...the Orthodox Jews in Israel didn't have a say in who's Jewish enough to make aliyah. That's the thing that's stopping me from moving there. And if I ever make it there, I'm staying.

It Is totally unrealistic to talk about Jews moving to Israel when you are already experiencing water shortages.

You are NOT representing the vast majority of the Jews in Israel. Despite terror threats and global recession, 80% of the Israelis are overall happy with their lives. This does not mean that Israelis don't want to see improvements. Israel is certainly not perfect and much should and will improve in the coming years, especially in economy, education and security. But what country is perfect? The US? France? UK? Hardly. Most Israelis are not Rotshilds or Rockefellers (neither are most US and European Jews) but it is nonsense as Roxy (#18) states that most of us have problems making both ends meet. Is Roxy aware of the fact that soup kitchens for poor have increased more dramtically in the US than in Israel. Most of us Israelis live in modern apartments or homes with 1 or 2 cars, mobile phones, dvds etc and travel more abroad per capita than most Americans. The main reason why most US Jews don't make aliyah is because most of them are Americans first and at best Jewish as a distant second. Despite existing problem Israel is overall a tremendous success story and will despite some negative nudniks , continue to thrive and develop and soon become the home for the majority of the Jewish people.

It is up to GOD to call you home to Israel if you are a Jew the bible has the answer

There is a homeland for every person on this planet if you belong to GOD and will accept his chosen people the Jew`s

In 40 year GOD gave water to the chosen people before entering the land of milk and honey belive in GOD He can always help you

Andrew I hope yopu get to read this. You can contact the American Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel when you arrive here. (AACI) they will surley help you settle.

I agree that life in Israel is not easy, but you all make so many generalizations. 1. I have been living in Israel for ten years and am not American, and randomly called Nefesh B'Nefesh with a question about unemployment benefits. They were really helpful to me. 2. Roxy, your comments about Ultra Orthodox are untrue and practically anti-semitic. Everyone who makes aliya has their own personal story and experience, but it definitely helps to have perspective. It is true that salaries are low, the western concept of service practically non-existent, and bureaucracy is mind-blowingly obtuse. It is also true that many immigrants from western countries have a huge sense of entitlement, and therefore it is unsurprising they feel so bitter towards Israel when things don't go their way. So for anyone who loves Israel and wants to live here, best to come with as much money as possible and very few expectations. A friend of mine said that living in Israel is like having children: hard work but worth it. Behatzlacha.

Noa, I hear where you are coming from. I made Aliya to Israel many years ago and spent 11 years in Israel including 3 years in the IDF. We came back to the US several years ago and although things are not so bad here, we miss Israel VERY much and really want to go back. I really feel like a fish out of water here. Although we are still very connected to Israel and go back to visit often, the one thing that we do regret is that we left... Best of luck to you and your decision, but I will tell you that after 9 years in Israel, no matter what you may feel now, once you decide to return to the US, you will always 2nd guess the choice.