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3 Things NOT to Do If You Move to Israel from the United States


Moving to a new country is a super-huge deal. It’s like starting a new chapter in your life, with a different language, a completely different culture, and a whole new set of rules.

For Americans moving to Israel, this can be an especially big change.

Israel is a small country, but it has a vibe that’s totally unique.

Located in the Middle-East and filled with European immigrants – Israel will shock you.

So, to help you navigate the terrain, here are 3 things you should NOT do if you decide to move to Israel from the United States.

1. Don’t Expect it Be Like It Is in America… It’s not.

This might seem obvious, but it’s a mistake many people make.

You’re leaving a country with a specific way of doing things, and you might unconsciously expect Israel to operate on the same level as Los Angeles or New York.

For example, customer service in Israel is much worse than in the US. Don’t be surprised if a cashier at a store or restaurant is much, much less friendly.

The hard part will not consider it rude; but rather to see it as just a different cultural style.

Also, the concept of personal space is different.

In crowded places like markets or on public buses, people will be much closer to you than they would be in the US.

It’s not a sign of aggression or disrespect—it’s just how things are.

You’ll also find that lines for things like the grocery store, bakery, falafel stand, or even the post office- is more of a free-for-all than an orderly experience.

Overall, things in Israel are much less organized.

2. Don’t Assume Everyone Knows Everything About the United States.

Even though the US has a huge footprint around the world, don’t assume that every Israeli knows all the details about the American way of life… nor do they even like/respect it.

Don’t talk about your favorite football team or a specific TV show and expect anyone to understand what you’re talking about.

The cultural references are very, very different.

For example, most of Israeli pop culture is homegrown.

Meaning, TV shows, music, and social media trends are different.

Therefore, when you come here – instead of talking only about what you know, ask them about their life and what they enjoy.

This is a great way to learn something new!

3. Don’t Underestimate the Language Barrier.

You might hear a lot of people say, “Oh, most Israelis speak English.”

While it’s true that many do, you shouldn’t rely on it.

A lot of the day-to-day things you need to do—like dealing with banks, government offices, or even just asking for directions from an older person—will definitely require some Hebrew.

Learning at least basic Hebrew is necessary for you to survive in Israel.

If you want to thrive in Israel (and I must assume you do) – you must learn the Hebrew language!

It shows respect for the culture and will make your life so much easier.

Even knowing simple phrases like “Shalom” (hello/goodbye), “Toda” (thank you), and “Slickha” (excuse me/sorry) will prove invaluable.

You can easily open YouTube and start learning Hebrew for free.

Also, you sign up for in person or online “ulpan” (Hebrew language school).

Take a course, or use the Duolingo app, and practice every chance you get.

It’s a sign that you are serious about making a life in your new country, and it will open up doors you will definitely want to open.

In Conclusion…

Moving to Israel is an adventure.

By avoiding these 3 common mistakes, you’ll not only make your transition smoother but also put yourself in a position to succeed in the true purpose of why you wanted to move here in the first place.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

You see, I still remember the day I arrived in Israel…

I had NO JOB, NO FRIENDS, and NO MONEY.

And it took me years of living in Israel before I found a decent-paying job at a tech company.

I dont want this for you.

Anyways, I was working for this company, and was promoted to a leadership / management position when I had a powerful self-realization:

I looked back into my past and understood that I was always asked to be a leader + trainer + teacher… and I absolutely loved doing it!

And I understood:

The purpose of my life… is helping other people get what they want from their life. 

So, with my 15+ years of experience in the field of management, leadership, sales, and customer service I decided to open a consulting company.

I want to to help people get where they want to go.

I never thought that I would open my own business in Israel… but I did!

Then, I began to use all of my spare time before work and after work creating training materials, and trying to acquire clients.

In addition, I was sending emails and cold calling companies in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Jerusalem, Bat Yam, and Holon.

Basically, I was reaching out across the whole country of Israel in my efforts.

Great news – I was able to find my first few clients! 

Something I immediately noticed was at the conclusion of my sales training workshops, two things would happen consistently happen: 

Firstly, I would receive feedback that my sales training workshops were providing massive value for the sales team.

Secondly, one or two of the students in the courses would privately approach me.

These students would speak with me about their struggles not only in sales, but also in their private lives.

Then one time, a female student offered to pay me for a one-on-one session outside of the office.

She asked me to help her learn how to communicate more effectively, and to help her figure out a better career path.

Another student, approached me and offered to pay me for my time to help prepare him for a job interview.

Similarly, another student from another workshop, at another company, asked me to help them build their self-confidence.

And this would happen again and again and again…

Each of these wonderful people I began to work one-on-one with,  had their own unique challenge, and asked me for help.

Each time we developed a plan, strategized, and executed.

These first clients would call me their “Life Coach” or “Career Counselor“, and I am proud to say that I was able to help them.

At the conclusion of our one-on-one sessions, they each had taken took massive steps forward towards the results they wanted!

Eventually, enough people called me their Career Counselor or Life Coach that I began to call myself a “Career Counselor” and ”Life Coach”.

Most people set out to become a trained and certified life coach (קואצ’ר , אימון אישי) or career counselor before ever having a client… that is not my story.

This interesting and fulfilling profession came to me!

And that is the (very) short story of how I began life coaching (תל אביב קואצ’ינג לחיים) and career counseling in Tel Aviv, Israel all those years ago.

And after all these years, I’m happy to say I have helped hundreds and hundreds of people from around the world achieve their goals!

Let’s schedule a time for us to speak…

And here is a list of articles (below) that will definitely help you if you are planning to move to Israel!