Making Aliyah as a family is an exciting new chapter, but when your child has additional educational, developmental, medical, or therapeutic needs, there are important considerations to address before you make the move.

Israel offers a wide range of services and support for children with special needs, but the systems, terminology, eligibility requirements, and processes may be very different from what you are used to. Our Special Needs Glossary can help you become familiar with many of the Hebrew terms you may encounter along the way. Starting your research early can help you better understand your options, choose a community that meets your family’s needs, and arrive in Israel better prepared for the transition.

You know your child best. As you plan your Aliyah, Nefesh B’Nefesh encourages you to ask questions, connect with professionals and other families, and begin exploring the services your child may need as early as possible.

Start with Current Evaluations

A current professional evaluation, rather than an IEP or similar educational document alone, is required in order to receive services within an educational framework in Israel.

The type of evaluation required will depend on your child’s individual needs, and many municipalities require evaluations to be translated into Hebrew.
Contact the Municipal Coordinator in your community of choice early in your pre-Aliyah planning. For a list of Municipal Coordinators see https://www.nbn.org.il/community-guide/municipal-klita-coordinators/. The coordinator can help you understand which evaluations and documentation may be required and, in many communities, can help guide you through the local process.

Your local Department of Education should also be made aware of your child’s educational needs as early as possible.

Understanding the Va’adat Iphiyun VeZakaut

Special education services are determined through a process known as a Va’adat Iphiyun VeZakaut, a Special Education Committee that reviews your child’s needs, evaluations, previous services, and the support they may require in Israel.
In many municipalities, this process cannot be completed until after Aliyah. Families may therefore want to consider arriving earlier in the summer to allow more time for services to be put into place before the school year begins on September 1.
The process can vary between municipalities, so there is no single approach that applies everywhere in Israel. Be sure to communicate your child’s educational needs early in the process with your Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor so you can receive guidance relevant to your situation.

Early Childhood and Preschool Services

Early intervention is an important part of Israel’s special needs system.
For young children with developmental or other significant needs, an appropriate daycare setting, known as a Maon, may be considered. The type of Maon will depend on the child’s individual needs.

From ages 3–6, special education preschool settings, known as Ganim, serve children with a broad range of needs, from speech and language delays to more complex developmental or physical needs.

If a child continues into a special education framework in elementary school, another Va’adat Iphiyun VeZakaut may take place before first grade to determine the appropriate services and educational setting.

Children with learning disabilities may also require a Va’adat Iphiyun VeZakaut to receive certain services, such as resource support or placement in a smaller classroom setting.

Research Your Community Before You Choose It

Where you live can have a significant impact on your child’s experience in Israel. Services, programs, availability, and access to English-speaking professionals can vary from one community to another.

As you research communities, consider:

• Will the community meet your child’s educational, therapeutic, social, and practical needs?
• Will the community also be a good fit for siblings and other family members?
• What services are available locally, and how long might it take to access them?
• Are English-speaking therapists or professionals available when language support is important?
• If your child may require classroom assistance, what is the process for receiving that support and who is eligible?
• What have other families with similar needs experienced in the community?

Speak with families who have already made Aliyah with children who have similar needs. Online communities, including groups focused on ASD and ADHD among English-speaking families in Israel, may also provide useful perspectives and connections.

Before Aliyah, speak with your child’s current professional team about the transition and ask which evaluations, documentation, recommendations, and supports may be helpful to prepare in advance. As part of your research, explore our Organizations That Provide Services for Disabilities for additional resources, services, and support available to individuals with disabilities and their families in Israel.

Rights, Benefits and Support Services

Bituach Leumi

The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) is responsible for disability and mobility benefits. Applications for these benefits can be submitted without a waiting period.

For children arriving with an ASD diagnosis, Bituach Leumi may require additional documentation from Israeli professionals before an application for disability benefits can be completed.

Once a child is recognized by Bituach Leumi, additional benefits may also become available to the family. For more information, see https://www.btl.gov.il/English%20Homepage/Benefits/Disabledchild/Pages/default.aspx.

Healthcare

Regardless of age or a pre-existing condition, Israeli residents are eligible to enroll in a health fund and access the levels of healthcare coverage offered by their chosen provider.

If your child takes regular medication, research its availability in Israel before Aliyah through the Israel Drug Registry.

Transportation

Transportation to an eligible special education program may be arranged and provided by the local municipality. Even when a child is eligible, arranging transportation can take time, so this should be addressed as early as possible.

Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs

A social worker may also be available through your local Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Revacha) office.

After Aliyah, Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Post-Aliyah Answers and Advocacy team can help you better understand which offices and services may be relevant to your child’s needs.
Click here for more information.

Start Planning Early

Making Aliyah with a child with special needs requires additional planning, but you do not need to figure out every part of the process at once.

Start early. Ask questions. Research potential communities. Speak with other families and professionals. Most importantly, keep your child’s individual needs and your family’s overall quality of life at the center of your planning.

The more you understand before you arrive, the better prepared you will be to navigate the systems, advocate for your child, and begin building your family’s life in Israel.

Last Updated: September 16, 2026