View of Ariel
View of ArielIsrael news photo

In Part One of this series, we discussed the who, what and where of the city of Ariel – the fifth largest city in the region of Judea and Samaria, located just 45 minutes from Tel Aviv, and home to over 18,000 residents.

Lead by its visionary mayor Ron Nachman and Avi Zimmerman, Ariel’s Community Project Coordinator, Ariel is on the brink of creating a new English-speaking community. With the rate of North American olim on the rise, what can the city of Ariel offer potential residents that other places cannot?

Firstly, the average English-speaking family that is looking for a community close to the Tel Aviv region, (where job opportunities in many fields seem to be more abundant, as well as higher pay than in the rest of the country) may find that the options of where to settle are somewhat limited. For some time now, the most popular Aliyah destinations in this part of the country have been Modiin, Beit Shemesh, and Ranaana. While it’s true that these cities have a tremendous amount to offer an immigrant family, many are finding that the going rate for a home in these communities is quite beyond their price range.

Secondly, because of the high percentage of Olim in these communities, one can almost get the sense that they never left America! North American olim have a tendency to flock to places that they've already heard of. Indeed, though such tendencies are perfectly logical, they may not prove to be the most sound approach to a healthy and successful aliyah absorption.

“Ariel A.I.M.S.” - the Ariel Aliyah Integration Movement for Success, is coming to fill this gap. Affordable housing, healthy community life, employment options and a positive world view are each necessary components in developing an environment conducive to aliyah absorption. These are the qualities to be sought by new olim in their search for an appropriate community, and they can all be found in Ariel.

“As people contact me about our program, express interest and come on pilot trips it becomes very clear: Jews making aliyah are looking for Ariel. Not all Jews, not all olim, are looking for Ariel - but many are. There’s no need for spectacular programs, expensive advertising or advanced marketing schemes. Instead, all we have to do is say: this is what we are, this is where we are and this is what we have to offer” says Avi. As I travel around the States I have one underlying message which I hope to convey: “Here we are. Were you looking for us?”

From the adoptive volunteer families to the various local communities, from the advanced school system to the vibrant synagogues, describing the dynamic and ever- developing cultural, educational and community reality of Ariel would not do justice. Ariel is very proud of what it has to offer. Come, visit and see for yourself. Ariel - where the dream is coming true.

For more information please contact Avi Zimmerman, Ariel’s Community Project Coordinator, at [email protected] e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .