צילום: סי די בנק
Israeli Au Pairs Shun U.S.
High demand for local nannies by Jewish American families meets weak response.
TEL AVIV – Weak response by local au pairs is baffling Jewish American families desperate for made-in-Israel household help.
Potential nannies are enticed with a free airline ticket and the opportunity to legally work in the United States, among other benefits, but hundreds of families are still having difficulty attracting candidates.
The search for au pairs is facilitated through Au Pair in America, a U.S. government organization that brings about 4,000 young women from across the world to the country every year.
Candidates who make it through the strict selection process receive room and board, enjoy access to a vehicle, and are paid $140 a week. In addition, they enjoy a generous vacation policy and can study at the employer's expanse.
Moreover, Israeli au pairs are the only ones in the world not required to pay in order to gain acceptance to the program, with the exception of a $200 deposit. Other nationals pay about $700 and only receive half of it back at the end of their stay.
Hundreds of Jewish American families are particularly interested in Israeli au pairs, because they can speak Hebrew with their children and teach them about Israel. One such nanny was hired by U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman.
However, the weak response is leaving most open positions vacant, says Danny Aran, who heads the local company responsible for recruiting candidates. The company sends about 150 Israelis to the U.S. each year, far short of the 500 au pairs currently in demand, he says.
"We are very frustrated," Aran says. "Israeli girls are in very high demand."
Israeli youngsters are apparently interested in making big bucks, even if it means engaging in illegal peddling, Aran says.
"They earn lots of money, but could get into trouble," he says.
By going through the au pair program, candidates are assured of legal work and all the relevant permits, Aran says. Au pairs can also opt to move to a different family if they wish, he says.
About 10 percent of girls do not get along with the family they are assigned to and seek a transfer, Aran says, while another 10 percent decide to cut their stay short and return to Israel.
