Live and Work in Haifa
A special select few Onward Israel programs are offered in Haifa. Here you can learn more about this unbelievable city and then see if one of our Haifa programs is right for you!
“Spending the summer in Haifa was absolutely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The city is so vibrant and diverse, relaxed and easy going. The downtown area where we lived, along with the surrounding mountains and beaches very quickly became my home.” – Rachel B., Onward Israel Boston Haifa, Summer 2018
Apply Now!
Apply now for an Onward Israel program based in Haifa to explore everything the city has to offer
Boston Haifa
Communications, Innovation & Start Ups - Theme Based Program
Social Justice & Community Services - Theme Based Program
Culture
Haifa is one of Israel’s major port cities. The city reflects the broad human diversity of the Galilee at large – including Jews, Muslim & Christian Arabs, and Druze. Each of Haifa’s neighborhoods tells its own story about the past, present, and future of the city.
A view from the top of Mount Carmel
The Artist's Village
This artist village is a community of artists who live and work together in the countryside outside the city of Haifa in Ein Hod. It was founded in the 50’s by a group of artists and today you can find people creating art in every creative medium, from visual arts like painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and more, to theater and literature
The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art
Louis Promenade
Looking for a good walking trail, a new circuit for your routine morning run , or just want to bask in the beautiful views of the city and Israel? Well, the Louis Promenade on Mount Carmel has you covered! The promenade is conveniently located just minutes away from numerous museums, shops and hotels. This pleasantly peaceful promenade etched onto the slope of Haifa’s mountain is perfect for walks, jogs, runs and basking in the warm Mediterranean sun
German Colony
Haifa’s German Colony is probably the cultural and tourism center of this beautiful city. Located just beneath the Bahai Gardens, the German Colony has been beautifully restored in recent years…today the main road in the German Colony is lined with distinct red-roofed cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Tourists and locals alike flock to the German Colony for relaxation, culinary experiences and even the nightlife
Madatech Science & Technology Museum
The Madatech National Science, Technology and Space Museum is one of the largest museums in Israel – crammed with hands-on activities and seasonal exhibits. In a building parallel to the main exhibition building, across the Noble Energy Science Park, is the Sports Science Exhibition. Inside, visitors can try their hand on a variety of sport-related activities such as rowing, karate, balancing and basketball
Food
Haifa is home to some of the best restaurants in Israel, most of which are considered hidden gems in the country.
Israel's bakery capital
Rola Levantine Kitchen
Rola continues to surprise with its authentic Arab cuisine, a juxtaposition of spices and flavors that compliment each other, and the hummus, bound to please the most experienced of gastronomes. The richness of flavors here will woo you while the attention to detail and creativity in every bite make this place a favorite among locals and visitors alike Chang Ba
I know what you are thinking…Thai food, in Israel, seriously? But we are serious, Chang Ba is a cozy Thai street food restaurant founded by two Israelis who know a thing or two about this Asian cuisine. Here you’ll find authentic Thai street food, packed with fresh seasonal ingredients, at a reasonable priceEataliano
HaZkenim Falafel
This place has some of the best falafel in Haifa! Don’t expect any flare or frills, this eatery is only about falafel and brings you back to basics – falafel, maybe hummus and/or tahina in a pita – you’ll have to add the rest from the salad toppings bar. But who doesn’t love a little DIY? Beaches
Hof HaCarmel is the coastal area on Haifa’s western side known for its beaches
Hof HaCarmel
In the summer, the Dado and Zamir Beaches are full of sunbathers, swimmers and more all taking it easy in the Mediterranean sun. Fishing from the rock outcroppings, water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and extreme water sports like para-sailing can all be done off the coast. The beaches are also always dotted with joggers and sightseers as well as elderly men playing dominoes and backgammon. With copious amounts of cafés and restaurants along the beach strip, you’ll want to spend all day at the boardwalk Night Life
Haifa has a great night life scene, in downtown Haifa and at the Carmel Centre. There are many bars and clubs, with great prices (definitely not Tel Aviv prices).
Fattoush Bar & Gallery
The new Fattoush complex in the port offers food, a bar, music, live performances and an art gallery. The massive space is two floors and offers an eclectic patio – ushering in completely new blood to the Port. You can see the investment and attention paid to the design, down to the smallest detail.Haifa Cinematheque
The Cinematheque works on education and exposure of the art of cinema. It screens 40 different films a month—offering classics, restored films, retrospectives, and current films. It often features Israeli Cinema, features, documentaries, and student films. Not to mention, the annual Haifa International Film Festival on the beach.Zappa Haifa
Featuring a diverse catalogue of musical styles, a kitchen serving a tasty menu and drinks to match – shows here fit every bill. With an intimate setting, no matter where you’re standing or sitting, the audience has a stellar view of the stage. Arrive before the show starts to dine, and expect a full house of energetic vibes.Testimonials
Hear what our past participants had to say about their experience!
Max S.
“After birthright I immediately started my Business and Innovation theme based Onward program in Haifa, Israel. I am interning for the GMCE Haifa Hub, which is in innovation consulting company for start-ups. I am organizing a third age technology competition focused on anti-aging and loneliness prevention. In my off-time I explore Haifa. My highlights have been the Bahai Gardens, Dado beach, and the German Colony. I live in the Hadar area which is on the port side of the city and is extremely diverse. Over the weekends I have made frequent trips to Tel Aviv, but have also explored hiking in the north, Jerusalem, and Eilat.”Sarah R.
“Haifa is a beautiful, unique city. I love that when I walk down the street I might hear people speaking Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, or Tigrigna. I love that in one weekend I can watch a Jewish couple break glass under a chuppah and see the fireworks and neighborhood decorations of an Arab wedding. I love that such a geographically small place houses such incredible diversity. And wow do I love that there is public transportation on Shabbat. While all of these things contribute to what makes Haifa, Haifa, they shouldn’t be used as a justification for the city to be stagnant. The beautiful things and the hard things both need to be acknowledged. We must acknowledge the inequity and celebrate the diversity. That is how Haifa will become a city that is not only mixed in name, but mixed in practice.”Maddie S.
“While I originally was planning to be in Tel Aviv last summer, I ended up living in Haifa as a participant in the Yahel Social Justice Onward program and I can honestly say it shaped my summer in countless transformative ways. I understand that most Onward participants enter the program hoping to be in Tel Aviv, and why not? It’s a vibrant, dynamic, full-of-life city with something new to do on every corner. What most people overlook, however, is the vast amount of culture, diversity and unique experiences that Haifa has to offer. Over the course of the 8 weeks I spent there, I came to love Haifa almost as much as my own hometown. I spent my weekends exploring, learning the public transportation system to travel everywhere from Nesher Park at the top of the mountain to Tel Shikmona, a beautiful tiny beach that became “my place.” Being selected as a neighborhood ambassador is my chance to share my passion for Haifa with others who might not immediately appreciate everything “the sleepy city” has to offer.”Rachel B.
“Spending the summer in Haifa was absolutely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The city is so vibrant and diverse, relaxed and easy going. The downtown area where we lived, along with the surrounding mountains and beaches very quickly became my home.”