Process is a word commonly heard during both pre and post Aliyah. Navigating the world of special needs in a new country is a process that can be overwhelming. It is hard not to compare systems, the availability of services, and ease of access when immigrating from one country to another. Knowing where to turn and the necessary steps to take to ensure that your child receives the services he/she needs, prior to your Aliyah, will help you set expectations and most of all, give a sense of security upon your Aliyah.

In December 2022, a new joint initiative was established to assist Olim with Disabilities to receive recognition by the Ministry of Welfare (Revacha) prior to Aliyah.  This groundbreaking initiative was established, in cooperation with The Jewish Agency for Israel, Israel’s Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Revacha), the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Misrad Haklita), together with Nefesh B’Nefesh and Qualita Aliyah organizations to facilitate recognition from the appropriate welfare offices, prior to making Aliyah, in order to give Olim immediate access to services upon their move to Israel.

Eligibility is specific to conditions that require recognition by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Revacha) for participation in a residential or day program, recognized by the Revacha; potentially receiving approval prior to arrival.  This does not include individuals with mental health needs as that falls under the recognition of the Ministry of Health (Misrad Habriyut) and the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).  Any recognition and eligibility for services by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Revacha) are not related, in any way, to recognition and eligibility for services by the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).  For more information, please speak with your Jewish Agency Shaliach (representative). 

Placement for Children Ages 0-21

Regardless of your family’s religious orientation, your child’s needs will be managed in a Jewish education framework. For many, this value alone is a reason to explore Aliyah, where there is a family member with a learning difference.

Getting Started: What is a Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut ?

An updated evaluation from, within 12 months of your targeted Aliyah date, is necessary to begin the process to receive services and placement as necessary.  For those under the age of 21, this evaluation will be reviewed by the (local) Ministry of Education.  The need for translation and knowing exactly which paperwork is necessary for review for the Placement Committee Review, a Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut  is specific to the municipality and need.  For example, the paperwork necessary for a child on the autistic spectrum will be different from the paperwork necessary for a child with dyslexia.  Where applicable, a municipal coordinator can be very helpful in guiding what is necessary as well as when and where to turn for the Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut process.  For a list of municipal coordinators throughout the country see here.

Specialized preschools, resource rooms, a Kita Mikademet (class of typically 10 kids with various learning disabilities), or a special education environment due to cognitive impairment, all require a Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut.  In Israel, paperwork must be submitted between February and May of the previous school year in order to receive the requested services and a Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut.  For many reasons, including the understanding that parents wish to be present, many cities reserve specific summer dates for Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut to take place for new Olim.  Nonetheless, paperwork should be submitted between February – May.  When the decision to make Aliyah prior to the upcoming school year is after May, the paperwork should be submitted as soon as possible.

A family’s physical location, religious orientation, and personal requests will all be considered at the Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut.  If you are not able to attend your child’s Va’adat Ifyun V’Zakaut, you have the right to have a family advocate present as well as a translator.

The final stage is the process of placement.  The Placement Committee, Va’adat Shibbutz will notify you as to where your child will receive the services that have been requested.  They will inform you of a time frame in which this can be appealed, so please clarify this information with the Va’adat Shibbutz.

Navigating New Systems: Where to Turn?

Navigating a new system, in Hebrew, can be daunting.  There are private educational consultants for hire and municipal coordinators to guide and assist you.  As always, NBN is available to answer your questions at [email protected].

Disability and Other Government Services

Will your child be eligible for any monies from the National Insurance Institute, Bituach Leumi, or general services from any other government offices?  The website Kol Zchut is an excellent resource with many articles though at this time articles are only available in Hebrew. Applying for disability based on physical, cognitive, and/or emotional needs can only be done after making Aliyah.  Other helpful websites include NBN’S Special Education Resources for Disabilities and Adi B’kehila a resource giving guidance and information on rights, benefits, and programming in Israel.  Applying for general disability, when arriving over the age of 18, will be determined by one’s level of independence.

Placement for Adults 21+

Getting Started

An individual, over the age of 21, will have a different experience when it comes to the process of placement for any daytime, vocational or residential programming.  Prior to arrival, the Jewish Agency will request paperwork known as a Function Report.  The report will then be shared with the National Director of the Ministry of Welfare for review.  This review will provide awareness of an individual’s needs and potential eligibility for recognition and placement in programs recognized by the Ministry of Welfare in Israel.  Upon arrival, a file will be opened with the local Ministry of Welfare for continued services.

Guidance with an educational consultant can be especially helpful when it comes to the process and placement opportunities throughout the country for adults.  Programming is generally funded by the state.

Considering how an individual will manage, where they will live, and any potential solutions until programming is secured, is important to research and is crucial to pre and post Aliyah planning.

Olim are happy to discover that the programs and services offered in Israel often surpass what is offered in North America.  Gaining knowledge through research and planning is the key to understanding the system that awaits you.  Setting realistic goals and expectations will help minimize frustrations as you and your child settle into your new lives in Israel.

Not sure of your next step? Contact us at [email protected]

* Last updated on Jan 28, 2024 *