strong community organizations

Transportation:

  • Begin Highway provides quick access to central Jerusalem (15-20 minutes by car)

  • Multiple bus lines

  • Light rail extension planned

Pros: More affordable housing, larger apartments, strong religious infrastructure, family-friendly.

Cons: Further from city center, less urban feel, fewer secular options, hillier terrain.

Ramat Eshkol and Sanhedria

Overview: These northern Jerusalem neighborhoods are popular among Orthodox Anglo families seeking proximity to Haredi areas while maintaining a Modern Orthodox character.

Anglo Population: 20-35%

Religious Character: Primarily Orthodox, ranging from Modern Orthodox to Haredi.

Housing:

  • Primarily apartment buildings

  • Purchase prices: 28,000-38,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 5,000-8,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Numerous religious schools with English support

  • Easy access to Haredi educational institutions

  • Several English-speaking preschool options

Community Life:

  • Multiple synagogues with English services

  • Strong community organizations

  • Shopping centers and local businesses

  • Proximity to Bar-Ilan University

Transportation:

  • Light rail access

  • Multiple bus lines

  • Approximately 20-30 minutes to city center

Pros: Strong religious infrastructure, established Anglo communities, central location.

Cons: Limited secular options, less green space, older housing stock in some areas.

Har Nof

Overview: This western Jerusalem neighborhood has a significant Anglo population, particularly among Haredi and Hasidic communities.

Anglo Population: 25-40%

Religious Character: Predominantly Haredi and Hasidic with some Modern Orthodox residents.

Housing:

  • Primarily large apartment buildings

  • Some with scenic views of the Jerusalem Forest

  • Purchase prices: 25,000-35,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,500-7,500 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Numerous Haredi schools and yeshivas

  • Several with English-speaking staff or support programs

  • Many preschool options

Community Life:

  • Numerous synagogues representing different Haredi communities

  • Strong community organizations

  • Shopping centers with kosher businesses

  • Religious event halls and community centers

Transportation:

  • Multiple bus lines

  • No light rail currently planned

  • 30-40 minutes to city center

  • Car recommended for most residents

Pros: Strong religious infrastructure, established Anglo community, more affordable than central Jerusalem.

Cons: Isolated from city center, limited secular options, hilly terrain.

Tel Aviv and Central Israel

North Tel Aviv (Ramat Aviv)

Overview: While Tel Aviv as a whole has fewer concentrated Anglo communities than Jerusalem, North Tel Aviv has seen growth in English-speaking residents, particularly professionals and academics.

Anglo Population: 10-15%

Religious Character: Predominantly secular with some traditional residents.

Housing:

  • Upscale apartment buildings

  • Some luxury towers

  • Purchase prices: 45,000-65,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 8,000-15,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • International schools including the American International School

  • Tel Aviv University nearby

  • Some preschools with English programming

Community Life:

  • Few English-specific community organizations

  • Cosmopolitan atmosphere

  • High-end shopping and dining

  • Proximity to beaches

  • Cultural amenities including museums and theaters

Transportation:

  • Excellent public transportation

  • Tel Aviv light rail under construction

  • Bike-friendly area

Pros: Urban lifestyle, professional opportunities, secular environment, cultural amenities.

Cons: Expensive housing, less cohesive Anglo community, distance from Jerusalem.

Ra'anana

Overview: Often called "Ra'anana-gan" (Ra'anana Garden) due to its large Anglo population, this central Israel city has become one of the premier destinations for English-speaking immigrants.

Anglo Population: 15-25% citywide, with certain neighborhoods reaching 40%

Religious Character: Mixed, with options for secular, traditional, and various Orthodox communities.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and private homes

  • Several new developments catering to affluent buyers

  • Purchase prices: 30,000-45,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 6,000-12,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Several international schools including Tali Ra'anana with English support

  • Religious schools with Anglo populations

  • Multiple preschool options with English-speaking staff

  • Alexander Muss High School in Israel program

Community Life:

  • Multiple synagogues with English services

  • Ra'anana Community Center with English programming

  • Active AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel) branch

  • Shopping centers including Ra'anana Mall and Park Ra'anana

  • Sports facilities including tennis center and swimming pools

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Tel Aviv (20 minutes)

  • Bus service throughout the region

  • Highway 4 and 6 access

  • 20-30 minutes to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Strong Anglo infrastructure, good schools, clean and well-maintained city, balance of urban and suburban.

Cons: Expensive housing, distance from Jerusalem, heavy traffic during rush hours.

Herzliya Pituach

Overview: This affluent coastal area attracts diplomats, tech executives, and wealthy Anglos seeking luxury living near Tel Aviv.

Anglo Population: 15-20%

Religious Character: Predominantly secular with some traditional residents.

Housing:

  • Luxury apartment buildings

  • High-end villas and private homes

  • Purchase prices: 50,000-80,000 NIS per square meter for apartments, villas significantly higher

  • Rental prices: 10,000-25,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • American School in Even Yehuda nearby

  • International School Herzliya

  • Some preschools with English programming

Community Life:

  • Beach lifestyle

  • High-end shopping and dining

  • Proximity to tech hub

  • Marina with yacht club

  • Less community organization than other Anglo areas

Transportation:

  • Car-dependent area

  • Bus connections to Tel Aviv

  • Approximately 20 minutes to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Luxury lifestyle, beach access, international atmosphere, professional opportunities.

Cons: Very expensive, less cohesive community feel, limited religious infrastructure.

Modiin

Overview: This planned city between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv has attracted a significant Anglo population seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of both major cities.

Anglo Population: 10-20% citywide, with higher concentrations in certain neighborhoods like Buchman and Kaiser

Religious Character: Mixed, with neighborhoods catering to secular, traditional, and Modern Orthodox residents.

Housing:

  • Primarily apartment buildings with some cottages

  • Newer construction than many other cities

  • Purchase prices: 25,000-35,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,500-8,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Several schools with English support programs

  • Yachad school popular among Modern Orthodox Anglo families

  • Multiple preschool options with English-speaking staff

Community Life:

  • Several synagogues with English services

  • Community centers with English programming

  • Shopping centers including Azrieli Modiin

  • Parks and recreational facilities

  • Growing Anglo organizations

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport

  • Bus service throughout the region

  • Highways 1 and 443 provide access to Jerusalem (30-40 minutes)

  • 30 minutes to Tel Aviv by car or train

Pros: Affordable housing, planned city with good infrastructure, convenient location between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Cons: Less established Anglo community than Ra'anana or Jerusalem, suburban feel may lack character, limited nightlife.

Coastal Communities

Netanya

Overview: This coastal city has become increasingly popular with Anglo immigrants, particularly from France and the UK, with the Ir Yamim neighborhood developing into a significant Anglo enclave.

Anglo Population: 10-15% citywide, with Ir Yamim reaching 20-25%

Religious Character: Mixed, with options for secular, traditional, and Orthodox residents.

Housing:

  • Mix of older apartment buildings and new luxury towers

  • Ocean-view properties available

  • Purchase prices: 25,000-45,000 NIS per square meter depending on proximity to beach

  • Rental prices: 4,000-10,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Some schools with English support programs

  • Several religious options

  • Multiple preschool choices

Community Life:

  • Several synagogues with English services

  • Active AACI branch

  • Beach lifestyle

  • Shopping centers including Ir Yamim Mall

  • Developing Anglo organizations

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Tel Aviv (30 minutes)

  • Bus service throughout the city

  • Highway 2 provides coastal access

  • 30-40 minutes to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Beach access, more affordable than Tel Aviv, growing Anglo community, pleasant climate.

Cons: Less established Anglo infrastructure than Jerusalem or Ra'anana, older city center, distance from Jerusalem.

Zichron Ya'akov

Overview: This picturesque town on the Carmel Mountain range has attracted a significant Anglo population seeking a quieter lifestyle while maintaining proximity to Haifa.

Anglo Population: 15-20%

Religious Character: Mixed, with a strong traditional community and growing Modern Orthodox presence.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and private homes

  • Some historic properties in town center

  • Purchase prices: 25,000-40,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,000-8,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Several schools with English-speaking staff

  • Some religious options

  • Multiple preschool choices

Community Life:

  • Historic wine village with tourism

  • Pedestrian mall with cafes and shops

  • Several synagogues with English speakers

  • Community centers with some English programming

  • Strong sense of community

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Tel Aviv and Haifa

  • Bus service to surrounding areas

  • 20 minutes to Haifa by car

  • 1 hour to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Beautiful location, tourist attractions, small-town feel, wine culture, proximity to nature.

Cons: Limited employment opportunities, distance from major cities, fewer Anglo-specific services.

Haifa - Carmel Neighborhoods

Overview: While Haifa as a whole has a smaller Anglo population than other major cities, the Carmel neighborhoods (Merkaz HaCarmel, Denia) have attracted English-speaking immigrants seeking affordable housing in a mixed city.

Anglo Population: 5-10% in Carmel neighborhoods

Religious Character: Predominantly secular with some traditional residents, known for coexistence between Jewish and Arab communities.

Housing:

  • Mix of older apartment buildings and some newer developments

  • Some with spectacular bay views

  • Purchase prices: 20,000-35,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 3,500-7,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Limited English-specific educational options

  • Reali School offers some international programs

  • Technion and University of Haifa nearby

Community Life:

  • Some synagogues with English speakers

  • Active but small Anglo community

  • Baha'i Gardens and cultural attractions

  • Mixed Jewish-Arab cultural scene

  • Leo Baeck Community Center

Transportation:

  • Carmelit underground funicular

  • Bus service throughout the city

  • Train connections to Tel Aviv and northern Israel

  • 1 hour to Tel Aviv by train

Pros: Affordable housing, beautiful views, university city, cultural diversity, cooler climate.

Cons: Smaller Anglo community, limited English services, industrial areas, steep topography.

Southern Communities

Beit Shemesh

Overview: This rapidly growing city has become a major destination for Anglo immigrants, particularly in the newer Ramat Beit Shemesh neighborhoods, which have a strong Orthodox character.

Anglo Population: 15-25% citywide, with Ramat Beit Shemesh reaching 30-40%

Religious Character: Varies by neighborhood, from secular in older areas to Haredi in newer developments, with strong Modern Orthodox presence in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef.

Housing:

  • Primarily apartment buildings with some cottages in newer areas

  • More affordable than Jerusalem

  • Purchase prices: 18,000-30,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 3,500-7,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Numerous religious schools with English support

  • AMIT Beit Shemesh popular among Modern Orthodox

  • Multiple English-speaking preschools

  • Several Haredi options with English programs

Community Life:

  • Numerous synagogues with English services

  • Strong community organizations

  • Shopping centers and developing commercial areas

  • Religious tensions between different communities

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

  • Bus service throughout the city

  • 30 minutes to Jerusalem by car

  • 45 minutes to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Affordable housing, strong Anglo community, good religious infrastructure, growing city.

Cons: Religious tensions, fewer employment opportunities, suburban character, limited cultural offerings.

Efrat

Overview: This settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc has one of the highest concentrations of Anglo residents in Israel, creating a distinctly American-Israeli culture.

Anglo Population: 40-50%

Religious Character: Predominantly Modern Orthodox with some traditional residents.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and private homes

  • Newer construction than many areas

  • Purchase prices: 20,000-30,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 4,000-7,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Schools with strong English support

  • Orot Etzion religious school popular among Anglos

  • Multiple preschool options with English-speaking staff

  • Proximity to Yeshivat Har Etzion and other religious institutions

Community Life:

  • Multiple synagogues with English services

  • Strong community organizations

  • Shopping center and developing commercial areas

  • Many cultural activities in English

  • American-style suburbs feel

Transportation:

  • Bus service to Jerusalem

  • Private car recommended

  • 20 minutes to Jerusalem by car (without traffic)

  • Security considerations for some travelers

Pros: Strong Anglo community, affordable housing, religious infrastructure, suburban feel with yards.

Cons: Political controversy due to settlement status, security concerns for some, limited public transportation, distance from major urban centers.

Rehovot

Overview: This central Israel city has developed a significant Anglo community, particularly around the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Faculty of Agriculture. With its academic atmosphere and proximity to Tel Aviv, Rehovot offers a balance of suburban living with access to urban amenities.

Anglo Population: 10-15%, with higher concentrations near the Weizmann Institute

Religious Character: Mixed, with neighborhoods ranging from secular to religious. The city supports a variety of religious communities, including several Modern Orthodox congregations with English speakers.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and private homes

  • Several newer neighborhoods with family-friendly designs

  • Purchase prices: 22,000-32,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 3,800-7,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • De Shalit Middle and High School with some English support

  • Several religious schools including AMIT

  • International programs at the Weizmann Institute

  • Multiple preschool options with English-speaking staff

  • Hebrew University's Faculty of Agriculture provides higher education options

Community Life:

  • Several synagogues with English services including Beit Knesset Merkazi

  • Strong academic community with lectures and cultural events

  • Shopping centers including Rehovot Mall and Bilu Center

  • Science-oriented activities through the Weizmann Institute

  • Park Hamada (Science Park) popular for families

  • Historic downtown with restaurants and cafes

Transportation:

  • Train station with direct connections to Tel Aviv (25 minutes)

  • Bus service throughout the city and region

  • 30 minutes to Tel Aviv by car

  • 45 minutes to Jerusalem by car

  • Convenient access to highways 4 and 6

Pros: Strong academic environment, relatively affordable housing, convenient location between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, established infrastructure, science-oriented community.

Cons: Less cohesive Anglo community than Ra'anana or Jerusalem, industrial areas in parts of the city, fewer English-specific services than larger Anglo centers.

Beer Sheva

Overview: The capital of the Negev has a growing Anglo community, particularly around Ben-Gurion University, offering affordable housing and a developing urban experience.

Anglo Population: 5-10%, higher near the university

Religious Character: Mixed, with options for secular, traditional, and Orthodox residents.

Housing:

  • Mix of older apartment buildings and newer developments

  • Very affordable compared to central Israel

  • Purchase prices: 12,000-20,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 2,500-4,500 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Limited English-specific options

  • Ben-Gurion University attracts international students

  • Some religious schools with English support

Community Life:

  • Several synagogues with English speakers

  • Growing cultural scene

  • Shopping centers and markets

  • Desert lifestyle and tourism

  • Smaller but developing Anglo community

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Tel Aviv and central Israel

  • Bus service throughout the city

  • 1.5 hours to Tel Aviv by train

  • 1.5 hours to Jerusalem by car

Pros: Very affordable housing, university city, government incentives for development, desert climate, pioneer spirit.

Cons: Distance from central Israel, smaller Anglo community, fewer cultural amenities, hotter climate.

Northern Communities

Karmiel

Overview: This northern city has attracted a small but growing Anglo community seeking affordable housing and quality of life in the Galilee region.

Anglo Population: 5-10%

Religious Character: Mixed, with a predominantly secular character but growing religious options.

Housing:

  • Mix of apartment buildings and private homes

  • Very affordable compared to central Israel

  • Purchase prices: 12,000-20,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 2,500-4,500 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Limited English-specific educational options

  • Some schools with English support programs

  • ORT Braude College nearby

Community Life:

  • Dance festival and cultural events

  • Several synagogues with some English speakers

  • Developing Anglo organizations

  • Shopping centers and parks

  • Proximity to nature and hiking trails

Transportation:

  • Train station with connections to Akko and the coast

  • Bus service to Haifa and surrounding areas

  • 30 minutes to Haifa by car

  • 2 hours to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Affordable housing, beautiful surroundings, planned city, quality of life, government incentives.

Cons: Distance from central Israel, smaller Anglo community, fewer specialized services, limited employment opportunities.

Safed (Tzfat)

Overview: This ancient city in the Upper Galilee has a small but dedicated Anglo community, particularly among artists and those seeking a spiritual environment.

Anglo Population: 10-15%

Religious Character: Strong religious character with significant Hasidic presence and mystical traditions.

Housing:

  • Mix of historic properties and newer developments

  • Some with stunning views of the Galilee

  • Purchase prices: 15,000-25,000 NIS per square meter

  • Rental prices: 2,500-5,000 NIS monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment

Education Options:

  • Limited English-specific options

  • Several religious schools and yeshivas with English speakers

  • Livnot U'Lehibanot program for young adults

  • Artists' colony education opportunities

Community Life:

  • Historic synagogues and religious sites

  • Artists' colony and galleries

  • Mystical atmosphere and tourism

  • Some English-speaking community organizations

  • Music and klezmer festivals

Transportation:

  • Bus service to major cities

  • Private car recommended

  • 40 minutes to Tiberias by car

  • 2 hours to Tel Aviv by car

Pros: Spiritual atmosphere, artistic community, historic setting, affordable housing, cooler mountain climate.

Cons: Distance from central Israel, limited employment opportunities, fewer modern amenities, challenging topography.

Practical Considerations for Anglo Immigrants

Language Integration

While living in an Anglo community can ease the transition to Israel, integration into Israeli society ultimately requires Hebrew proficiency:

  • Ulpan Options: Most cities with significant Anglo populations offer ulpan programs (intensive Hebrew courses), some with special tracks for professionals or academics

  • Online Resources: Applications like Duolingo and specialized Israeli programs help with Hebrew acquisition

  • Language Communities: Meetup groups for language exchange are popular in Anglo areas

  • Integration Pace: Most Anglos report it takes 2-3 years to feel comfortable in Hebrew

Healthcare Navigation

Israel's healthcare system differs significantly from American, British, or Canadian systems:

  • Kupat Holim Options: All areas have offices for the major health funds (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit)

  • English Services: Larger Anglo communities often have English-speaking doctors and staff

  • Private Options: Areas with significant Anglo populations typically have more private healthcare options

  • Mental Health Resources: Some cities have developed English-speaking therapy networks

Education Choices

Families with children face important decisions about educational integration:

  • Public vs. Private: Most Anglos initially choose public schools with some English support

  • Religious Options: The state religious (mamlachti dati) system is popular among Modern Orthodox Anglos

  • International Schools: Available primarily in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas

  • Higher Education: Several universities offer programs in English, including IDC Herzliya, Tel Aviv University, and Hebrew University

Employment Opportunities

Finding work remains one of the biggest challenges for Anglo immigrants:

  • Tech Industry: Concentrated in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Jerusalem, offering the most English-environment jobs

  • Remote Work: Growing option for Anglos maintaining positions with overseas companies

  • Entrepreneurship: Many Anglos start businesses catering to English-speaking markets

  • Education Sector: Teaching English is a common entry point

  • Government Support: Nefesh B'Nefesh offers job boards and employment counseling

Community Resources

Anglo immigrants benefit from numerous organizations established to assist with integration:

  • Nefesh B'Nefesh: Primary organization assisting North American and British olim

  • AACI: Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel with branches in major Anglo centers

  • ESRA: English Speaking Residents Association with programs throughout Israel

  • Telfed: Support organization for South African immigrants

  • Community Centers: Most Anglo areas have community centers with English programming

Conclusion

Choosing where to live in Israel as an English speaker involves balancing practical considerations like housing costs and commute times with community factors like religious character and Anglo infrastructure. While larger Anglo enclaves can ease the transition to Israeli life, integration ultimately requires stepping beyond the comfort of English-speaking bubbles.

Each Anglo community in Israel offers a unique character and experience, from the religious diversity of Jerusalem to the beach lifestyle of Netanya, from the high-tech opportunities of central Israel to the pioneering spirit of the north and south. By understanding the distinct qualities of each area, new immigrants can make informed decisions about where to begin their Israeli journey.

Whatever location an Anglo immigrant chooses, becoming part of Israeli society involves embracing both the challenges and joys of creating a new life in a country where ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation continuously intersect.

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