Israel and Jewish Life Blog

I’m interesting in moving to Israel but I only speak English. It seems as if everything there is written in English, Hebrew, and Arabic? Do most people know English? Is business done in English?

13 Comments

1. Shay p says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   Most people in Israel speak English

   Hebrew, English and Arabic are the official languages in Israel.
   (For example: you will see these languages on road signs)
2. Kevin S says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   Almost everybody knows English both Jew and Arab. Some know more some know less but everyone knows……..except the Moroccan Jews…….There are a lot of american Jews in Jerusalem especially (actually too much even for the likes of me)……….
3. Jon says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   Its possible, not ideal, but possible. Most people probably have at least a basic understanding of English, as it is taught in schools.
   Between two Israelis, both who primarily speak hebrew, business will be done in hebrew.
4. Arieh says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   Walk down the street in Jerusalem and all you will hear are Westerners speaking in English on their cell phones. In Tel Aviv everyone also speaks English. In the North and South you will find people who speak only Hebrew, but you probably couldn’t handle living there anyway.
5. **^-^**~Twinkle eyes says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   A lot of Israelis speak English. But the signs are basically in hebrew or arabic.
6. Cher JPA says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   Israelis think they speak a lot of English. It’s not as much as they think. Though obviously they want to do so.

   Once you move, you will enroll in an Ulpan where you learn Hebrew. It doesn’t take long in a new country to start learning the language & the Ulpans are very, very good. (In three weeks I saw a difference for myself.)

   The thing is you have to risk making mistakes by trying it out in order to learn. Get a verb only book & it will go a long way to unwrapping the mysteries. It’s not a particularly hard language to learn for those good at languages. (I’m poor at langagues myself.)

   PS - you can get by with English till then as you get started. There is a lot of willingness to help you. Raananna (town) has an English language yahoo group based there - if you find it from their municiple website - it can put you in touch with other English speakers. (Raanana is the popular place for American immigrants.)
7. zena e says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   ISRAEL OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.

   Official status of languages
   1.1 Hebrew
   1.2 Arabic
   1.3 English
   33 Languages Spoken
   Wikpedia.

   ENGLISH IS USED MOSTLY IN BUSINESS ..( SO NO PROBLEM DOING CARRYING ON BUSINESS IN ENGLISH
   Israeli Business Culture training courses - doing business in …Official name – State of Israel Population – 7112359 * Languages – Hebrew … English most commonly used foreign language, mostly used in business, …
   http://www.communicaid.com/…business…business…/Israeli-Social-and-Business

   YES A LOT OF PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH.

   YES RACHEL RUSSIAN WAS ONCE AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF ISRAEL BUT NOW IT SEEMS IT IT NOT LISTED ( AS MANY RUSSIANS SEEMS To GO TO USA)
   I BELIEVE ITS CLIMATE (RE RUSSIA) COLD AND ISRAEL SUPER HOT
8. Funny Bunny! says:

   December 8, 2009 at 4:49 am

   In Israel they accept anyone (well if your Jewish) and they have places all over the country, in each city, that help people get settled, theyteachh you the language, introduce you to people and are with you the whole way. You will never feel alone.

   In my neighborhood there are fair amounts of new comers. I have quite a few friends that moved from America (that’s how my english is pretty good).

   There are lots and lots of American’s in practically every city. You’d be surprised how many there are. Every year we get hundreds of people immigrating to Israel from an organization called Nefesh b’ Nefesh. They help people.I really recommend you take a look at the site. It is an AMAZING organisation!! http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php