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The capital of the Negev
Be'er Sheva is the largest city in the Negev and the hub of southern Israel, with about 224,000 residents. The modern city was founded by the Ottomans at the start of the 20th century; it has grown fast since the 1990s with immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, and its plan allows for 450,000 to 500,000 people. Most government offices for the south are here.
Aliyah paperwork and ulpan
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has a Be'er Sheva office; see the listing, or book a meeting on gov.il (נפתח בכרטיסייה חדשה). The Ministry of Education lists five ulpanim for new immigrants in the city, at the Ye'elim, Kalisher, Altschul and Haruv absorption centres and Ulpan Nurit; see ulpan listings.
Where English speakers live
A Nefesh B'Nefesh blog by an oleh who moved from Baltimore in 2012 says most religiously observant English speakers live in the Hey and Tet neighbourhoods, which sit either side of a small highway, about 15 minutes by bus from City Hall, the Old City and the shuk. The housing there mixes apartments, two-storey cottages and misholim, clusters of houses on footpaths. See the neighbourhoods.
Meet other English speakers
ESRA Beer Sheva runs a monthly lecture, a Mah-Jongg club, a knitting club that donates to Soroka's children's wards, and an English Teaching Program where volunteers help schoolchildren practise English. The Light Opera Group of the Negev has staged a musical in English every year since 1980.
Health fund and bank
Register with a health fund and pick a clinic near home: see health fund clinics and the health care guide. The Bank of Israel lists 28 open bank branches in the city; they are in the services directory.
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