Israel is a small country, about the size of El Salvador. 40% of its population lives in the so-called “Gush Dan”, which corresponds to Tel Aviv and its metropolitan area.
The country has a varied landscape: desert, Mediterranean sea, the salty sea, mountains and caves and therefore has a large number of historical sites, and the capital Jerusalem is a unique city with the Wailing Wall or the Holy Sepulcher. Public transportation is widespread both within cities and between different cities in the country, with frequent and extensive bus routes. Bus fares are reasonable. Therefore, it is not necessary to own a car.
Israelis are generally very open-minded, almost everyone is bilingual, because they come from all over the world, so you will hear many other languages besides Hebrew and Arabic: Russian, French, English, Spanish, etc. Israelis seem very tough on the outside, but in general they are kind and caring people. They have no qualms about asking you very personal questions or getting involved in your personal affairs, only with the intention of helping you. For example, if you ask someone on the street a simple question like, “Where is a street?” the answer will most likely be, “What are you looking for?” So much for the right to privacy. In Israel, good manners and politeness not at home. It is common to skip queues, answer without being asked, etc. In other words, here you have to dare to do something if you want to get anywhere.
It is a cosmopolitan country where many different ethnic groups mix on a daily basis. In the cities, there are Jewish as well as Muslim and Christian. Although the country has opened its doors to Jews from all over the world and you really hear many different languages on the street, there is latent discrimination. In addition to discrimination against Muslims these forms of discrimination also exist among Jews of various groups and subgroups.
Unlike other countries in the Middle East, Israel is a modern country where you have the freedom to live your life the way you want, as long as you do not violate the rights of others. Tel Aviv is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city like Madrid, Berlin or New York. It’s also a gay-friendly place. Full of clubs and cafes and with an intense nightlife. Israel is the only country in the Middle East where homosexuality is not illegal. Jerusalem, on the other hand, is a more religious city.
Religion has a great influence on people’s lives. For this reason, there is little commerce and public transportation on Saturdays. Shabbat is the weekly religious holiday. Between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday, almost everything stands still. These religious laws restrict people’s freedom to some extent, for example, bus companies are not allowed to operate on Saturdays and many stores are closed.
Speaking of public services There is free health insurance with a basic package. For services not covered by the basic package, additional insurance can be purchased. Hospitals are modern and efficient. However, many health care facilities are overcrowded. The Israeli education system starts with child care for working parents. Everything is almost free. In any case, the level of educational institutions is excellent, and many scientists from all over the world have studied in this country.
Life in Israel is quite safe. One can walk at night or show one’s latest gadget in public without worrying about being robbed. The big downside of living in Israel is terrorist attacks. There are always a lot of soldiers around. They are armed to the teeth. Often Israel is at war with other Islamic countries, which causes problems for the economy and social life in general.
The weather in Israel is acceptable at any time of the year, except in summer when can be very hot. In Tel Aviv, which is by the sea, the climate is more temperate. Jerusalem, on the other hand, is hotter and much colder.
Israel is not a land of the rich, but there is a large middle class that can live without problems. The difference between rich and poor is not as great as in other countries. And the government provides a lot of help for the most disadvantaged. But living in Israel is expensive, from rent to sky-high food prices.
Speaking of jobs, the greatest employment opportunities are in manufacturing, services, health, education and high technology. Finding a job in Israel is possible for a foreigner, but still difficult unless you have highly specialized skills and must compete with the many skilled Israelis who are more likely to be hired than a foreigner. The best way to find a job in Israel as a foreigner is to start searching online before you arrive in the country. This way you can get some interviews. This is the most popular website.
Another option is to travel to Israel as a tourist and look for a job there. If you find a job, your employer will probably help you to stay in Israel. This is because in order to work you need a valid work visa, which you will only get if you receive an offer from a company in Israel.
Living in Israel, conclusion
If you plan to move to Israel, I advise you to make an appointment with a competent person at the Israeli Embassy to explain what you plan to do.
In general, Israel has a good standard of living. It is among the happiest countries, and although life is hard, most people enjoy living here.
