Making Aliyah from Ottawa and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Ottawa and Finding a Home in Israel
Olim from Ottawa include young families from Kanata and Barrhaven, professionals from the public service and technology sectors, and retirees from the west end neighbourhoods around Carlingwood and Westboro. Many are bilingual in English and French, which opens up a wider choice of communities in Israel. Finding the right home affects schooling, work and how quickly the family feels settled. This guide focuses on the housing side of aliyah from Ottawa, including where capital region olim tend to settle, whether to rent or buy first, and the Canadian tax and pension issues to raise before leaving.
Preparing for the Move
Aliyah files are opened through the Jewish Agency, with support from organisations that help North American olim. Start housing research early and plan a pilot trip to compare several communities.
Families with children should research schools alongside neighbourhoods.
Communities to Consider
Jerusalem suits families who want a capital city with a strong English-speaking community, in neighbourhoods such as Baka, Arnona and Katamon. Modiin is popular with young families, while Raanana and Kfar Saba offer suburban living. Bilingual families may also consider Netanya, which has a large French-speaking community.
Olim from Ottawa who enjoyed the green spaces along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal often look for parks and walking paths near home. Modiin, with its large parks, and Jerusalem neighbourhoods near the Train Track Park and the Valley of the Gazelles, are examples of areas where outdoor space is part of daily life.
Jerusalem for community and heritage
Modiin for young families
Raanana and Kfar Saba for suburban life
Netanya for bilingual English and French families
Rent First or Buy
Many olim rent for the first year to confirm the neighbourhood and school before buying. Those who know a city well may prefer to buy sooner for stability.
Either way, visiting at different times of the week gives a truer picture of daily life.
When renting at first, ask about the length of the lease, the option to extend and whether the landlord might sell during your tenancy, since stability matters in the first year.
Purchase Benefits and Financing
New immigrants may be eligible for certain benefits on purchase tax and mortgages. Your Israeli lawyer and mortgage adviser should confirm what applies.
Having Israeli income and bank history can make mortgage approval easier.
Canadian Tax and Pensions Before Leaving
Leaving Canada may trigger departure tax rules and raises questions about RRSPs, TFSAs and any Ontario property you keep. Public service pensions, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments abroad also deserve attention.
Consult a Canadian accountant experienced with emigration before you leave, and an Israeli tax advisor on arrival.
Keeping Ties with Ottawa
Israel is usually seven hours ahead of Ottawa, so evening calls in Israel reach family in the Ottawa afternoon. Trips home usually connect through Toronto, Montreal or Europe.
A home near the train network in Israel makes visits from family easier.
Work After Aliyah
Ottawa olim often work in technology, government-related fields, research and healthcare. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Haifa all have employers in these areas.
Think about commute times when choosing where to live.
Remote work for Canadian employers is another option some olim pursue, and the seven-hour time difference makes afternoon and evening meetings with Ottawa colleagues workable.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Ottawa olim settle
Jerusalem, Modiin, Raanana, Kfar Saba and Netanya are common, depending on work and language preferences.
Should I buy immediately after aliyah
Many rent first to confirm their choice. It depends on how well you know the area.
Can new immigrants get purchase benefits
There may be benefits on purchase tax and mortgages. An Israeli lawyer should confirm.
What happens to my Canadian pension
Pension and tax treatment abroad can be complex. Consult a Canadian accountant before leaving.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is a family business on Rival Street in Tel Aviv with an heritage across three generations. It works in development, urban renewal and complex deals, and its team works in Hebrew, English and French, which suits bilingual olim from Ottawa.
Contact us in English or French to discuss finding a home after aliyah.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv