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Tomb of Rambam to be Declared Heritage Site
By Elad Benari
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has instructed his office to add the tomb of the Rambam (Maimonides) in the city of Tiberias to the list of Israeli heritage sites.
The Rambam, who lived in Egypt in the 12th century, was one of the greatest halakhic authorities of all time. He was also the philosopher-author of Guide to the Perplexed, a scientist and royal physician to the Sultan. It became a common saying that ”From Moses [the lawgiver] to Moses [Maimonides], there was no one like Moses”.
Netanyahu’s decision came following a visit to the city of Tiberias last week, during which he was given a tour of the tomb of Maimonides.
Netanyahu was especially impressed by what he saw at the path leading to the tomb. Seven pillars have been placed on either side of the path, and each pillar has the name of one of the 14 sections of the Mishne Torah, also called the Yad Hachazaka, the first compendium of halakhah organized according to topics and written by Maimonides. (Yad is the numberical equivalent of 14). It is one of the basic tools of Torah learning.
Naming the tomb of Rambam a heritage site will be done as part of a development program in the city of Tiberias, marking its 2000th anniversary. Netanyahu has also instructed Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar to examine the possibility of including visits to the tomb of Maimonides as part of the curriculum studied in schools.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said during the visit, “Maimonides was a philosopher, theologian, physician, astronomer, and a spiritual leader. His universal spirit is great and you cannot ignore his burial place. Maimonides is buried in Israel, in Tiberias, and we need to take care of his burial place.”
Last week, the government approved a NIS 145 million plan for tourism development of Tiberias.
The plan, which includes investment in the development of tourist sites, will feature construction of a promenade along Lake Kinneret – the Sea of Galilee.
Developers will also link Tiberias with the Christian tourist site at Capernaum, as well as other heritage sites in and around the city.
Grants of up to 28 percent of the investment will be provided to private entrepreneurs to encourage construction of new hotels, officials said.
The city, home to some 45,000 residents, is located on the western bank of Lake Kinneret and features a shore that stretches a bit more than seven and a half kilometers long.
Tiberias mayor Zohar Oved recently announced that the city plans to build a new school of pharmacy in the city, which will be named after the Rambam.
It’s not just us telling you the market is great in Israel!!
| Israel world’s third hottest real estate market | |||
| CNBC places Israel third behind China and Hong Kong on five year home price rises despite a reported 1.2% fall in 2011. | |||
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| Despite the affordable housing protests, Israel is holding on to its spot as the third-hottest housing market in the world according to a survey by CNBC, based on data from real estate agents Knight Frank. The survey found that house prices in Israel jumped more than 21% in 2009 and16% in 2010.Israel was placed third with 5 year growth of 54.5% beating Singapore into fourth place with five year growth of 50.5% but well behind China in top spot with five year growth of 110.9% and Hong Kong in second place with growth of 93.7%.
CNBC noted, “High home prices in Israel led to a series of protests in 2011 with demonstrators asking the government to intervene to cool the market. Thousands of protesters made headlines last July to voice concerns over a housing shortage and high rentals. The demonstrations seem to have had an effect on property prices, which fell 1.2% in 2011, according to Knight Frank.” But CNBC sees home prices rebounding saying, “However, after an interest rate cut from 3.25% to 2.5%in February, there appears to be resurgence in property demand, with new mortgages issued by banks jumping by more than 14% in March compared to the two pervious months.” Published by Globes, Israel business news – www.globes-online.com – on April 23, 2012 © Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012 |
Buy this amazing villa in the hills of Tiberias, 6 floors of living space with private elevator!!
Buy this amazing villa in the hills of Tiberias, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. This is a very special property, unique, luxurious, stunning, awesome, must be seen to believe! The villa covers six floors and includes an elevator! 491 sq meters of living space– luxuriously designed, spacious, open and inviting—will provide you with years of enjoyment for your family and guests. And, you can also earn some money from the property, as it includes separate apartments that can be rented out. The ground floor includes a 3-car garage, and two massive storage rooms. Up one half flight, you come to two-50 sq meter apartments, elegantly designed, which can be perfect for extended family, guests or as rental apartments. When you enter the main living area, you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful, spacious, light-filled and airy salon, open to the dining room and leading to a very large patio and garden with views of the city of Tveria, the Kinneret, Tzfat and mountains of the Golan. This large and comfortable living space is designed with many artistic features, including a wood-carved dropped ceiling, stone pillars, recessed lighting, and special cornices. The kitchen is more than adequate for even the most discriminating gourmet chef, with abundant counter-space and cabinetry, plus another comfortable and spacious area for sitting and relaxing. All the cabinetry is of a modern and sleek design, with special shelves and drawers designed for efficiency and maximum use of space. The staircase that will take you to each of the floors is of gorgeous marble, with special carved wooden railing. But, if you prefer, you can take the elevator, which is sufficient for four people. Altogether, there are 4 floors of living space, plus 2 floors of outdoor living space. This is an amazing property, for the most discerning buyer looking for the best in living space and possibly also looking for a good property investment. Priced at only NIS 4,400,000, this property is being offered at an extraordinarily reasonable price. Contact First Class Real Estate right away for a viewing.
Buy this great apartment in Tiberias, upgraded, gorgeous views
Gorgeous, newly upgraded apartment in one of the best locations in Tveria. The apartment is 2 bedrooms, 124 sq meters, very spacious salon and dining area, modern, luxurious kitchen, master bedroom with bathroom (shower), and large, walk-in closet, and second bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. The apartment is on the 6th floor of an apartment building located in the heart of the upper city center. On the ground level are restaurants, small grocery stores, beauty salon, etc. and on the street is the bus stop for all the buses that travel throughout Israel. As an apartment for living, you will enjoy the gorgeous views of the Kinneret and mountains of the Galil, the nearby park and the convenience of not needing a car. As an investment apartment, the property is perfect as it will be easily accessible by all guests, whether traveling by car or bus, plus it is an easy walk from the apartment to the Kinneret and water-front activities. And, of course, they will also love the views. Only NIS 650,000. The apartment is available now.
Buy this penthouse apartment in the heart of shopping district of Bnei Brak – actually two apartments
Deal of the year in Bnei Brak! Two apartments for the price of one! In the heart of the shopping district and most coveted area of Bnei Brak. This is a penthouse apartment, on two floors with 300 sq meters. The first floor is 6 rooms and 150 sq meters; the second floor is 5 rooms and 110 sq meters, plus a 40 sq meter succah mirpeset. The mirpeset is equipped with an upscale, outdoor kitchen. Both apartments have expensive upgrades including: special stone finishes on the walls, large kitchens with double sinks, porcelain tile floors, luxurious bathrooms, spacious rooms and air conditioning throughout. The seller has applied to the government to separate the apartments and sell as two separate properties, but for now, you can get them both! The entire space is perfect for the large and growing family, or,use the upstairs for visiting guests and extended family members, or rent out the upstairs apartment and earn yourself a nice income. The building is located near the largest shopping center in Bnei Brak, and near to banks, bus stations, schools, and of course hundreds of synagogues, yeshivot and kollel. It is just a few minute’s drive to Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, PetahTikva and Givat Shmuel. Only NIS 3,300,000 will get you into this stunning home. You just will not find a better deal in Bnei Brak. Don’t delay!
Huge income potential from this zimmer property in northern israel
For all you savvy investors, future olim, and others looking to buy property in Israel, consider this amazing villa and zimmer business in the community of Migdal in northern Israel. If you are looking to buy the best home in Israel for peaceful living and also maybe to run a zimmer business, this gorgeous property is for you! There are two zimmers, an outdoor spa, swimming pool, enormous gardens and orchards, and an exquisite house where you can live and enjoy your guests. Or, if you are looking just to make a real estate investment in Israel, then you can lease out the entire property, plus renovate the outdoor spa to make it a 3rd zimmer, and you can benefit from a potential gross income of NIS 460,000. For a virtual tour of this gorgeous property, take a look at our video on YouTube http://youtu.be/PPsnZ6V_6I4
Contact us at dr-hre@012.net.il for more details
See you soon!
For US home buyers: what’s different about getting a mortgage in Israel?
Guest Contributor: Moshe Wilshinsky
What to Expect
While home financing in Israel carries some similarities with the US, there are a number of important differences you should be aware of when getting a mortgage in Israel. Here are five tips from a Mortgage industry veteran with a quarter century of experience who has worked both in the US and Israeli markets.
Full Service vs. Self-Service
In the US, most lenders handle the entire mortgage process for you from appraising the property to title searches and handling the registration of the lien in public records. In Israel, it’s more self-service, so prepare to do a lot of running around, ask a lot of questions, and be careful.
Disclosure vs. Discovery
In the US, there are numerous mortgage regulations, such as “Truth in Lending” and its “Regulation Z,” and RESPA (the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). These regulations try to protect consumers, by mandating Lenders Disclose as much information as possible. In Israel, however, consumer disclosure regulations are minimal. For example, how adjustable rates adjust and how high rates can go (read about the lack of “Rate Caps” below) or the fact that there are some loans in Israel called “Fixed Rate” loans that actually adjust every month (see explanation for Real vs Nominal interest rates below). These are just a couple of examples, so be sure you understand what you’re getting into.
What You See vs. What You Get
The types of loans available in Israel are similar to those in the US and even Canada and the UK, but there are also subtle but major differences. For example, the US offers fixed-rate loans, where the interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan, in nominal terms whereas Israeli fixed-rate loans are often in real terms. A real interest rate means that the actual interest you pay on your mortgage is the contractual rate plus inflation, whereas a nominal rate means you pay the contractual rate and no more.
Vanilla vs. a Portfolio of Thirty-One Flavors
Despite requiring more work and diligence, Israel offers borrowers opportunities that don’t exist in the US. For instance, in the US, you select a type of mortgage-e.g., fixed or adjustable (and, for that matter, on what basis it’s adjusted)—but every dollar you borrow is subject to the same loan terms. By contrast, in Israel your mortgage can be made up of smaller mortgages with different terms, but with one consolidated payment. For example, if you borrow $300,000, every $60,000 can have different types of interest rates (e.g. fixed or adjustable), currencies, and each can be paid off separately. Think of it as the inverse of an investment portfolio – just as an investment portfolio matches your investment objectives (e.g. risk tolerance as well as income and capital appreciation requirements) so should a loan match your loan objectives. While five different sets of terms can be confusing, this arrangement provides the borrower with greater flexibility than what’s available in the US.
The Sky’s the Limit
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are as popular in Israel as they are in the US. However, mortgage lenders in the US limit how much interest can change in a single adjustment, as well as cumulatively over the life of the loan usually referred to as “rate caps”. Israel has no such “rate caps.” It is also important to remember while rate locks for 30, 45 and even 60 days, are commonly used in the US, they do not exist in Israel.
Thank you to Moshe Wilshinsky of Moville Mortgage & Finance LTD. For more information please visit www.homeloansinisrael.com.
From NBN’s Aliyahpedia
Star Tveria – A new, luxury, affordable residential project in a great location in the city of Tiberias
Turn a Dream to Reality
About the Project
- A new, unique residential project, integrating the beauty of the ancient with the high quality of the modern
- A unique residential project in the heart of Tiberias
- The project is located within walking distance of everything: the city center, the Sea of Galilee, shopping malls, keverot Tzaddikim, including the Rambam, synagogues and more…
Enjoy all the benefits
- Unique architectural design and high standard of construction
- Residential complex of 18 units, each 3-4 rooms
- All apartments with gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee and Golan mountains
- All apartments with balconies and views. The building includes a parking garage, storage and Shabbat elevator.
- The building will have an elegant lobby with a sophisticated security system. All residents can enjoy the rooftop lounge and barbecue for socializing and relaxing
Recession getting you down?
News
Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The “slow growth” era in the United States wavers on the edge of a recession, but Barclay’s Bank predicts the Israel economy will grow by 2.5 percent in 2012.
By all accounts, growth in Israel is slowing down but far less than in most other countries.
Barclay’s, which last year opened its first branch in Israel, predicts that Israel is in a relatively good situation economically. ”We are adopting a more constructive stance toward emerging asset markets,“ its economists wrote in the bank’s quarterly report.
With inflation well under control – barring the usual possibility of the Iranian threat causing a spike in crude oil prices – the interest rate is likely to come down half a percentage next year, according to the British-based bank.
“Take into account that these cuts might not mark the end of the easing cycle, given uncertainty about when the Israeli economy will bottom out,” Barclay’s added.
Israel’s strong position makes it easier to withstand the global slowdown, the report added. “Only one-third of its exports are to Europe with large exports to the U.S. and Asia. External debt levels are low (41% of GDP)….
“The banking system is mostly Israel-owned, foreign ownership of government debt is minimal, and government external debt is long maturity. We expect that deceleration in the global economy will lower Israeli GDP growth in 2012 to 2.5 percent from 4.8 percent in 2011.”
Looking even further in the future, Barclay’s thinks that growth will rebound to 3.3 percent in 2013, depending on the global economy.
It praised the Bank of Israel, headed by former U.S. professor and Citibank official Stanley Fischer, for cooling down the housing market. The bank also noted that this summer’s “social justice” protests have contributed to a decline in some prices, helping to keep the consumer price index under control.
Horovitz Properties and Investments is ready to help you with your move to Israel. We have gorgeous, affordable homes: apartments to villas, ready to show you. Buy your home in Israel now even if you are not ready to move here yet and take advantage of the strengthening economy. Your home purchase will only increase in value and it will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Check out our website: www.h-re.co.il and be in touch with us as soon as possible!
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