It’s getting pretty dicey out there in Diasporaland for Jewish people. Marches in the streets of large cities in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. They extend for miles and while they promote ‘Palestinians’ they also call for death to Jews.

The university campuses are hotbeds of antisemitism. Students have been locking themselves in libraries, bathrooms, Jewish student unions and dormitories to escape the violence and death threats. No one will defend them or tell the pro-Palestinian groups to cool it.

In European cities and some American cities (New York, ), synagogues and businesses have been vandalized. Spray painted swastikas on headstones and synagogue doors and broken windows and Molotov cocktails thrown through the windows of Jewish shipowners are reminiscent of pre-Nazi Germany.

So what’s taking you so long? Israel is waiting for you with open arms. Literally. Isn’t it time for you to start thinking about making Aliyah? Despite all you are hearing, there are many wonderful communities. And I’m hoping to take you through several different types.

Let’s start in Northern Israel. I’ve learned that each community has its own vibe. You want more religious(Moreshet)? Or more secular? How about an artsy community? Craving a big city(Haifa)? Or a medium sized town (Karmi’el)? An agricultural area? We have it all and more. There’s even a community of families centered around a Waldorf lifestyle and education (Yodfat).

Today, let’s check out the small neighborhood community of Rakefet in the Lower Galilee. Originally founded in 1981 and named after the cyclamen flower that grows abundantly after the winter rains, it sits on a mountaintop with both Mountain View’s, city views and views of the Mediterranean. It is a residential village of just over 1500 people.

Rakefet is among the few communities that offer both older single family homes and a newer block of more modern styled structures. This little village is reminiscent of the typical American suburb.

With all of the nature, this family moshav is encircled by hiking trails and bicycle trails. From easy walkabouts through the woods to more challenging hikes to the sea, there is an abundance of free exercise here. The moshav has its own kindergarten, schools, medical clinic and synagogue. They have built a brand new community center with Olympic size swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis and padel (pickleball) courts, soccer fields and social facilities. This serves five other smaller mountaintop villages in the vicinity. As is typical for every community, there is a makolet, a one stop convenience market for basic needs.

The closest mid-size city is Karmi’el, a 10 minute drive away. Haifa, the largest city in the North is just 26 miles or 41 km to city center. For employment, Rafael Defense is located the next mountain over with Elbitt Systems and Keter Industries in Karmi’el. Medical professionals are greatly welcomed in the North. There is an abundance of service jobs available as well as room for ample growth in many areas.

Hebrew language is a definite plus, but a monthly living stipend is given by the government (sal klita or absorption basket) while you go to Ulpan- immersive Hebrew classes 5 days a week for 6 months.

Karmi’el has the Ort Braude University of Engineering and a new Air Force Training Center (virtual reality, classes, simulators, mechanics, control tower ops) is being built at present. Haifa is home to the Technion, one of the world leading technology universities, and to Haifa University. Several local ‘community’ colleges and trade schools are scattered throughout the Galilee as well as the up and coming Galilee Culinary Institute.

It is best to have a car in Rakefet, but there is also a local bus with regular stops servicing the surrounding communities. There is a main transportation hub in Karmi’el with bus and train stations.

Lots are available for building and occasionally an older house comes up on the market. Many people like to buy an older house and renovate, and these are quickly gobbled up. Several English speaking real-estate agents are available (Tal Shtekler highly recommended!).

All in all, these small communities are ideal places to raise a family. Quiet, wholesome living with lots of culture, historical/archaeological sites, shopping and restaurants nearby.

Contact non.org.il. Nefesh b’nefesh is an organization that helps North Americans with all their needs from the first questions to after you get settled. Free of charge.

And my apologies because the most important information- pricing I’ve omitted. I do not have that info at this time. I know there are places for rent from small apartments to large villas and everything in between. Six months ago I spoke with a Bedouin woman who was selling off large parcels (mountaintop overlooking the Sea of Galilee) adjacent to an established residential development for $70,000 USD. She sold 6 of them almost immediately. They were all graded and marked off with basic infrastructure ready for pads to be poured. The land measured 1/6 acre, which is a large lot for Israel.

Large 4-5 bedroom villas in Karmi’el have been going for just under $900,000 USD. Figures for Rakefet and similar villages should be comparable. There are special subsidies available for new immigrants and first time homeowners in Israel. Nefesh b’nefesh has all the up-to-date information on buying and renting real estate.

Paradise awaits you….