By admin 
In a recent conversation at the Jerusalem Post conference “Coming Home: Aliyah in Times of War,” Oren Cohen, the founder of Oren Cohen Real Estate Groupshared his journey of building a life and finding a home in Jerusalem. His passion for the city’s history and his dedication to helping people establish their roots in Israel were evident during the interview.
Introducing his blog “Once Upon a Time in Jerusalem,” which he started two and a half years ago, Cohen told host Tamar Uriel Be’eri: “Every Friday I take a piece of the city. An old house, a street, mainly related to real estate, and share its history and evolution.” For Cohen, the stones of Jerusalem tell a story of generations, reflecting 3,500 years of history. “Every building that people pass by knows a series of changes – sometimes a century or more of transformation,” he said.
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With more than 30 years of experience in Jerusalem’s real estate market, Cohen sees his work as more than just business. “First and foremost, we consider it a great privilege to be able to work in Jerusalem,” he said. “It’s a big mission to bring people back to the only Jewish country in the world.” Seeing the happiness of new homeowners, especially those who make Aliyah, gives him a sense of purpose. “People pray three times a day – not to Miami, not to New York, but to Jerusalem,” he noted.
Cohen highlighted the essential steps for those looking to purchase a product at home in Israelemphasizing the importance of working with trusted professionals. “The key is people,” he emphasized. “It’s all about finding the right people who can guide you through the process, from understanding the market and taxes to navigating contracts and finances.” His firm offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach, guiding clients through every stage, from initial market education to connecting them with trusted professionals such as lawyers, architects and interior designers.
His agency’s expertise focuses on foreign buyers, especially those moving to neighborhoods with vibrant communities such as Rechavia, Bakka and the German Colony. “Our specialty is foreign buyers,” he explains. “We know exactly which community fits the needs of each customer, whether they are young families or retirees.”
He delved deeper into the cultural and logistical challenges of new residents and how his team ensures clients feel supported during the transition. “Israel is not easy,” Cohen admitted. “When people arrive, we surround them with the best options to make the journey smooth.”
In the context of increasing anti-Semitism Globally, Cohen noted that more people now view Israel as a place of refuge. “People realize how important it is to raise their children in a place where they can walk proudly as Jews,” he said, adding that while he would like to see Aliyah come from a passion for Israel, security and identity are important drivers have become.
Cohen advised those who wanted to invest in Israeli real estate. “Buy cement in the Holy Land,” he advised with conviction. “Today’s price is next year’s bargain. It may sound like a cliché, but we have natural population growth and more and more people are moving here.” Reflecting on Israel’s dynamic growth and the promise it holds, Cohen emphasized the broader mission of his work: “It’s not just about ownership; it is about building a future for the Jewish people in their homeland.”