Making Aliyah from Philadelphia and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Philadelphia and Finding a Home in Israel
Families from Lower Merion, Elkins Park, Northeast Philadelphia and Cherry Hill have been making aliyah for generations, and many now have relatives already settled across Israel. Housing is one of the first practical questions after the decision to move. Should you rent first or buy, which city fits your family, and how do you navigate Israeli leases and contracts before you even arrive. This guide gives Philadelphia olim a clear way to think about those questions, with the reminder that benefits and rules should always be confirmed with the relevant authorities and an Israeli lawyer.
Choosing a City Before an Apartment
The city you choose shapes schools, community, work options and commute. Philadelphia families often weigh Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Raanana, Efrat and Hashmonaim, each with established English speaking communities.
Families from the Main Line who value green space and a suburban rhythm often gravitate to Raanana or Modiin, while those looking for strong Torah institutions frequently look at Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Har Nof, Bayit Vegan and Ramot, or Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Renting as a First Step
Renting for the first year gives you time to learn Hebrew, understand neighborhoods and see how children adjust to school. Israeli rentals often come unfurnished and sometimes without major appliances, so budget time for setting up a home.
Olim may receive rental assistance for a period, but details change and should be checked with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
Buying Early
Some families prefer to buy quickly, especially if they know an area well from years of visits. Olim may be eligible for purchase tax benefits for a limited period after aliyah, but eligibility depends on personal circumstances. An Israeli lawyer or tax advisor should confirm before you plan around it.
Consider financing early. Israeli banks lend to new immigrants, but documentation from the US can take time to gather.
What to Arrange Before Leaving
Philadelphia olim can save a great deal of stress by organizing documents and decisions while still in the US.
Decide whether to sell, rent or keep your US home
Gather income records and bank references
Meet a US CPA about exit and ongoing reporting
Introduce yourself to an Israeli lawyer
Research schools in your target neighborhoods
Plan a pilot trip to see homes in person
Understanding Israeli Homes
Apartments are described by the number of rooms including the living room. Look for a mamad protected room, storage, parking and a balcony. In religious communities a sukkah balcony and proximity to synagogues matter.
Older buildings may be part of TAMA 38 or pinui binui plans, which can bring upgrades but also construction periods. Ask about this before signing a lease or contract.
Staying Connected with Philadelphia
Philadelphia is generally seven hours behind Israel, so evening calls in Israel reach family during their afternoon. Travel from PHL usually connects via Newark, New York or Europe, which is worth considering when planning visits for family events.
Community Support on Arrival
English speaking communities across Israel run welcome committees, synagogue networks and online groups where new arrivals share recommendations for movers, electricians, schools and ulpanim. Philadelphia olim often find former neighbors from the Main Line or Elkins Park already settled in their chosen city. Reaching out to these networks before the move can make the first months in a new apartment much smoother.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beit Shemesh popular with Philadelphia olim
Yes, Beit Shemesh and particularly Ramat Beit Shemesh have attracted many English speaking religious families seeking space and community.
Can olim get an Israeli mortgage
Israeli banks do lend to olim under their own criteria. A mortgage advisor can explain what documentation and terms apply.
What happens with our US taxes after aliyah
US citizens generally remain subject to US tax filing. A US CPA can explain ongoing obligations and how Israeli income interacts with US rules.
How do we choose schools
Registration usually depends on your address and school stream. Research schools before choosing a neighborhood.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, formally Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is a Tel Aviv company located at Rival Street 37. Our roots go back to a family business established in 1945, and today three generations contribute to our work in development, urban renewal and complex deals alongside backing companies and partners. We work in English, Hebrew and French, which helps olim from Philadelphia feel at home.
Making aliyah from Philadelphia Contact our team for guidance on your housing search.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv