Full Version: See what it's like for French expat Ouriel to live in Tel Aviv, Israel

See what it's like for French expat Ouriel to live in Tel Aviv, Israel

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Ouriel is a Jewish Frenchman who now lives with his girlfriend in Tel Aviv, Israel. Read on to learn more about things like the cost of living in Ouriel's part of Israel, his learning of the Hebrew language, and why in spite of everything, people enjoy life so much there.
  
Ouriel



September 21 2006

-Where were you born?
In the south of France, Nice

-In which country and city are you living now?
I now live in Tel Aviv, Israel.

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Too afraid to live alone. Just joking. I am living with my girlfriend.

-How long have you been living in Israel?
Today it has been 3 years and time is running so fast.

-What is your age?
34

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Israel?
I was living before in Paris and was quite happy there. But when I came for the first time to Israel for a trip I received an electroshock. To be honest I was afraid to come, but I discovered a great country with great people--very far from what the media shows the world. I felt good here. I sold my internet company in France and said to myself it was worth trying a new experience. A few weeks later I was in Israel

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Coming to live in Israel for a Jew is not a problem, but you have to face some paperwork before and after your arrival, nothing heavy but requires preparation. This being said, many non-Jews were arriving with me in Israel and paperwork for them was a nightmare (I guess the same happens in France/EU countries).

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, medical infrastructures are quite developed here. There's nothing to complain about (except it is not as good as in France).

-How do you make your living in Israel? Do you have any type of income generated?
I was really lucky and found a good job quite quickly (actually after the first few months I had no choice; I was out of money). I started to work for ICQ/AOL, and now for a venture capital firm; I cannot complain. I got my first job by searching. The second job came to me…through my blog and the recommendations of some friends.

-Do you speak Hebrew and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
When I arrived I could hardly order a falafel in Hebrew. But everybody speaks English quite well here. I rapidly learnt the language. When a new immigrant arrives in Israel he receives 6 months of free Hebrew lessons. This was a fantastic experience. But my real school was my first work and listening and learning to hundreds of Israeli songs.

Speaking Hebrew was key for me to really find my place here but also be better at my work.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course. But I often come back and they come to me too. What I miss most is the possibility of choice: Israel is a small country and even large stores are small.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I do have plans: being happier, slimmer, and if possible richer but that is not the most important.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I'm renting right now. Real estate is getting totally crazy mostly because the French buy tourist residences at indecent prices.

-What is the cost of living in Israel?
Cheaper than France, but with lower level of income too. I would make much more money in France but would pay higher rent for sure. Generally speaking, entertainment is very cheap in Israel (restaurant, movies, bars...). A meal at a great restaurant for 15/20 euro--and I mean GREAT!

-What do you think about the Israelis?
Impossible to summarize, Israel is a melting pot of origins and religions. Diversity is the word. It is a complex and contrasted society. But one thing is for sure, it is a young, VERY dynamic, very entrepreneurial country.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Israel?
Positive: no need to ask whether you need an umbrella or not, there's sun all the time. From the sea I can see my office. Food is fantastic. Amazing high tech industry and great people

Negative: Israel is still a fragile country and as recent history showed, still at war. Difficult to live with it. And that's why people enjoy life so much here.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Israel?
Don't come to live to Israel by blind ideology. Be informed/prepared beforehand on the reality of the country. It is tough to make your way here, and the failure rate is high. But once you get your place, you don't want to leave it.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Israel?
MyBlog by Ouriel