| Viewing
Ma’alot’s modern-day idyllic presence, with lush vegetation
and flora, it is easy to forget the city’s early days
as a development town for Moroccan and Iraqi olim. Back
then, residents lived primarily in transit camps, under
difficult conditions. They subsisted largely on agriculture.
Today, Ma’a lot is at the heart of the hi-tech center
that has revitalized the economy of the upper Galilee
region.
Commerce
and Health Services back to top^
In addition
to two malls, Ma’alot also has another 250 shops and businesses
of various kinds. The city has three large supermarkets
and several neighborhood mini-markets, a few of which
deliver. All kupot holim have clinics in Ma’alot.
Residents back to top^
The city’s residents are quite diverse. A fair number
were settled there by the Jewish Agency in the 1950s and
1960s. Many of their children stayed in the town. But
Ma’alot also managed to attract a core group of young
professionals who thirsted for the fresh mountain air
and appreciated the city’s proximity to the hi-tech centers
sprinkled throughout Israel’s northern region.
The city has residents in every age group. While the average
age for adults is around 40, there is also a small group
of young couples in the 25-30 range. The Ma’alot hesder
yeshiva and kollel (www.yesmalot.co.il/eng/eng.html)
have attracted many young Torani families to the area
Employment
Opportunities and Transportation
back to top^
Employment Opportunities and Transportation
Tefen and the other hi-tech parks in the area provide
employment to almost 50% of the work force in Ma’alot.
In addition, the industrial area of Ma'alot has about
100 factories, workshops, and businesses that employ close
to 2,000 people. Ma’alot residents who do not work in
Tefen or Ma’alot generally commute to Karmiel (7 km.),
Haifa (45 km.), or Nahariya (20 km.). Public transportation
between Ma’alot and neighboring areas is poor, so a car
is really a necessity.
Education back to top^
The schools in Ma’alot generally have a good reputation
among residents. There are 30 ganim, both religious and
non-religious. The class sizes are generally quite good
for public Israeli ganim. The city has two government
religious elementary schools, including one that is an
all boys school and one that is mixed, but with separate
classes for boys and girls. There are four non-religious
elementary schools, including one that focuses on the
sciences. The city has two junior high schools and both
public and private high schools. Among the high school
options are a Tzvia Ulpena for girls, and the high school
division of Ma’alot hesder yeshiva for boys.
Cultural
Life back to top^
The community centers in Ma'alot provide a variety of
sports and cultural activities for all ages. The Barrer
Art Center sponsors artists from the local area and conducts
craft classes for youth and adults.
In addition, the community has a music school,
conservatory, and wind instrument band.
Physical
Surroundings
back to top^
If the idea of a city in the Western Galilee area conjures
up visions in your mind of green hills with panoramic
views, then you will not be disappointed when visiting
Ma’alot. It is a truly lovely city, with lots of flowers
and greenery. Ma’alot is surrounded by nature reserves
and overlooks the scenic Koren valley. Karmiel is a short
drive south, and Tzfat is about 20 minutes east.
Absorption
Programs back to top^
Ma’alot is not a common destination for North American
olim. When a new family arrives, news tends to spread
quickly. While there are certainly communities with more
formal absorption programs, there are few that are so
genuine in the warm welcome they give. Olim express their
amazement and gratitude for the never-ending invitations
they receive from vatikim (old-timers). The local absorption
center focuses mostly on Russian immigrants, but also
provides services that are valuable for olim from North
America. Ulpanim are available in Ma’alot, Karmiel, Nahariya,
and Haifa, as are all government services that olim may
need to access. Olim in Ma’alot are generally very happy
with their decision to settle in the city, but they emphasize
to other olim that Ma’alot is a wonderful place if you
are looking to become linguistically and culturally integrated
into Israeli society. People on the street patiently help
new olim with their Hebrew. But, if you are looking for
a large American community and a comfortable English-speaking
environment, you may want to look elsewhere.
Real
Estate back to top^
Real estate prices in Ma’alot are quite reasonable. A
three-bedroom apartment can be purchased for $110,000,
while a 150 meter five bedroom house is likely to cost
about $190,000. Rentals range between $350 and $600. |
