Moving to Israel as a senior may sound daunting, but it can be an exciting new beginning, enabling you to enjoy the next chapter of your life in the legendary City of Gold – Yerushalayim Shel Zahav!
Making the decision to move to Israel is harder than actually making the move. Whether you have family living in Israel, or just want to live closer to the beating heart of the Jewish nation, you will find many helpers who will smooth your Aliyah path.
Beit Tovei Ha’ir is a religious senior residence in central Jerusalem and 70% of their residents are English-speakers. Most have lived in Israel for many years before deciding to join this friendly and supportive community, to avoid becoming a burden on their growing families.
Welcoming New Arrivals
During 2025, the Beit Tovei Ha’ir community welcomed 14 new English-speaking residents, including new arrivals from Detroit and Toronto, and veteran Olim from around Israel. Bella and Altor Shields made Aliyah from Toronto in August, because they felt there is no future for the Jewish community in Canada under the current anti-Israel government, and they no longer feel comfortable there. They have two daughters who live in Israel, and many grown-up grandchildren.
Arriving in Israel, Bella and Altor had constant support from Binyamin, the Beit Tovei Aliyah Advisor, as well as their family, to help them adjust to a different way of life and to navigate Israel’s complex medical system. Altor is a lawyer and enjoys learning Gemara daily with a study partner. Bella enjoys the shiurim, exercise classes and musical entertainments, and has found many friends to speak to in English, Yiddish and Hebrew.
Good medical care is clearly one of the top priorities for seniors planning Aliyah, so knowing that they will be supported through any medical procedures that they may need is enormously reassuring. Israel extends free basic health care to all immigrants irrespective of their medical history, and supplementary insurance cover is also available.
Beit Tovei Ha’ir has a full-time medical team on the premises to supplement the services provided by Israel’s health funds. The team is led by experienced English-speaking geriatric specialists and nurse practitioners, who provide check-ups, emergency medical support and round-the-clock nursing when necessary.
Aliyah Support Package
Beit Tovei Ha’ir’s Aliyah advisor, Binyamin Margo, works with every potential resident who is considering making Aliyah, from explaining the process of becoming an Israeli national, advising on what to ship, helping them to open bank accounts and sign mobile phone contracts, to customizing their new apartment. Beit Tovei Ha’ir even has an in-house Ulpan program for those who want to improve their spoken Hebrew, but it is really not necessary since most of the residents and staff speak good English.
Binyamin is Canadian and he has lived in Israel for 27 years. He explains: “Many of our residents have children in Israel, but their jobs and their families sometimes make it difficult for them to accompany their parents through the process. Our extensive experience of assisting residents to make Aliyah has equipped us to answer all of their questions. We’re here to roll out the red carpet, and you will be treated as VIPs when you arrive!”
“People always ask me when is the best time to move to Israel, and I always tell them to come as soon as possible! There is so much to do here, the weather is pleasant for most of the year, and the people are friendly and helpful. We organize frequent trips to interesting sights around Jerusalem, as well as longer trips to the North and to Eilat, and offer a full program of cultural events. Our proximity to the Old City is particularly meaningful, and a group of residents visits the Kotel together every week.
Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds
“Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds – privacy in your own deluxe apartment, and a full program of meals and cultural events to join in when you feel sociable. (Some couples appreciate having both options, especially when one partner is more outgoing than the other!) As a Mehadrin kosher residence with daily minyanim, Daf Yomi and other shiurim for men and women, a religious cultural program, separate hours for the swimming pool, and separate gym, sauna and spa facilities, there is always something to do here. Widowed residents find it a very supportive environment – they can sit together for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. Our warm and welcoming community has a real family atmosphere, which can be a bonus for those whose families live far away.”
Are you considering moving to Israel to enjoy your golden years in the City of Gold? You are warmly invited to stay with us for a few days, enjoy our facilities, meet wonderful people, and spend time in Jerusalem. For details, please contact Binyamin at 347-236-3079 (during Israel office hours) or email binyaminm@toveihair.co.il.
