Expat and Immigrant Communities in Israel
Israel is fundamentally a nation of immigrants, with about 30% of the population born abroad. Community support infrastructure is exceptionally well-developed.
Major Immigrant Communities
| Origin | Population | Main Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Former Soviet Union | ~1.2 million | Ashdod, Bat Yam, Haifa, Beer Sheva |
| Ethiopia | ~170,000 | Netanya, Beer Sheva, Rehovot |
| France | ~100,000 | Netanya, Tel Aviv, Ashdod |
| United States/Canada | ~300,000 | Tel Aviv, Ra'anana, Jerusalem, Modi'in |
| United Kingdom | ~50,000 | Ra'anana, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem |
| Argentina | ~70,000 | Tel Aviv, various |
| South Africa | ~20,000 | Ra'anana, Herzliya |
Key Organizations
Nefesh B'Nefesh: The primary organization for North American and British Olim. Provides pre-Aliyah guidance, flights, airport reception, job placement, and ongoing support. Essential first stop for English-speaking immigrants.
Jewish Agency: Facilitates Aliyah worldwide. Runs Ulpan programs, absorption centers, and community integration services.
AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel): Social events, professional networking, rights advocacy, and practical assistance.
Shivat Zion: Supports immigrants from Europe, Latin America, and other regions.
Finding Community
In-person:
- Nefesh B'Nefesh events and workshops
- AACI local chapters
- Synagogues and religious communities
- Sports leagues and fitness groups
- Professional meetups (especially tech - high frequency in Tel Aviv)
- Parent groups and school communities
Online:
- Facebook groups: "Secret Tel Aviv," "Anglo List," "Olim Connections"
- Janglo (janglo.net) - English-language community platform
- WhatsApp groups (city/neighborhood specific)
- LinkedIn (very active Israeli tech community)
- Meetup.com groups
Anglo-Friendly Cities
| City | Why It's Popular |
|---|---|
| Ra'anana | Largest Anglo community, family-friendly, English widely spoken |
| Modi'in | Central location, modern, family-oriented |
| Jerusalem | Religious communities, cultural richness |
| Tel Aviv | Young professionals, tech scene, nightlife |
| Herzliya | Tech corridor, beach, affluent |
| Beit Shemesh | Religious Anglo community |
Cultural Integration
Things that may surprise newcomers:
- Israelis are direct and informal - it's cultural, not rude
- "Protekzia" (connections) matter for getting things done
- Queue culture is weak - expect pushiness in lines
- Everyone has an opinion and shares it freely
- Military service is a universal bonding experience (except for you)
- Holidays are celebrated communally - entire country shuts down
- Friday night dinners are a social institution
Building Connections
- Attend a Shabbat dinner - the fastest way into Israeli social life
- Join your city's Anglo Facebook group within your first week
- Volunteer - common and respected, great networking
- Learn Hebrew - even basic Hebrew opens social doors
- Be patient - Israelis befriend quickly but deep relationships take time
Pro Tips
- •Contact Nefesh B'Nefesh before arriving if coming from US, Canada, or UK
- •Ra'anana is the hub for English-speaking families
- •Join "Secret Tel Aviv" and local Anglo Facebook groups immediately
- •Attend Shabbat dinners - they're the gateway to Israeli social life
- •Janglo.net is the go-to English-language community platform
Have questions about expat community in Israel?