Joel Leyden: Making It In Israel
By Joel Leyden
Are you aware that over 90 percent of Americans who make Aliya return to the US within 5 years?
They don't return because Israel is an ugly country, it's too hot, that people are unfriendly, unwelcoming, terror attacks abound, threat of missile attacks by Iran and Syria.
These Americans and others return home because they can't feed their families.
Salaries are less than 50 percent of what one would make in the US.
If they can find work!
Israel has the highest poverty rate in the developed world, based on a new study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
With a poverty rate of 20.9 percent, Israel scores lowest out of 34 economically developed countries. The country also has one of the biggest gaps between its rich and poor in the developed world .
In the new report on income inequality, the OECD writes that data indicate economic crises have lowered incomes and capital in most countries. In addition, the organization concludes that inequality has increased more in the past three years than in the previous 12.
So how do you make it in Israel?
1. Do not move to Israel without having a job waiting for you. Have it in writing. Do nothing on a handshake.
2. Make sure that job will pay for your home, food and car. There is no disposable income in Israel.
3. Health insurance is covered by the country - but not at 100 percent. Check out what extras you will be paying for. Can you afford it on an Israeli salary?
4. If you are planning on getting divorced in Israel understand that you may be saying goodbye to your children. Although reforms are still under way, if you are a father you will be denied access to your children. And child support will take away your own food monies.
5. Getting in debt in Israel is easier than making a trip to the Western Wall. Don't do it.
For as you try to leave Israel on pleasure or business the Marshall's Office can and will stop you. You can even be thrown into debtor's prison - though the courts make a very strong effort to avoid this medieval custom.
6. Keep monies in the US. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
7. If you hurt yourself in the Israel Defense Forces - put in a claim. It is your money and the Ministry of Defense will help you. FYI - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a claim many years after sustaining a head wound and that money helped place food on his table.
8. NEVER get into the idea that G-d provides all. NO he is doesn't. G-d helps those who help themselves. Prayer will not get you out of overdraft.
9. Hire a native English speaking accountant who has lived in Israel for at least 10 years. Let him be your guide.
10. There is no better place in the world to live than Israel. The people are your family. The long sandy beaches belong to you. From the snowy Hermon in the North to the waters of Eilat in the South - this is your country. Jerusalem is yours. The houmous is yours. But you must take every precaution to protect your existing money and find income / revenue which you can rely on. You may want to consider doing business in the US and living in Israel.
11. Don't rely on family and friends to help you out with finances. They may one day disappear. I know. My father died and left me and my children with a nightmare. A large Trust fund which is managed by my brother who would rather see Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Tel Aviv than me with my children. I have been in court for 3 years trying to return to Israel.
12. Zionism does not pay the bills. Don't spend more than you have!
Joel Leyden is a respected, professional, international media, digital PR and reputation management consultant. Leyden has lived in Israel for over 25 years.
Joel Leyden has worked as a journalist for over 20 years, online pro since 1994 integrating classic PR, marketing, branding with online news via Google and social media. Joel Leyden specializes in SEO, reputation management and crisis communications.
Joel Leyden is retained by governmental, commercial, non-profit organizations.
Joel Leyden = Honest, Creative!
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