A pilot trip (tiyul hakirah) is a reconnaissance visit to Israel before your Aliyah, specifically designed to help you choose your city and neighborhood, visit properties, and prepare your move. Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency both support pilot trips with subsidies, professional guidance, and structured programs.
But even without formal support, a well-planned pilot trip is transformative. This guide will help you make the most of yours.
When to Go
The optimal pilot trip is 10–14 days, ideally including at least one Shabbat in your target neighborhood. Shabbat gives you the most accurate picture of the community — who is walking to shul, whether the streets feel vibrant or empty, whether your potential neighbors seem like your people. Avoid going in August when many Israelis are on vacation and cities feel artificially quiet.
Before You Go: Preparation
Before your plane takes off, complete the following: Get mortgage pre-approval from an Israeli bank or yoetz mashkanta. This tells you your realistic budget. Research 3–4 candidate neighborhoods across 2–3 cities — do not arrive without a shortlist. Brief a local real estate agent in each target area. Request 5–8 property viewings per area. Join Anglo Aliyah Facebook groups and post your target cities — you will receive invaluable community feedback within hours.
Day 1–3: Jerusalem
Start with Jerusalem if it is on your list. Walk through Baka, German Colony, Katamon, and Rehavia at different times of day. Attend a local shul. Have coffee on Emek Refaim. Visit the local supermarket. Walk to the nearest school. These mundane activities will tell you more than any website.
Day 4–6: Tel Aviv Area
Spend two days in Tel Aviv proper (Old North, Ramat Aviv) and one day in Ra'anana. The contrast with Jerusalem will be striking — and clarifying. Walk the beachfront, explore Dizengoff Center, visit the Shuk HaCarmel. If you have children, visit the main international schools.
Day 7–9: Netanya and Northern Coast
Netanya is worth a full day, particularly for francophone families or those seeking a more affordable coastal option. Visit Ir Yamim, the beachfront, and the city center. Meet with a local agent for a market briefing.
Day 10–12: Property Viewings and Follow-Up
Return to your top 1–2 neighborhoods for a second look and focused property viewings. By now you should have a clear sense of which city and area feels like home. If you find a property that genuinely excites you, your attorney can begin preliminary due diligence — but do not rush into signing.
The Mindset: Research, Not Purchase
The most important rule of a pilot trip: Your goal is to narrow down your decision to one city and one or two neighborhoods. It is not to sign a purchase contract. Decisions made under the time pressure and emotional intensity of a pilot trip are often regretted. Give yourself a "cooling-off" period of 2–4 weeks after returning before committing.
Who to Meet During Your Pilot Trip
• Local real estate agent (moreh derech) specializing in Anglo buyers · Israeli mortgage advisor (yoetz mashkanta) · Real estate attorney · Absorption center (merkaz klita) representative · Local community rabbi or synagogue rebbetzin · School principal or admissions coordinator · If possible: recent Anglo olim who bought in your target neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nefesh B'Nefesh subsidize pilot trips?
Yes. Nefesh B'Nefesh offers subsidized pilot trips for qualifying North American and UK olim. The subsidy covers a portion of airfare and includes organized briefings, city tours, and meetings with absorption professionals. Check their current program details at nbn.org.il.
How many properties should I view on a pilot trip?
Aim for 5–8 viewings per target neighborhood, spread across different price ranges and conditions. This gives you a realistic market sense. Do not attempt more than 10–12 total viewings per day — decision fatigue sets in quickly.
Should I bring my whole family on the pilot trip?
If children are school-age, yes — visit schools with them. For younger children, a solo parent trip for the initial reconnaissance followed by a family trip for the final decision is often more efficient.
What if I cannot afford a second pilot trip?
If you can only do one trip, extend it to 14 days minimum and be very disciplined about not signing anything during the trip itself. Take detailed photos and videos of every property. Use video calls to walk your partner or family through shortlisted options. Do not let urgency override due diligence.