Jerusalem’s real estate boom was pitched last week to American Jews at a first-of-its-kind property and investment fair in Midtown Manhattan, where Israeli developers and city officials presented the capital’s construction and urban renewal plans to investors and families.
The “Moving Up to Jerusalem” Real Estate and Investment Fair was initiated by the Israeli Builders Center and the Jerusalem Municipality, in cooperation with the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Eden and Moriah companies. Organizers said thousands of people attended the event, which brought together Jewish community members from New York and the surrounding area with about 40 Israeli real estate companies.
Participating companies included Azorim, Avisror, Ashtrom and Tidhar, which presented major residential and development projects planned or under construction in Jerusalem.
The fair was designed to position Jerusalem as a strategic destination for Jewish communities abroad, amid growing interest in immigration to Israel and concerns over rising antisemitism. Organizers said about one-fifth of American Jews are seriously considering moving to Israel, with local tax policies and antisemitism among the factors driving interest.
A central feature of the event was an “Expert Boulevard,” where visitors received professional guidance on buying property in Israel. Advisers offered financial analysis, legal and appraisal services, architectural consultation, immigration assistance and community integration support.
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Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and NBA player Deni Avdija (first and second from left) at the 'Moving Up to Jerusalem' Real Estate and Investment Fair
(Photo: Ohad Kab)
The event also included a lecture by futurist Professor David Passig, who discussed Israel’s future and Jerusalem’s role as a national anchor.
The fair concluded with a gala attended by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, City Engineer Yoel Even, Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis and NBA player Deni Avdija.
Lion presented Jerusalem’s development plans to community leaders, saying the city had tripled the number of building permits issued and was advancing tens of thousands of housing units. He also presented Avdija with a special recognition award, calling him an outstanding ambassador for Israel.
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Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis at the 'Moving Up to Jerusalem' Real Estate and Investment Fair
(Photo: Ohad Kab)
“Every Jew in the world has two homes: the home where they live and Jerusalem,” said Eran Rolles, chairman of the Israeli Builders Center. “Our goal is to make that second home an accessible reality.”
Rolles said Jerusalem is undergoing unprecedented growth and development, and that the fair was intended to bring Israel’s real estate industry to Manhattan so American Jews could become part of the city’s future.