Making Aliyah from Omaha and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Omaha and Finding a Home in Israel
Omaha families who make aliyah often grew up in a community where everyone knows each other, from Friedel Jewish Academy and the JCC to Beth El, Temple Israel and Beth Israel. Moving to Israel means leaving that familiarity behind, and finding a new community becomes a priority. Housing decisions shape that experience, because the neighborhood determines schools, synagogues and friendships. This guide explains how Omaha families can plan housing for aliyah, from choosing a community to deciding when to buy.
Finding a Welcoming Community
Families from smaller American communities often thrive in Israeli towns with active Anglo networks. Popular choices include Modiin, Raanana, Beit Shemesh, Efrat, Zichron Yaakov, Karmiel and Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Katamon and Arnona.
Visit for Shabbat, attend a community event and ask how new families are welcomed.
Space and Lifestyle Expectations
Omaha families are used to houses with yards and garages. In Israel most families live in apartments, though garden apartments, duplexes and houses exist in some towns. Think about what matters most, whether outdoor space, a short commute or walking distance to school, and prioritize accordingly.
Garden apartment or penthouse for outdoor space
Walking distance to schools
Parking and storage
Safe room within the home
Rent First or Buy
Renting for the first year or two lets you learn the neighborhoods and your commute. Buying earlier suits families with firm plans. Reassess after the first school year.
Benefits and Advice
New immigrants may qualify for certain housing and tax benefits, under conditions that change. Confirm eligibility with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency, and consult an Israeli lawyer and a US CPA about your filings and any Nebraska property.
Preparing in Nebraska
Gather financial records and identification, decide on your Omaha home and plan your shipment around housing dates. Eppley Airfield has no nonstop flights to Israel, so families usually connect through Chicago, New York or Europe. Israel is usually eight hours ahead of Omaha.
Choosing the Home
Look for a safe room, balcony, storage and elevator where needed. Ask about the building committee and maintenance. For new construction, review timelines and payment protections with your lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Can we find a house with a yard
Houses and garden apartments exist in many towns, especially outside the largest cities. We can help you explore options.
Which communities suit families from the Midwest
Many choose Modiin, Raanana, Beit Shemesh or smaller towns with active Anglo communities.
Should we buy before arriving
Some do, but many prefer to rent first. The right choice depends on how settled your plans are.
Can you help us from Omaha
Yes. We arrange video tours and coordinate with professionals so you can plan before you fly.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, known formally as Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is based at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. Omaha families work with a team fluent in Hebrew, English and French.
Making aliyah from Omaha Let us help you find your family home in Israel.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv