Moving to Israel

As I often try to bring successful case studies to this blog of people who have moved to Israel, today I have a particularly special one of someone who takes his Aliyah story, both mentally and physically, from beginning to end.

Howie Mischel, 58, is a new immigrant to Israel from the United States who had a long, successful career on Wall Street. While all Aliyah stories are inspiring, I particularly must advise reading this one as Howie, in this one little article, takes us through the challenges, fears and, ultimately, victories in his Oleh process.

Howie was someone who left America at the top of his game and profession after a 32-year career as an analyst and banker. He takes us through the process of his job search and it is quite a familiar story: lots of rejections, lots of discouragement and lots of eroding confidence.

However, as he managed to put things into perspective and change his outlook things in Israel quickly fell into place. Howie is now employed as an aliyah advisor for Nefesh B’Nefesh, far removed from the pressures of Wall Street and, as he puts it: “Today I have a new client— Am Yisrael (the People of Israel)!”

I have summed up the story very quickly but, again, this is truly a must read and an inspiration for all of us who have either made, or are considering making, Aliyah. Give it a read and be ready to be even more inspired to come home.

Ari

As the times continue to be challenging throughout the world people are, thankfully, continuing to move to Israel. Another Aliyah flight arrived Tuesday bringing 238 North American Jews courtesy of Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Yishai Fleisher and Arutz Sheva have put together this fantastic photo essay of the happy event as you can truly feel magic as the large group of people arrived home. Check it out and let yourself be inspired to be on that next flight.

Ari

Times were that people moving to Israel were considered to be taking on a financial burden and sacrificing many of the luxuries of the Diaspora. Now it seems to be that people are continuing to make Aliyah, not just for spiritual and idealistic reasons but for financial gain as well - an unheard of concept not long ago.

Arutz Sheva reports how the Israeli economy has become a draw for North American immigrants in the face of the economic downturn abroad. In speaking on the subject Danny Oberman, executive vice president of operations at Nefesh B’Nefesh, describes some of the examples of economic advantages in living in Israel including a wider job market for recent university graduates, families with young children being able to find more affordable Jewish or college education in Israel than back in the U.S. and Canada, cheaper health insurance rates and more.

While the financial challenges of living in Israel still, and always will, exist, it’s good to see some of the financial incentives of making Aliyah catching up to the spiritual ones.

Looking forward to seeing you all here.

Ari