Jerusalem, Israel Report of what it's like to live there - 02/23/09
Personal Experiences from Jerusalem, Israel
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3rd after Mexico, Tunisia and Jerusalem.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of a Foreign Service Officer.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Delta airlines from Telaviv to Atlanta, about 14 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly apartments in east Jerusalem (Arab zone), maybe the housing is not that good, but the people is more friendly. In West Jerusalem maybe you can get a better housing, but people is not gentle at all. Don't expect a big closet and a lot of storage place, some of the apartments in Frechhill are old but big, the average is 3 bedrooms for a family with 2 kids. The people who live in David Village don't even need a car, but the other people need it.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
As expensive or more so than some of European countries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Baby stuff. The baby things here are very expensive and not of good quality. Gerber for babies: baby formula here is kosher and not good. Toys, clothes.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All of them, but most of them are Kosher, no peperoni pizza or cheeseburgers.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have APO and an address in Virginia.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Yes, most of them are from the Philipines. They are good. You have to sponsor them and is really expensive, about US$950 to 1000 per month, 8 hours Monday to Friday. The insurance is US$400 to 600 per year.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, they are good but expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No problems. Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, a lot. Most Anglicans go to St. George Cathedral, close to the American Colony hotel. For Catholics, the Notre dame center is really good.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone speaks English, and everything is in English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot, there are no sidewalks and most of the buildings do not have elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are not allowed to take buses, and taxis are really expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We have a GM and have had some problems with parts.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, the same as in the States, if you want wireless you need to buy the apple stuff.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They are good and not too expensive.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Good.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes, there are plenty of jobs for EFMs in the consulate.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
No shorts or miniskirts in Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv, it is much more like in the States.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
The same as in the States.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In 3 years, only 2 terrorist attacks here, and about 4 dead. It is not to bad, but we cannot go to the West Bank, or of course to Gaza. The consulate overprotects us a lot.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical quality is very good; the hospitals are not very confortable, you have to share room and bathroom. The nurses are very unfriendly, but the doctors are good.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
In the summer it is very hot, about 90 F. or even 100 F., in winter rainy and windy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, in English they have Augusta Victoria and Sunshine School, and people really like them.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large, friendly, and close each other.
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are some restaurants, but as every thing here they are expensive. The single people prefer to go to Tel Aviv. The international community is big.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think is good for families, if They don't want to travel frequently to the States, because the airplane for young kids is difficult. In the summer the kids really enjoy here, the American Embassy in Tel Aviv has a place like an hour away from Jerusalem where we can use with a pool, the beach in Tel Aviv is 45 minutes away. There are some public pools in hotels. We live in east Jerusalem and we use the Hyatt, they have a Kiddie pool and a nice playground. The local zoo is really a good deal if you buy the annual membership, and there is a Kibutz for kids about 30 minutes away.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not in Jerusalem. There are the most orthodox people of both, Jewish and Muslims.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Absolutely, especially with orthodox Jews. (Most Jews in Jerusalem are orthodox.) Young Palestinian men can have issues with women, men who look European, and persons walking dogs. (Palestinian Muslims don't like dogs at all.)
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The old city, Mount of Olives, Galilee. You can travel to Jordan, go to the beach and to the dead sea.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Dead Sea products, religious items, Palestinian and Armenian pottery.
9. Can you save money?
No, as I said before it is as expensive as some of the European cities, maybe more expensive than some of them.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I don't think so. It is expensive, the people here is not friendly (locals), and the 15 hour airplane trip with kids is just difficult.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The israeli lobby, From Palestine
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The israeli lobby, From Palestine
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Israelies and Palestinians, a 40 year war
7. Do you have any other comments?
After 3 years, I am ready to go. Most of the people love here it here the first 2 years. If you want a big house with garden for your kids, to save money, Travel frequently to the States with kids, have interaction with locals, or if you are a single non-Jewish guy who wants to date girls or single girl, this is not the place.
