Jay Schultz made Aliyah in 2006 on a one-way ticket — not out of fear, but out of choice. In this episode, Jay explains why life in Tel Aviv offers something Jews can’t find anywhere else, why Aliyah can be a “selfish” decision in the best sense, and how the city has transformed into a global hub of young Jewish life.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jay explains why his Aliyah was, in his words, “selfish” — a decision rooted not in ideology alone, but in quality of life, human connection, and the lived experience of being Jewish in Israel. He contrasts the quantity of life available in cities like New York or London with the quality of Jewish life found in Tel Aviv, arguing that some things simply can’t be purchased elsewhere.

Jay reflects on the transformation of Tel Aviv over the past two decades — from a provincial city with almost no English-speaking olim into a global hub of young Jewish life. He shares why Tel Aviv, despite its secular reputation, may be one of the most Jewish places on earth, and why Western Aliyah has fundamentally reshaped the city.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Am Yisroel Foundation - https://www.amyisraelfoundation.org/jaymshultz
• Jaffa (Yafo) – https://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/Residents/Yafo
• Nefesh B’Nefesh – https://www.nbn.org.il/
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem – https://www.huji.ac.il/
• Albright Institute of Archaeological Research – https://www.aiar.org/
• Israel Antiquities Authority – https://www.antiquities.org.il/
• Birthright Israel – https://www.birthrightisrael.com/

Produced by Dellet Studios for Lightboat Media

Social Media Coordinator: Tehilah Simantov

Edited and Mixed by: Yazek Shrem

www.lightboat.media

IG: @aliyah_stories

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