Where to settle?
Israel is a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Every region has its own unique social character, shaped by its history, demographics, and daily life. Understanding these differences can help new olim find the place that feels most like home.
Below is an overview of key regions and cities, their main population backgrounds, religious observance levels, and the dominant social character.
Please click on the dots in the map for information about a specific region!
Haifa & Northern Israel (Galilee, Golan Heights, Acre, Safed)
Population Background: Mixed Jewish (Russian-speaking, Ethiopian, European, native Israeli) and Arab communities (Muslim, Christian, Druze).
Level of Observance: Mixed – Haifa is predominantly secular, while smaller towns and villages can be traditional or religious. Safed (Tzfat) is strongly religious and a center of Kabbalah.
Social Character: Maritime industry (Haifa port), academia (University of Haifa, Technion), agriculture (Galilee, Golan), religious study and art in Safed.
Population Background: Strong Anglo (US, UK, Canada), Western European, Russian-speaking, and native Israeli communities.
Level of Observance: Predominantly secular, with a few religious enclaves in surrounding cities.
Social Character: High-tech and start-up culture, arts, media, liberal and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Central coastal cities: Large French-speaking Jewish communities (Netanya), Russian-speaking communities (Ashdod), mixed European and native Israelis.
Level of Observance: Mixed – Netanya is more traditional, Ashdod has both secular and Haredi sectors.
Social Character: Coastal tourism, commerce, fishing, and port industries.
Southern Israel: Primarily native Israelis, with some Russian-speaking and Anglo residents.
Level of Observance: Predominantly secular.
Social Character: Tourism, hospitality, diving, and leisure industries.
Population Background: Diverse Jewish population – ultra-Orthodox (Haredi), religious Zionist, secular, Anglo, Russian-speaking, Ethiopian, and some Arab neighborhoods.
Level of Observance: High – Jerusalem is Israel’s religious center for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Social Character: Religion and spirituality, education (Yeshivot, universities), government institutions, tourism.
Ethiopian Communities: Significant Ethiopian Jewish presence in neighborhoods such as Kiryat Moshe and Katamonim, with vibrant cultural traditions.