Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the aftermath of the October 7 attack, foreign residents are increasingly purchasing homes in Israel.
This trend is driven by a combination of personal connections, religious identity, and concerns over rising global antisemitism.
Among these buyers are Marc and Yael Azran, a couple from Maryland, United States, who purchased an apartment in Beit Shemesh earlier this year.
According to The Times of Israel, despite the persistent threat of rocket and missile attacks, the Azrans have spent significant holidays in their new home. For them, the purchase represents both a way to support Israel and a step towards preparing for a possible future there.
“I feel like it’s time for the Jewish people to be in Israel,” said Marc Azran, an anaesthesiologist, reflecting his belief that the future for Jews in the diaspora, particularly in America and Europe, is uncertain.
The Azrans are part of a broader trend. Official data reveals a 119% increase in foreign home purchases in Israel this September compared to the same month last year. While these acquisitions briefly declined following the October 7 attack, they quickly returned to pre-war levels by December.
Real estate agents have also noted a surge in interest from foreign buyers, particularly in areas like Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem.
Donny Fein, a local real estate agent, observed that many buyers, motivated by fears of rising antisemitism and a desire for a “safe haven,” are even purchasing properties without seeing them in person.
“This is not 1939 anymore. We have a home in Israel,” Fein stated, encapsulating the sentiment of clients who view owning property in Israel as both a sanctuary and a declaration of connection.
Although foreign property purchases in Israel are not a new phenomenon, the current wave is distinct due to its timing which is happening amidst ongoing conflict and a global rise in antisemitic incidents.
Many buyers are driven by a mix of religious faith, familial connections, and reactions to escalating violence, such as the recent attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam during a football match.
This trend has drawn criticism, with some arguing that foreign acquisitions exacerbate Israel’s housing crisis by driving up property prices and reducing availability for local residents.
However, experts argued that for many buyers, the emotional and symbolic significance of owning a home in Israel far outweighs these concerns.
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