Working remotely can be a gift, especially right after aliyah. When you keep your job abroad there is no need to navigate a job search in Israel, no commuting time and no pressure to jump straight into working in Hebrew in a new work culture. At the same time, remote work can make it harder to integrate into Israeli society. Without an office to walk into every morning you have fewer natural opportunities to meet people, practice Hebrew or learn how things work here.
Feeling isolated
Remote work can create long stretches of quiet days with little in-person interaction. With no coworkers to chat with during the workday and colleagues abroad who are online at different hours, you may go long periods without talking to anyone. It helps to add structure to your week that gets you out of the house and interacting with your community. An evening class, a gym membership or working part-time at a coworking space or local cafe can give you more chances to socialize.
Limited opportunities to practice Hebrew
If your job is English-based you may go days without speaking Hebrew, which naturally slows your language acquisition. If you work long or irregular hours an Ulpan may not be realistic, but you can still create opportunities to practice. Make it a habit to speak Hebrew to cashiers, waiters and salespeople, even if switching to English feels easier. Join your building or neighborhood WhatsApp group and try participating in small ways. Watching Israeli news or reading the newspaper also helps you pick up vocabulary and get used to everyday phrases.
Struggling to form friendships
Making friends as an adult is not easy and it can feel even harder when your coworkers live in another country. Choose two or three places where you show up consistently. Most friendships form through repeated exposure rather than one-off events. A gym class or a volunteer activity are reliable places to meet people. Regular attendance at community events and synagogue services can also help you become a familiar face. If you have children, school pickups, playdates and time spent at local playgrounds often lead to organic conversations with other parents.
Disconnect between work hours and local hours
If you work US hours, you will miss many social gatherings that take place in the evening. On the other hand, you’re free in the mornings when everyone else is at work or school.
You can compensate by scheduling some activities that happen outside your work schedule. Early morning walks with a neighbor, a class on Shabbat or a weekly meetup at a local cafe can help you stay in sync with the rhythm of your community. If you have Sundays off, use that time for errands, family time, socializing with friends or simply enjoying some downtime.
Lack of professional community in Israel
If you miss the informal support network that comes from local colleagues or want to keep the option open of working in Israel one day, try joining a few local professional groups on Facebook or WhatsApp. Look into meetups in your field and consider attending industry events or conferences even if your current job is abroad. These small steps help you build a network and keep you aware of job opportunities and trends in Israel. They are also a good way to meet people with similar interests.
Be gentle on yourself
Integration is a process and it does not have to happen all at once. Even in a Hebrew-speaking workplace you would still need time to feel fully comfortable. Remote work adds an extra layer that demands more effort. But if integration matters to you, showing up in your local and industry community creates the relationships and familiarity that make Israel feel like home.
