Intro
Before 1996, Modi'in existed only in the dreams of its government promoters and the imagination of its designer, famed architect Moshe Safdi. This fact is remarkable, considering that Modi'in now has over 80,000 residents.
While planned as a primarily secular city, Modi'in's residents are as diverse as you would expect to find in any city of its size; although the population of Anglos is a bit less so. The vast majority of the Anglo residents are professionals: doctors, lawyers, business people, hi-tech workers, educators, and accountants who are Orthodox.
Modi'in's central location and accessibility to public transportation enables residents to travel to their jobs throughout the center and south of Israel. When asked what brings them to Modi'in, residents almost always mention the high level of integration between the city's religious and secular residents, native Israelis and Olim, and the various generations, in addition to the city's central location. They describe Modi'in as an excellent place for "city-livers," people who like to have everything they need nearby, but want more space for their money.
The fact that Modi'in already has a sizable and active community of English-speaking Olim has made it one of the more popular destinations for new Olim in recent years.
Local Employment
Aside from educators, medical professionals, and store owners, few people work locally.
Accessibility to Employment
Education / Youth
Modi'in recognizes the importance of committing resources toward the education of its youngest residents. It has experienced exponential growth in the past 7 years, and its investment in the educational system is to keep pace with the rate of growth.
There are numerous early childcare and preschool options available throughout the city. The range of options mirrors the diversity of the city. There are religious and regular Ganim, in addition to those run by the Reform and Conservative movements.
In the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, all new Olim children will be registered at the Avnei Hoshen school. They will receive an intensive 4 month ulpan and will remain in the school to receive additional ulpan hours until the end of the school year.
In general, school registration is based on catchment area. However, if the school in the area does not have space, the child will be placed in a school in the neighboring area.
There are several elementary school options for both mamlachti and mamlachti-dati parents.
Modi'in also has the Yozma - Tali school which is affiliated with the Reform Movement, as well as the Yachad pluralistic school.
Modi'in has a variety of options for older children. Within the city, there are 7 mamlachti (State) high schools, and one religious high school for boys and and an ulpana for girls.
There are several different youth movements in the city, including: Bnei Akiva and Ezra for the Orthodox public, Noam for the Conservative families, as well as several secular groups.
Transportation
Estimates are that half of Modi'in's residents commute to work in Tel Aviv and the other half to Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and a few other locations. Modi'in now has two train stations which allow residents a hassle-free 20-minute commute to Tel Aviv and neighboring areas. The city is located 25 km from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, 94 km from Be'er Sheva, and 12 km from Beit Shemesh. Highway 6 is easily accessible from the city.
It is difficult for families live in Modi'in without a car.
Not only does it have a good inter-city transportation system, but Modiin also has an intra-city bus service. In addition, several taxi services operate locally.
Olim Services
Fellow Anglos provide new arrivals with a warm welcome to the community. Most services that Olim need can be accessed in Modi'in or in nearby communities.
There is a branch of the Ministry of Interior located in the city, and the Ministry of Absorption is in the city one day a week.
Ulpanim on a variety of levels can be found in Modi'in, although someone needing a more advanced class will need to travel to Tel Aviv, Chashmonaim, or Jerusalem.
There is a 4 month intensive ulpan for all elementary school children in Avnei Hoshen.
In the afternoon there is a limudia, enrichment program for children in grades 1-12 to help with Hebrew and homework.
7-11 graders can travel to the Baka teen ulpan in Jerusalem.
Amenities / Services
In terms of shopping, Modi'in has everything. Residents do not have to leave their city to shop for food, furniture, toys, clothing, household goods, books, or religious articles. Just look at the list of businesses included on the m-net website (http://www.m-net.co.il/english/local/biz_list.html)!
The city has a bowling alley, two movie theatres and plenty of cultural programming. The city's cultural department works hard to bring in films, theater, and musical groups.
In Modi'in and the neighboring area there are about 50 restaurants, including upscale sit-down style, fast food, and cafes. Many are kosher, some are not.
Banks Leumi, Mizrachi, and HaPoalim all have branches in Modi'in. All Kupot Holim (health-care providers) have clinics in Modi'in and physicians in virtually all specialty areas see patients in the city. Modi'in also has a branch of Terem, a center for emergency medical care. When a hospital is needed, residents generally travel to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Ramle.
Community and Religious Life
Modi'in residents note that for a city, Modi'in has true community feeling. There is an active community support network, and a range of opportunities for community involvement.
Modi'in has an active community center, and a brand new cultural center, which offers a wide range of events.
The Orthodox synagogues come in all varieties, including Ashkenazi, Sefaradi, and Yemenite. There is also an active Conservative congregation called Yedid Nefesh,an Egalitarian congregation, as well as a Reform congregation called Yozma. They are both popular among Anglo residents.
Modi'in's two Chief Rabbis and other teachers who live in the city offer a variety of Torah classes to city residents throughout the week and on Shabbat. In addition, the Emunah organization sponsors a Beit Midrash learning program for women in the mornings.
The hesder yeshiva is very involved in community life.
Modi'in has a well-developed and well-funded public library system. English and Hebrew books can be borrowed from school libraries and at the library's main branch.
Real Estate
Rentals: 4-room apartment start at 4300 NIS per month.
Purchase: 4-room apartment start at 1.4 million NIS to purchase.
Cottages (5 bedrooms with a garden) on average start at 2.5 million NIS.
Neighborhoods
Shvatim (N. Buchman), Moriah (S.Buchman), Masuah(Givat C), Haniviim & Hamaginim (Shimshoni), Avnei Chen(Kaiser), Nachalim(Malibu & Emek Hachula), and Hakramim(Tzipor).
