Jerusalem - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. Very good morale, outside of embassy community. Many people in the embassy community seem to prefer the more laid-back atmosphere of Tel-Aviv. Those who value traditional norms will feel at home in the conservative environment of Jerusalem. - Sep 2024
Technically, its HUGE. 1/5th of people living in Jerusalem are American Citizens, but the majority of them don't identify as expatriates and have made aliyah (immigrated) to this country and are focused on assimilation. For people who are expats, it's been a really difficult and challenging couple of years of reduced funding and tough decisions and that shows up in morale in a big way. Many programs have closed, people have had to leave earlier than planned, relationships with local interlocutors have been strained, priorities have shifted. I think the worst has passed, but people are still trying to find the new normal and you'll see and feel that if you come here. - Oct 2019
Sometimes I feel like I'm in the US walking down the street surrounded by New Yorkers who have moved here. Lots of expats here with other diplomatic missions, we have lots of friends from other countries and local friends also. Morale is great! This is a very nice place to live. - Aug 2018
Big, lots of diplomats and NGOs. Morale is good, this is a pleasant place to live with meaningful and exciting work. - Apr 2018
It is large. There are a great number of consulates and govt organizations and NGOs in play here in Jerusalem in particular. But also of note is the great number of families and individuals who have made Aliyah (immigration of jews to Israel from the diaspora) so there are people from the whole planet here. Morale within this community is good because they are here of their own choice. Diplomats quickly tire of the constant politics and the tension between Israelis and Palestinians -- it seeps into every aspect of life here. - Dec 2016
Enormous and mixed. Speaking from the perspective of the U.S. diplomatic personnel here, the work at the ConGen is relentless - especially in some of the sections. Constant VIP trips, outbreaks of conflict, a demoralized local Palestinian population that appreciates our support but is frustrated with our policies, and normally long hours wear on you. On the flip side, it is amazing to be working on issues of central importance to so many and the (little) progress that is made in addressing some of these long-standing issues keeps people motivated and willing to take on even more. - Aug 2015
Large and varied. There is a huge U.S. expat community, mostly Jewish. I would say 3/4 employees and families affiliated with my consulate liked the Post. 1/4 did not like it, generally because of 1) rudeness on the roads and in public spaces, 2) ethnic/religious tension, and/or 3) their apartment was in a remote, bad location. - Aug 2015
Eh this is a tough one....the size was medium. Morale could use a little work. People either seemed happy here or were just ready to get out. A majority did not like it here. - May 2015
Large expat community as there are also many dual citizens here as well. Morale is good. - Mar 2014
Big. - Aug 2013
Moderate. There are many Jewish-American immigrants, but they tend to not mix with non-Jewish expats. Most Palestinian-American expats live in the West Bank and face difficulty entering Jerusalem. There is a sizable community of foreign expat aid workers and diplomats who live in Jerusalem and work in the West Bank. - Jul 2013
Large, friendly, and close each other. - Feb 2009
