It seems that since the very establishment of the State of Israel, immigration to the United States – the land of opportunity – has been considered an ideal solution by many Israelis seeking a living, and the trend has not slowed down in recent years either.
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American culture is, of course, an inseparable part of the DNA of those who grew up in the Middle East, but the opportunity to learn a good living and get rich fast, as well as acquire skills and a profession – that in Israel will get one an average salary and in the US a senior position and a potentially luxurious lifestyle – is an escape hatch for anyone with a visa and a little bit of motivation.
And while in Israel the cost of living is breaking records, Israelis in the US say that they have been spared these hardships by virtue of having moved abroad.
When I asked Oren – an Israeli who has lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years and runs a renovation business – about the rising inflation also reported in the US, he had no idea what I was talking about.
"I know that in Israel reports constantly say that it's tough times in America as well and that the country is headed for recession, but for us – Israelis who live there – the situation is completely the opposite. It is true that there were some price increases here, but they are minor and not something that really affects our pocket.
"The Israelis who work here usually own large businesses and earn more than the average American. Paying an extra dollar for gas or produce at the supermarket has become a bit more pricy, but it is not something that is noticeable. In the end, the prices have not risen that much and the majority are still under supervision. So much so that no one really pays attention to these things."
The cliché of the American dream comes true for the majority of Israelis who find a way to continue earning a living with dignity in the US but pay careful attention to the situation of their brethren back home.
"Precisely now my livelihood is better than ever after the pandemic," Oren continued. "A lot of people are renovating their homes or moving, and there is a lot of demand and our businesses are booming. In Israel, of course, it's a different story. I have family there and I know how difficult the last year has been for everyone financially. But here, the mortgage and rent are reasonable, so you don't start each month with a negative bank account."
Anat and Uri, originally from Petach Tikva, too said that they mostly hear about the rising cost of living in the context of Israel. Having moved to Miami a decade ago, they say inflation has absolutely no impact on their everyday lives.
"Ten years ago, the decision of whether or not to move to Miami was major, and today I know it was the best thing for us to do," Anat said. "We can be judged for leaving Israel or anything else, but in Israel, there is really no way to live with dignity, and the past year has proved it all over again. Whereas here we live in private homes with large yards and have new cars. There is no chance any of this would have happened in Israel unless you are in the top 1%. I really understand Israelis who leave the country and come here."
When asked about the inflation in America, Anat said, "First of all, the rate of inflation here has been decreasing for five months now. There have indeed been some minor cost rises, but unlike in Israel, you don't feel overwhelmed when you go shopping or go out.
"In the end, shopping is deeply rooted in American culture. Therefore, if you have a reasonable product to sell or if you provide a service that is needed, you will profit here hugely, and no inflation will change that."
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