21 Secrets About Living In Israel To Know Before Moving

Ever considered a move to Israel?

Just like any other country, Israel has its pros and cons, but it’s a country steeped in history. Whether you’re moving to Israel for career progression or looking for a fresh start, this area of the world is worth looking at.

From its culture to quality of living, here are twenty-one secrets to help influence your decision before moving.

Sections

1. Israel is the only Jewish state

Did you know Israel is the only Jewish state? Many Jews who follow the religion feel at home when living in this country, which is likely why it’s so popular for many to immigrate.

For those who follow the Jewish faith but may not be Jews themselves, it’s a welcome country for all, and they’re happy to accommodate anyone looking to celebrate the religion. That’s the sort of attitude we want in this day and age!

It’s worthwhile if you know more than just the basics of the Hebrew language. This will help you settle into the community a lot easier as it would in any country by learning the native language.

2. This is a holy land for Christians and Muslims as well

While the country is mainly of Jewish heritage, it’s a holy land for Christians and Muslims. When it comes to the Middle East, there’s often a notion that there’s not so much liberalism in what you can believe in. However, that’s not the case here.

The country’s society comprises more than just its Jewish roots. It’s a country where many Christians and Muslims come to live too.

3. The State of Israel declared independence in 1948

The state of Israel declared its independence in 1948. It was controlled by the British, who finally secured autonomy and freedom in the years following WW2.

It’s great to see a country that’s managed to find its independent freedom because, as tourists and potential citizens, it can be an opportunity to explore a new culture.

4. Isreal’s healthcare system is excellent

If a country’s healthcare system is vital to you – let’s be honest, it’s essential for most people – you can be assured that Israel has one of the best.

It’s one of the most technologically advanced and high-quality healthcare systems on the planet.

Its medical professionals are all well trained and deliver excellent efficiency for anyone moving over to this country.

5. What’s the weather like in Israel?

Regarding weather, Israel has some beautiful summers that are long, warm, and consistent. The average temperature typically varies from 41°F to 85°F. In the winter, it’s cold but mostly clear, with temperatures rarely below 35°F.

For those in cooler climates, it might be quite an adjustment to the temperature, but it’s one that you’ll fall in love with, regardless.

6. Israel has stunning landscapes

One of the significant benefits of moving from western countries to a place like Israel is the incredible landscapes you have access to. There are many hot spots for tourists to flock to, but if you’re moving here permanently, you’ll want to take advantage of what’s available.

Some of the best places for jaw-dropping views are Jerusalem, The Western Wall, and The Dead Sea, to name but a few.

7. They have awe-inspiring historical monuments

Nicknamed ‘the holy city‘ or ‘the holy land,’ there are plenty of awe-inspiring historical monuments that can be enjoyed. When moving to this country, it’s essential to enjoy your surroundings, and in this country, you’ve got places steeped in a rich history that dates back to biblical times.

If you’re looking to explore what the country offers before moving, we recommend checking out the Masada, the fortress above the Dead Sea, the Avdat, and the Dome of the Rock.

8. They have glorious beaches

It has some genuinely glorious beaches to take advantage of as a country. If you love the sun and sand, this is a great place to live.

Despite its small size as a country, it has over 100 kilometers of sandy coastline on the Mediterranean sea. We’ve already mentioned the wonder of the Dead Sea, but it’s also worth checking out the Sea of Galilee and the Red Sea in Eilat.

9. Be wary of the Israel-Palestinian conflict

It’s worth knowing the history of any country where conflict has occurred or still is ongoing. The termination of the British control over Palestine and the Israeli Declaration of Independence is one that kicked off a war that continues to this day.

There remains a conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It is essential to be aware of the political stance of any country that you’re looking to move to. While there is a lot of unrest and violence occurring in this conflict, plenty of areas are free from this activity.

10. The food is fantastic

Life experiences are something that many of us can be stifling ourselves from experiencing. The food that Israeli parents have passed down to future generations has enabled many generations today to enjoy the variety of flavors that these dishes offer.

If you’re new to Israeli food, you’ll undoubtedly want to give everything a go! There is plenty of street food known to Israel that is worth trying out, from delicious Sfenj to Falafel made adequately. Once you’ve experienced the food, you’ll never want to leave.

11. They are a very expressive culture

The country has an expressive culture with plenty of holidays celebrated throughout the year from the Jewish calendar. These include the Israeli Independence Day (Yom Haatzma’ut) and Remembrance Day.

Israel society loves any form of art, classical music, literature, theater, and folk arts.

12. Israel is an LGBT-friendly country

Israel is one of the first countries in Asia to be recognized for the unregistered cohabitation of same-sex couples. It’s the first country to recognize same-sex unions within any capacity.

As an LGBTQ+ friendly country, it’s certainly a safe place for those looking for a site that will accept people from all walks of life in whichever way they identify with their sexuality.

This should be important to most people, but for those part of the LGBTQ+ community, it is a significant factor when considering a move to another country.

13. The cost of living is high

One of the downsides to Israel is that the cost of living is significantly higher than in most countries. The cost of living for Israel makes it the seventh most elevated on the planet, according to Numbeo for 2022.

With the cost of living being what it is, this could price out those who currently live a middle-class existence. There are certainly some issues regarding income inequality that help those who don’t look to live comfortably in this country. Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities globally.

14. Several political parties work together to govern

Unlike in other countries, several political parties will work together to govern the country. Israel’s political system is a proportional representation that allows for a multi-party government.

It’s a system that’s easy enough to get used to, but for immigrants, it may be something that needs reading up on before moving.

15. Don’t expect shops to be open on Shabbat

Like other religions, Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest and occurs from sunset on Friday to sundown on Saturday. During the Shabbat, Jews will reflect on the story of creation, where God created the world in six days, resting on the 7th day.

As a result, it’s unlikely that shops will be open on Shabbat. That might not be the deciding factor influencing moving to Israel, but it’s worth noting for those who wish to respect its rules.

16. They have been dubbed the start-up nation

As a nation, they’ve been dubbed an entrepreneurial one. In 2018, in the Global Competitiveness Report by WEF, Israel ranked first in entrepreneurial risk and for its growth of innovative companies. The US followed closely in second place.

For anyone looking to kick start a new business idea or is a self-employed entrepreneur, Israel is the place to help drive that success!

17. Israelis love the US

When it comes to political relationships between countries, Israelis love the US, and there’s no more excellent friend to Israel than the United States. They share a mutual love for democracy and have an unbreakable bond that has only gotten stronger over the years.

As a US citizen moving over to this country, you should have no problems setting up life in this country.

18. An emphasis on innovation in science

There’s plenty of economic growth within the country and an emphasis on science and innovation. This innovation has managed to secure the Israelis a staggering 12 winners overall.

They’ve won more Nobel prizes than other major countries, including the US and France. It’s undoubtedly one of the leaders for medication, which makes it a great place to reside if you’re pursuing a career in medicine or want to benefit from the available healthcare.

Some of the medical conditions they’ve been able to treat are multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s, to name but a few.

19. Military service is compulsory for all adults

National military service is a mandatory obligation for all Israeli citizens over 18. However, Arab citizens can be exempt if they wish to. Other exceptions can be made based on religion, physical, or psychological grounds.

If you move to Israel and become a citizen, this is something to be aware of with a young child. They will be expected to serve in the military when they reach the required age.

20. The new year begins in September in Israel

The Jewish new year starts in September and is called Rosh Hashanah. It usually falls during September or early October. As a two-day holiday, it celebrates the start of a new year.

It might throw some people off, but for Jews, it’s as recognizable as most consider the 1st of January to be the new year.

A popular way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah is to blow 100 notes on a special horn called a shofar.

21. Getting around in Israel

The best way to get around Israel is by car. In Jerusalem, for example, you can manage quite well by taking public transport. However, having a car will be the best way of getting around in many parts of the country.

FAQs

What are the benefits of Israeli citizenship?

There are some great benefits to having Israeli citizenship. You get security and immunity that’s not granted elsewhere. As a Jewish citizen, you’ll also benefit from the safety that comes from living in a Jewish country. There’s no discrimination you’ll face in any area of life, which is somewhat rare compared to other parts of the globe.

Which countries are Israeli citizens prohibited from entering?

There are some countries where you are prohibited from entering as an Israeli citizen. These include Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, The United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Is the standard of living in Israel high?

Compared to developing countries, the country has a significantly higher standard of living. It’s equal to the standards you get in Western Europe countries. With expensive cities like Tel Aviv, living here comes at a high cost.

Who is allowed to immigrate to Israel?

Every Jew around the world has the unrestricted ability to immigrate to this part of the world if they choose to. Individuals within the country will receive Israeli citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a citizen. Non-Jewish people will find it very difficult to move to Israel, although it may be possible to apply for a work visa.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about moving to Israel, it’s certainly a country with great potential. For an Israeli, it’s the perfect place to live for the excellent quality of life, particularly for Jews.

Whether you are considering citizenship or you’d like to explore the country first, it’s worthwhile visiting this area of the world for the experiences it can offer.