Choosing an Aliyah Community
Modi'in - מודיעין
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Modiin is less than an hours drive from Jerusalem in the south and Tel Aviv in the north. In 1990, the towns of Maccabim-Reut and Modiin merged into one and are now officially known as Modiin Maccabim-Reut or just Modiin for convenience.
Unlike many of Israel's other large and older cities, careful town planning, the strategic positioning of services, the modern architecture and consideration of the environment, have all contributed to the success of Modiin.
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Some Ancient History
The ancient town of Modi'in was the place of origin of the Jewish Hasmonean dynasty that ruled Judea in the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE, and it is where the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Greeks started.
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Demographics
A mostly Jewish Orthodox population make up the community of about 80,000 people. Set in green hills and wadis, it was designed to preserve the natural landscape. Unlike the weather in other parts of Israel, low humidity, light winds and comfortable temperatures make it an ideal location.
The city is divided into four major areas: a residential area, the main business center, an industrial park, and an employment area, that are all surrounded by greenery. The residential neighborhoods are conveniently built around the city's core close to the railway station, shopping areas, business and commercial sites.
The community is made up of a young, educated, professional, Israeli population that are socioeconomically stable. About 10 percent of the community are new immigrants from the FSU, the USA, the UK, South Africa and France.
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Employment
With an emphasis on the environment and preserving the surrounding green areas, Modiin's industrial park is located in the north of the city near the Ben Shemen Forest. The industrial park was planned to provide employment for 35,000 people in the fields of office industry, hi-tech, manufacturing, retail and education.
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Education
Around 25,000 children of school-going age live in Modiin.
There are over 150 kindergartens of all types, educational frameworks and religious orientation. Contact the Department of Ganim (kindergartens) & Tzaharonim (after school programs) at Telephone 972-6079/6081/6123 for more information.
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- 19 primary schools, 7 secondary schools and a yeshiva, offer educational programs in the fields of science and technology, arts and sports. For information on primary and high schools in Modiin, contact Department of Education & Information Telephone972-6075/80.
- After school programs are available in the kindergartens and in the schools (see contact info above).
- Special education facilities are continually being developed in the city to meet the needs of all of Modiin's students. Liaise with your Aliyah emissary and the Aliyah office of Modiin's municipality for a list of special ed facilities. Contact the Department of Special Needs at Telephone 975-0939
- Computers, internet and information technologies have been integrated into the schools and various learning program.
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For Adults
The Multidisciplinary Center in Modiin under the Open University offer bachelor's and master's degrees. Career development, personal advancement, women's advancement and other types of training are also offered at the Multidisciplinary Center.
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Religious Information
While most of the population in Modiin are Orthodox and Ultra Orthodox, Reform and Conservative communities and prayer services are held in Modiin. The Modiin rabbinate oversees the synagogues, Mikves (ritual baths), kashrut and all other religious public services
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Youth Activities
Amongst others the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement and the Progressive Judaism Youth Movement offer activities for religious children and teens.
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Transport
Transport: Conveniently located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Modiin connects to the most largely populated areas in Israel. In every main direction, 4 main highways connect Modiin to the rest of the country. Another highway is on the drawing board and this will feed in and out of Jerusalem.
Modiin is closely located to Highway 6 (Kvish Shesh) - the Trans-Israel Highway. It is a toll road, but one of the most convenient ways of getting across the country.
The Modiin Railway Station connects the city on the Ben Gurion Airport - Tel Aviv - Haifa - Nahariya line. Modiin is just 17 minutes by train to Tel Aviv and when the planned railway to Jerusalem is completed, it will connect Modiin to the southern parts of the country.
Modiin also has an efficient bus service and the night-time bus line (kavei leila) no. 222 operate there as well.
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Going Green
Modiin is a modern city. Town planners gave careful consideration to preserving, maintaining and promoting a green, eco-friendly environment.. Re-cycling is high on Modiin's agenda. Collection bins for plastic bottles, batteries, newspapers etc. are scattered across the city and at some of the educational institutions. School children are actively involved in re-cycling with regular campaigns and activities in the city's schools.
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Fun & Entertainment
There are lots of parks scattered across the city, the largest of which runs along a wadi. It has an amphitheater used especially in the summer for outdoor concerts and gatherings. The amphitheater overlooks an artificial lake that attracts various bird species and aquatic fauna and flora. Walking and biking paths can be found around the city. Water activities are planned around the lake.
Numerous archeological, historical and tourist sites are in close proximity. The Monastery in Latrun, Mini Israel and a military museum are easily accessible. In 2001 the archeological remains of ancient Modiin were discovered. It is here that the brave Mattityahu and his sons lived; the leaders of the Maccabean revolt.
Every year, amongst others, the national maths olympiad, a Purim parade, a dance festival, the national chess championship, a book week and art exhibitions are organized and held in the city.
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Immigrant Assistance
In order to help the new immigrate assimilate and integrate, the Absorption Department in Modiin, runs several activities for both adults and children:
Learning Hebrew
Mornings and evenings, the Department runs several different levels of Ulpanim. There are 3 different levels; Alef, Bet and Gimmel as well as a pensioners Ulpan. If your level of Hebrew is highter, or Ulpan hours do not suite you can get a referral from the Ministry of Absorption and travel to another Ulpan in the area.
Children's Study Center
Olim children between the ages 6-18 up to 10 years in the country can attend the Study Center two afternoons a week with professional teachers and religious girls doing a volunteer program as part of their national service. The children get assistance with homework, have social activities, extra Hebrew lessons and a special course to prepare the young children for Grade 1.
Activites for Olim
Olim clubs offer activities in various different languages: Russian, Spanish, English etc. and include:
- MATI courses - Entrepreneurs in Israel, transfer from culture to Culture, Education in Israel.
- Lectures: subjects such as Israeli history, current affairs, health, army service
- Tours around the country, Israeli holidays and more.
Children's Morning Ulpan
Children grades 1-6 are eligible to participate in an intensive 5-6 month Ulpan every morning.
Grades 7-12 also receive ulpan hours in Modiin or attend an Ulpan in Jerusalem. When the Ulpan program is completed, the students are integrated back into their regular schools and are provided with extra assistance if needed.
Volunteer activities
Volunteering is an excellent way to integrate into Israeli society. Today the department works together with volunteer families who assist the new Olim families with their integration process into the community and day to day life.
Assistance with job searching and Entrepreneurship
The Absorption department coordinators connect the Olim with different human resources and employment offices and guide them through every step of finding a job and entrepreneurship.
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English Speaking Host Families
The Modiin Absorption Department can provide English speaking host families to help assist in the absorption process.
Housing
Rental:
A 3 roomed apartment with or without a garden is about 3,600-4,000 shekels per month.
A 4 roomed apartment with or without a garden is about 3,800-4,800 shekels per month.
A 5 roomed apartment with or without a garden about 4,800-5,500 shekels per month.
Purchase:
Homes in Modiin can be purchased from around US$1700 per sq/m
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Discounts for Olim
The Modiin Municipality subsidizes Arnona Municipal Tax for the first year and gives you a 90% discount on the first 100sqm of your home.
ModiinApp
You can also get updates on Modiin via the new Modiin Smart Phone App and website, with everything you need to know about making Aliyah to Modiin! Includes huge amounts of information such as: Modiin ulpan, Aliyah organizations & services, the professionals you need for your move to Modiin, and much, much more – Visit http://www.modiinapp.com or search for 'Modiin App' in your app store.
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With thanks to the Modiin Municipality for their contribution to this article.
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