Making Aliyah from Toronto and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Toronto and Finding a Home in Israel
Every year families from Thornhill, Bathurst Manor, Forest Hill and the wider Toronto area pack up and make aliyah. They often move to communities where other Toronto families already live, which softens the transition for children and adults alike. Finding a home is among the first practical challenges. Should you rent first or buy immediately, which city matches your religious and professional life, and how do you manage Canadian obligations as you leave. This guide focuses on the housing side of aliyah, with pointers on where Canadians tend to settle and what to check with professionals on both sides of the Atlantic.
Planning Before You Leave Toronto
Aliyah planning usually runs through the Jewish Agency and partner organisations that support North American olim. Alongside that process, start thinking about housing early. List what matters most, such as the school system, synagogue style, commute and proximity to family.
Many Toronto families visit on a pilot trip to see neighbourhoods and schools before making a final choice.
Communities Where Toronto Olim Settle
Raanana has long attracted English-speaking families and offers a suburban pace similar to parts of Vaughan and Thornhill. Modiin sits between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and appeals to young families. Jerusalem neighbourhoods such as Baka, Katamon, Arnona and Har Nof each have their own character and religious profile.
Beit Shemesh, Efrat, Zichron Yaakov and Hashmonaim are also popular with North Americans, while Tel Aviv attracts young professionals.
Raanana for an established English-speaking community
Modiin for central location and young families
Jerusalem for heritage, learning and diverse neighbourhoods
Beit Shemesh for religious community life
Rent First or Buy Immediately
Many olim rent for the first year to learn the neighbourhood, the school and the daily rhythm before buying. Others already know the area well from years of visiting and prefer to buy early.
Renting first can prevent a costly mistake, while buying early can provide stability for children. There is no single right answer, only a decision that fits your family.
Buying as a New Immigrant
New immigrants may be eligible for certain benefits related to purchase tax and mortgages, and the rules change from time to time. Your Israeli lawyer and mortgage adviser should confirm what applies to you before you sign.
Keep in mind that you will need Israeli bank accounts, identity documents and often a local income record to arrange financing smoothly.
Canadian Obligations When You Emigrate
Leaving Canada can have tax consequences. Becoming a non-resident may trigger departure rules on certain assets, and questions arise about RRSPs, TFSAs, Ontario property and Canadian pensions. Timing matters.
Meet a Canadian accountant who works with emigrants before you leave, and an Israeli tax advisor who understands the treatment of foreign income for new residents.
Staying Connected to Toronto
Israel is usually seven hours ahead of Toronto, so calls with grandparents fit naturally into the Israeli evening. Direct flights have operated between Toronto and Tel Aviv at various times, and connections through Europe are always available.
Choosing a home near a train line or highway makes visits from Toronto family much easier.
Frequently asked questions
Should olim from Toronto buy before arriving
Some do, but many prefer to rent for a period first. It depends on how well you already know the area and how certain you are about schools and work.
Where do most Toronto olim live
Raanana, Modiin, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv are common, often chosen because friends from Toronto already live there.
Are there purchase benefits for new immigrants
There may be benefits related to purchase tax and mortgages. An Israeli lawyer should confirm what applies in your case.
What about my Canadian taxes
Emigration can trigger Canadian tax rules. Consult a Canadian accountant before leaving and an Israeli tax advisor after you arrive.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, the business of Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd on Rival Street in Tel Aviv, is a family company whose roots stretch back three generations. It works on development, urban renewal and complex combination deals, and its Hebrew, English and French speaking team helps olim from Toronto understand what they are buying and why.
Contact us to talk about finding your first home in Israel after aliyah.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv