The dream of spending one’s golden years in the Jewish homeland has become an increasingly popular reality for seniors worldwide. 563 olim ages 60 to 90 moved to Israel in 2017 from these countries, an increase of nearly 15 percent from 2014. The average age among this group was 69. Making Aliyah to retire represents not just a geographical move, but a profound spiritual and cultural journey back to the roots of Jewish heritage.
“Israel will never say no to any Jewish person who wants to make aliya, certainly not to older Jews. The reason the country exists is to be a home for Jewish people”, explains Tanya Ofek, an aliya consultant at the Israel Centre. For retirees considering this momentous decision, Israel offers a unique blend of modern amenities, excellent healthcare, rich cultural experiences, and comprehensive support systems designed specifically for senior immigrants.
Understanding Aliyah for Retirees
The Reality of Senior Aliyah
“Retirees go through two changes, both of which require adjustment and involve lots of gains and losses,” says Batya Ludman, a psychologist who counsels many older olim in her practice in Ra’anana, northeast of Tel Aviv. “They must adjust to a new stage in life, and also reinvent themselves in a new language and a new culture”.
Making Aliyah as a retiree involves unique considerations that differ significantly from those of younger immigrants. While the basic eligibility requirements under the Law of Return remain the same, the practical implications of relocating in one’s later years require careful planning and realistic expectations about the adjustment process.
Motivations for Retirement Aliyah
“Many of these individuals make aliyah to be closer to family, for the incredible Israeli health care system, the warm spirit of the country and, of course, the awesome weather,” says Marc Rosenberg, director of pre-aliyah at Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Common reasons for retirement Aliyah include:
- Joining adult children and grandchildren who have already made Aliyah
- Accessing Israel’s world-class healthcare system
- Fulfilling a lifelong spiritual and cultural dream
- Escaping political instability or rising antisemitism
- Seeking a vibrant, Jewish-centric community life
- Enjoying Israel’s favorable climate and lifestyle
Financial Benefits and Support Systems
The Absorption Basket (Sal Klita) for Retirees
The retirement support you’ve always envisioned in Israel begins the moment you arrive. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides a financial safety net through an Absorption Basket (Sal Klita). This may include assistance with living expenses and help with housing costs. Tailored specifically for those who qualify under Israel’s retirement age, this initiative ensures that your transition into Israel’s society as a retiree is as smooth as possible.
Specific Benefits for Retirees:
At the airport, retired elderly citizens or those in activity receive 1 250 shekels (R5 937) in cash if they are single, or 2 500 shekels (R11 874) if they are a couple. After they open an account in a bank, they receive 1 443 shekels (R6 853) if they are single or just more than 3 600 shekels (R17 098) if they’re a couple. They then receive six payments, one each month.
Housing Assistance for Senior Olim
Rental Subsidies
New Olim are entitled to a monthly rent subsidy of 400 NIS (approximately $103). Additionally, the government has increased its financial support for elderly Olim living alone, with the amount adjusted based on their age and family situation. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration administers the rental assistance program available to all immigrants regardless of their income. Eligibility for this support kicks in from the 8th month after arrival in Israel.
Housing Options for Retirees
A variety of housing options for retirees exist. Not wishing to spend much time and money on maintenance and upkeep of a new home, some retirees find it more convenient to rent an apartment. Rental subsidies are available for most olim for the first five years after aliyah.
Purchase Benefits
For those wishing to buy, regular immigrant mortgages are available to men under age 65 and women under age 60 at the time of their aliyah. Older olim may receive reduced mortgages. As long as one member of a couple is under retirement age, the couple is eligible for a regular mortgage available through the mortgage banks.
Healthcare: A Major Draw for Retirees
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage
The Israeli healthcare system accepts every applicant, and does not discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions. This represents a significant advantage for retirees who may have developed health conditions that would make obtaining private insurance in other countries difficult or expensive.
Health Insurance for New Olim
New olim are exempt from paying health insurance premiums for the first six months following aliyah. As was the procedure in the past, olim will receive a voucher at the airport, to be used for registering in the health fund of their choice.
Ongoing Healthcare Costs
Please note that an individual who receives a senior citizen’s pension without an additional income supplement will be charged NIS 223 for health insurance. In cases where a man receives a senior citizen’s pension that includes an extra amount for his wife, or when both spouses each receive their own old-age pensions, the health insurance fee deducted from the man’s pension will be NIS 321.
Long-Term Care Benefits
After making Aliyah, adapting to a whole new healthcare system might seem a bit challenging, especially for those in need of long-term care. Thankfully, Israel is committed to supporting its elderly and those with health challenges by offering long-term care benefits. This benefit is designed for retirees who require assistance with daily activities or need supervision for personal and public safety.
Important Healthcare Considerations
Note: For individuals over the age of 65, if you make Aliyah through NBN’s Guided Aliyah program, you will not have Israeli medical insurance during the time between your arrival in Israel and receiving approval for your Aliyah. Private insurance companies in Israel generally do not accept individuals over the age of 65 or people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Pension and Income Considerations
Israeli Government Pensions
Special Old-Age Benefit
Olim who arrive over the age of 60 are generally not entitled to the standard Israeli government pension. However, Israel provides alternatives:
Israel further ensures the well-being of its retired Olim through the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). This system offers a special old-age benefit for those who might not be eligible to receive the standard old-age pension, ensuring that all retirees have access to financial support. This benefit, funded by the Ministry of Finance, is designed for new Olim who made Aliyah after reaching the required retirement age (67 for men and the retirement age for women) without qualifying for old-age insurance.
Current Pension Rates
As of January 1, 2025, the rates are as follows: The basic pension amount is 1,795 shekels for an individual. For a married couple, the amount of assistance is formed according to the following scheme: an allowance for one spouse and a supplement for the second spouse in the amount of NIS 902.
Eligibility Criteria
For those under 70, eligibility depends on whether their work income falls below a certain threshold, which varies based on family composition. As of January 2024, the threshold is set at NIS 9,208 for singles and NIS 12,277 for couples.
Maintaining Foreign Pensions
US Social Security
If you are making Aliyah from the U.S. and are eligible for Social Security payments, you can usually continue to receive your payments in Israel. However, if you are between the ages of 62 and your full retirement age (65, 66, etc., depending on the year that you were born), and you are receiving social security payments while living in Israel, you are not entitled to work more than 45 hours a month.
UK Pensions
If you are making Aliyah from the U.K., State pensions can be paid directly to you in Israel in shekels. This is probably the most convenient way of receiving your pension. The money will be changed using a banking rate rather than a tourist rate. Additionally, if you move to non-contested geographical locations (such as Tel Aviv), you will be entitled to yearly inflation increases.
Canadian Pensions
If you are making aliyah from Canada, it is important to speak directly with an accountant and determine the best way to ensure that you continue to receive your pension after making aliyah.
Tax Advantages for Retirees
The Israeli government is taking many steps to improve the comfort of living for pensioners in the country. For example, individuals aged 60 and over may be eligible for a ten-year tax exemption on foreign income. Additionally, foreign pension income is often tax-exempt, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to maximize their retirement savings.
Property Tax Benefits
The municipal property tax (Arnona), levied by the local municipality or council where your residence is situated, is calculated based on the property’s size, location, and whether or not it’s residential or commercial. The property renter is responsible for paying this tax, which funds essential local services like street cleaning, garbage collection, and park maintenance.
Transportation and Mobility Benefits
Navigating through Israel becomes significantly easier and more affordable, especially for seniors. Israel offers remarkable travel discounts for its elderly population to ensure mobility and independence. Individuals aged 75 and above are entitled to free travel on all public transportation modes, a gesture that underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its senior citizens. Additionally, senior citizens, defined as women over 62 and men over 67, benefit from a 50% discount on fares once they obtain their senior citizen ID.
Educational and Cultural Opportunities
Hebrew Language Learning (Ulpan)
Retiree ulpan studies are subsidised by the aliya ministry for 10 months, three times a week, five hours a day. This intensive Hebrew instruction is crucial for successful integration and enables retirees to engage more fully with Israeli society.
The Importance of Hebrew
“Knowledge of Hebrew makes a huge difference in your aliyah experience,” he asserted. “Lack of Hebrew means that there are many places where you cannot live, for purely practical reasons. Housing [in English-speaking enclaves] is two to three times more expensive than in the periphery, and lack of Hebrew cuts you off from a large portion of the Israeli population”.
Continuing Education and Cultural Activities
Whether you are thinking about furthering your academic career or continuing a centuries-old tradition and returning to yeshiva, there is a wide range of educational opportunities in Israel for retirees. Many institutes offer programs for personal enrichment on subjects such as art, music and history designed specifically for the retirement community.
Senior Citizen Benefits
Retirees are eligible for a Senior Citizens Certificate (received by men over the age of 66 and 4 months and women over the age of 61 and 4 months). With this certificate comes a variety of discounts and benefits on public transportation, parks, concerts and plays and other services.
Social Integration and Community
Established Communities
According to Kramer of Nefesh B’Nefesh, 68 percent of families who have made aliyah over the past several years identify as Orthodox, and like the Weisses, many late-in-life olim have Orthodox children already living in Israel.
Community Organizations
The OU Israel Center in Jerusalem is a hub of activity offering a range of events. In addition, if you made Aliyah from the U.S. or Canada, the AACI’s Seniors Division has branches in every major city in Israel and offers special interest groups of all sorts: choral groups, handicrafts, drama clubs, folk dancing, exercises, Yiddish speakers, etc.
Volunteering Opportunities
“English speakers are a force in volunteerism in Israel,” says Josie Arbel, director of absorption services for the Association for Americans and Canadians in Israel. AACI enlists volunteers to greet new olim at the airport, staff English-language libraries, chair committees, and more.
Volunteer Organizations Include:
- Skilled Volunteers for Israel - facilitates opportunities with nonprofits for mature adults
- ESRA - puts English-speaking immigrants to work in community projects
- First Hug - seeks volunteers to help care for abandoned babies
- Israel Museum and Yad Vashem - seek docents
- Lone Soldier Center - prepares care packages and provides support
Practical Considerations
Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Tel Aviv is 34.5% less than it is in New York City. A family of four will have estimated monthly costs of $4,179.60, while a single person will have estimated monthly costs of $1,180. The monthly cost of a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from about $1,137 to $1,577.
Financial Reality Check
WILL I BE ABLE TO LIVE ON MY MONTHLY PENSION PAYMENTS FROM OVERSEAS? Possibly. However, most olim find it necessary to have financial resources beyond pension payments in order to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Retirees living entirely on a fixed income may find that their spending power diminishes over time as the Cost of Living Index in Israel continues to rise.
Geographic Considerations
Popular Retirement Locations
Different areas of Israel offer various advantages for retirees:
- Jerusalem: Rich in religious and cultural significance, with extensive English-speaking communities
- Tel Aviv and surrounding areas: Modern amenities, cultural activities, but higher cost of living
- Ra’anana and Modi’in: Suburban communities popular with Anglo immigrants
- Haifa and the North: Beautiful scenery, lower cost of living than central Israel
- Smaller communities: More affordable housing but may require better Hebrew skills
Preparation and Planning
Trial Periods
CAN I SPEND SOME TIME GETTING TO KNOW ISRAEL WITHOUT ACTUALLY MOVING THERE? There are several options available to you. Many major Jewish organizations sponsor a three month Active Retirees Program in Israel. This program offers a “living experience” in Israel, usually during the winter months. Participants work at various volunteer jobs during the mornings and study Hebrew in the afternoons.
Financial Planning
Olim may keep abroad foreign currency, whose source is from abroad, for thirty years from their date of arrival. They may also hold foreign currency accounts in Israel for twenty years. Check with an aliyah shaliach or the foreign currency department of any of Israel’s main banks for details.
Challenges and Realistic Expectations
Psychological Adjustment
“Making aliya is a major life transition, especially at this age,” says Telfed social worker Ariela Siegel. The challenges include:
- Learning a new language and culture
- Adapting to Israeli bureaucracy
- Adjusting to different social norms and communication styles
- Potential isolation from family and friends abroad
- Navigating healthcare and social systems
Practical Challenges
Language Barriers
While many Israelis speak English, daily life often requires Hebrew proficiency for:
- Medical appointments and healthcare navigation
- Banking and financial services
- Government bureaucracy
- Housing arrangements
- Emergency situations
Cultural Adaptation
Indeed, when it comes to dealing with aggressive Israeli driving habits, many American-born retirees stick to public transportation; only the brave drive cars. Israeli culture’s directness and informality can require significant adjustment for those from more reserved cultural backgrounds.
Success Stories and Inspiration
Real Retiree Experiences
The article shares inspiring stories of successful retirement Aliyah:
Carl Jacobs of Jerusalem retired a few times. He made aliyah with his wife, Anita, in 2011, after his initial retirement. Since arriving in Israel, he has combined working part time with “a lot of volunteering [at] food banks; Encore Theater set/prop building; Sar-El; and various archaeological digs around the country”.
Another example: When Yochanan Zaqantov made aliyah in 2018, he had every intention of continuing to work for a few more years but found that “the job market here was too difficult with my lack of Hebrew skills.” Today, he fills his days writing and self-publishing poetry.
Professional Support and Resources
Organizations Providing Assistance
Nefesh B’Nefesh: Provides comprehensive support for North American and UK immigrants, including special programs for retirees
Jewish Agency for Israel: Official government partner for Aliyah processing and support
AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel): Extensive programs for English-speaking retirees
Local Anglo Communities: Established networks in major cities providing social and practical support
Financial and Legal Guidance
Given the complexity of international pension transfers, tax implications, and healthcare transitions, professional guidance is essential. Many financial advisory firms specialize in Aliyah transitions and can help optimize the financial aspects of retirement in Israel.
The Broader Context: Global Trends
Increasing Numbers
The trend toward retirement Aliyah is part of a broader global pattern of increased Jewish immigration to Israel. Current global events, including rising antisemitism, economic uncertainties, and political instability, have contributed to increased interest in Aliyah across all age groups.
Israel’s Preparation
Jewish Agency chairman Gen. Doron Almog has forecasted a potential wave of immigration of up to one million Jews in coming years, largely driven home by the rising global antisemitism. The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors has set a target of bringing 300,000 olim in the next five years.
Israel’s infrastructure and support systems continue to evolve to accommodate increasing numbers of olim, including specialized programs for retirees.
Making the Decision: Key Considerations
Questions to Ask Yourself
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Health and Healthcare: Can you navigate a new healthcare system? Do you have chronic conditions requiring specialized care?
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Financial Security: Can you maintain your desired lifestyle on available pensions and benefits? Do you have emergency funds?
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Family Connections: Are you moving to be near family, or will you be building new social networks?
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Language and Culture: Are you prepared to learn Hebrew and adapt to Israeli culture?
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Housing: Do you prefer urban or suburban environments? How important is proximity to English-speaking communities?
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Long-term Care: Have you considered your needs as you age further?
Professional Consultation
Before making this major life decision, consider consulting with:
- Aliyah counselors from recognized organizations
- Financial advisors specializing in international transitions
- Healthcare professionals familiar with Israeli medical systems
- Current retiree olim who can share their experiences
- Legal professionals for estate planning and documentation needs
Conclusion
Making Aliyah to retire represents one of life’s most significant decisions—combining the natural transition into retirement with the profound step of returning to the Jewish homeland. While the challenges are real and substantial, the rewards can be extraordinary for those who approach the process with realistic expectations, thorough preparation, and flexibility.
Schmidt, who has a caregiver, is the perfect example that it’s never too late to make aliyah. “I’m just sorry” she says, “that we didn’t do it earlier”.
The comprehensive support systems Israel has developed for senior olim—from financial assistance to healthcare coverage, from language instruction to community integration programs—demonstrate the country’s commitment to welcoming its elderly diaspora home. The combination of modern amenities, excellent healthcare, rich cultural life, and the fulfillment of living in the Jewish homeland creates a unique retirement opportunity.
However, success requires careful planning, realistic financial preparation, openness to cultural adaptation, and often, the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone in the later years of life. For those who take this leap of faith, retirement in Israel offers the possibility of spending their golden years not just living, but truly thriving in the land of their ancestors.
The decision to make retirement Aliyah should not be taken lightly, but for those who feel called to this path, Israel stands ready to welcome them home with open arms and comprehensive support systems designed to help them build a meaningful and secure retirement in the Jewish homeland.
As more retirees make this journey, they contribute not only to their own fulfillment but to the ongoing story of the Jewish people’s return to their ancestral land—a story that continues to unfold with each new oleh who chooses to call Israel home in their golden years.
This guide provides general information and should not replace professional legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and it’s essential to consult with qualified professionals before making such a major life decision.