Aliyah is one of the most meaningful decisions a person or family can make. It is filled with hope, ideals, and a deep sense of belonging. But once the excitement settles and daily life begins, many English-speaking olim discover a harder truth: navigating Israel’s bureaucracy, economy, job market, licensing systems, and cultural gaps can be overwhelming.

I know this reality personally — not theoretically.

I am Israeli born with roots going back four generations. I am also American-educated. I have made aliyah more than once. I have lived here, left, returned, and returned again — not as a tourist, not as a dreamer, but as someone who understands both systems from the inside.

That dual identity — Israeli and Anglo — is not common. And it matters.

Too often, discussions about aliyah focus on ideology, slogans, or inspiration. Those are........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)