Tzvi Wilbur grew up as the son of religious Zionists whose parents always expected to move to Israel when they retired. Instead, they remain in the tri-state area. While the Wilburs have visited a senior communities in Boca Raton, Tzvi wondered, “Why aren’t there any religious retirement communities in Israel?” Unlike some who simply wonder, Tzvi took action.
The Long Island-born physician, who lived in Israel for a number of years and is moving back to the US, was determined to create a retirement community in Israel. Wilbur’s first choice for the location was Jerusalem. Then he discovered, “It wasn’t realistic because of the land issues,”
Instead, the retirement community will be Tiveria, in Northern Israel, on the shores of the Kinneret. Wilbur says of the city, “It’s a beautiful, picturesque city that has meaning and a warm climate.” The parcel of land on which the retirement community is being built is directly across from the water and includes beautiful views of the sea. The unique property is at the base of a mountain decked with hotels on top. It is also right next door to the Orthodox community in Tiveria.
Known as the Tiveria Orthodox Retirement Community, the development will have a Beit Midrash and a shul on the premises in addition to the standard amenities present in other retirement communities.
Right now, the developers are putting down the infrastructure. They are planning to build four buildings with 20 apartments in each. The apartments will be approximately 1000 square feet and will cost no more than $300,000. Wilbur estimates building construction will begin in four to five months. Should there be enough demand, there is growth potential because the project is part of a larger development—Mul Arbel—that includes 2000 units. He anticipates the units will be move-in ready by the end of 2016 or the beginning of 2017.
Wilbur has worked many hours building bridges to agencies and individuals he has worked with to ensure the project comes to fruition. They include the Jewish Agency, the Chevra Kalkalit Tiveria (Financial Department of Tiveria), and Tiveria mayor of Yossi Ben David. He hopes to stay involved and become a “community facilitator.”
“This is going to be a high quality, frum retirement community in Eretz Israel,” said Wilbur. He’s so confident about the project’s success, he already signed up his parents. Soon, they will be living out their dream of retiring in Israel.
To learn more about the community, visit http://tiveriaorc.wix.com/tiveriaorc
By Larry Bernstein
