More Americans Moving To Ramot Beis

Many young American families have recently moved to Ramot Beis in Yerushalayim. The fast-growing community has doubled and tripled itself in the past few years.

In recent years Ramot Beis located in the northwest part of Yerushalayim has been seeing a large influx of young American families. What was once a once totally secular Israeli neighborhood, is now transforming into a young vibrant American community. English has been making impressive inroads in the local groceries, shuls, and of course the Ramot Mall.

Founded in the early 70’s, Ramot was meant to accommodate the ever-growing demand to settle in Yerushalayim. With the rest of the city full to capacity, expansion was necessary and Ramot was born. Unlike other neighborhoods, Ramot was built with more of a suburban touch to it, greater emphasis was put on greenery and parks. Since the neighborhood is demographically slightly more elevated then the rest of the city, residents can enjoy a panoramic view of various sections of the capital. There is also a beautiful promenade at the edge of the neighborhood, perched on top of a steep cliff that overlooks Kever Smuel Hanavi.

Although Ramot was Originally built small in size, within a short period of time it was a fast growing community, with housing projects sprouting in every direction turning it into a sub- city of its own.

Ramot is presently comprised of many different sub- neighborhoods, primarily Aleph through Daled, 06 and boasts over fifty thousand residents, many different yeshivas, shuls, and its own mall.

Even though the neighborhood is touched with a suburban atmosphere, it is only a mere few minute drive from the center of town. “It’s still close to the center of things but at the same time has an out of town touch to it ‘’ says Ariel Hausman a new Ramot Beis resident who learns full time in the Mir. “It has a feeling of community, one that is here to stay. Other neighborhoods which tend to have a large American presence are constantly changing over.”

Although the nascent community is still relatively young, it has a very active Neshay. “We have regular melava malkas, many gemachim and primarily we are there for each other, offering support and assistance in happy or challenging times” says Mrs. Stienhartz, a coordinator of the Neshay .

The relatively cheaper and more spacious housing as well as the close proximity to the center of town offers a great opportunity to many young Anglo families who are looking to stay long term in Yerushalayim.

“Eight years ago, we barley had ten English speaking families in the neighborhood”, explains Mrs. Stienhartz, today there are well over forty, six of them moved in over the past summer alone.

Other areas, such as Ramot Gimmel and 06 are also seeing an increase in English speakers but as of now, Beis still holds the majority of new comers.

By Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!