SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE SYRIAN SEPHARDIC JEWISH COMMUNITY HAS CULTIVATED AND NURTURED A STRONG BOND WITH THE LAND OF ISRAEL. WE ARE EDUCATED ON ITS HISTORY IN OUR YESHIVOT. FAMILIES HAVE LONG MADE IT THE CENTERPIECE OF THEIR MILESTONES, CELEBRATING BAR MITZVAHS AND WEDDINGS ON ITS HOLY GROUNDS.
There is no disputing the relationship that any one of us have towards Israel and yet, the possibility of investing in a second or primary residence seems remote and untenable to many. SY Israel Link, a new non-profit presided over by Rabbi Moses Haber, hopes to dispel any notions of impracticality. The board is composed of a dynamic group, including VP Moshe Laniado, Secretary Eli Mizrahi, Treasurer Ralph Sasson and Director of Marketing, Daniel Levy. They all work tirelessly towards one goal, to deepen our community’s commitment towards the Holy Land.
SY Israel Link was founded with a simple mission: to promote and facilitate the strengthening of our community’s bond with Israel. It is their belief that moving towards investing, whether it be as a business opportunity or a temporary residence, is one realistic way to begin. Apparently, others agree. A survey conducted by SY Israel Link uncovered a keen interest amongst participants, ages 35 to 65, in purchasing property in Israel. Overall, their reluctance stemmed not from a lack of desire, but trepidation surrounding the process. Common concerns included: Which city should I look in? What kind of neighborhood best suits my needs? Where do the majority of the other Syrian Jewish families live? In other words, people did not know where to start. Consider then, SY Israel Link as your resource.
The group continues to survey community members in order to gage a clear picture of the wants and needs of those who are considering an investment in Israel. For example, they’ve found that 34% of participants view an investment as a stepping stone towards moving. But their reasons vary; 23% see the residence as a security home, while 21% would like to move full-time and 10% are more interested in a vacation home. As they gather more data from the community, SY Israel Link is better positioned to guide prospective buyers through their process. So far, the organization has identified over 150 Syrians who have made aliyah over the last 35 years. They include members from all segments of our community, from teachers and rabbis to lawyers and tech entrepreneurs. SY Israel Link has mapped out their locations and they can be viewed on the organization’s website. They’ve also contacted many of these individuals, who are ready and eager to help and welcome new community members in any way that they can.
The organization is poised and ready to inspire, educate and simplify the process of investing in our homeland. They understand the hesitancy to jump into an investment. Rather, SY Israel Link encourages incremental steps towards a longer term goal: the establishment of a flourishing Syrian Sephardic community in Israel. These steps can include more Friday night dinner conversations, formal and informal education, or a family commitment to visit Israel if and whenever feasible.
The current tenuous political climate, growing anti-Semitism and a government that seems increasingly divided has left many in our community feeling lost and untethered. More and more, Israel represents a beacon of hope for those seeking opportunity, whether that be via professional advancement or spiritual growth. And while it has become apparent, perhaps more than ever before that Israel is our one true home, there is much to uncover without making the move just yet.
SY Israel Link is not asking you to pack your bags tomorrow, but rather, to begin the process of genuinely understanding what it might look like to plant the seeds of your future in Israel. The data clearly shows that many in our community are seriously considering an investment in Israel. SY Israel Link asks that you complete and share their survey so they can continue to better their efforts in abetting this process, bringing our community one step closer to our homeland.
You can find it and other resources at their website: syisraellink.com.
