EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Important Numbers
Police: 100
Ambulance (Magen David Adom) 101
United Hatzalah 1221
Fire 102
24 Hour Poison Control Hotline: 04-777-1900
Electric Company*: 103
Municipality or Regional Council of that City: 106
*Customer Service at the Israel Electric Company is available 24/7. You must have your contract number available when calling.
Navigating Medical Emergencies
Knowing where to turn in the case of a medical emergency can be overwhelming. When going to your Kupat Cholim for the first time, it is advisable to inquire from the Kupah where and how to turn for help both during and outside of office hours. Turning to your Kupat Cholim first may give you the information necessary for you to have a more effective resolution of the medical emergency.
Kupot Cholim:
Clalit *2700 -> 4 for English
Leumit *507 -> 2 for English
Maccabi *3555 -> 4 for English
Meuhedet *3833 -> 3 for English
Urgent care centers:
TEREM is a network of urgent care centers found in several cities throughout Israel. You will need to present your Kupat Cholim membership card and there will be a fee. This will not be reimbursed by your Kupat Cholim (unless you have been sent with a Hafnaya – referral letter). There are some Kupat Cholim that have urgent care hours in their clinics. This is sometimes referred to as a Moked. Speak to your Kupat Cholim for more information. Services at an urgent care center can often save someone a trip to a busy ER. If the urgent care center cannot resolve the situation, they will send you to the ER with a Hafnaya. The referral is important as it will provide the hospital with background medical information dictating the need to go to the ER and generally cover the treatment.
Ambulance Service:
If you are not admitted to the hospital, you will be charged for the service of taking an ambulance. 24-hr observation in an ER is typically not considered admittance. You will be billed to the address listed in your Teudat Zehut. If you are admitted, make sure to present the ambulance bill to your Kupat Cholim together with your discharge papers to ensure reimbursement for services.
Do not hesitate to contact your post Aliyah advisor directly for guidance and support.
Going to the Emergency Room:
If you need to make an emergency visit to the ER without a previous visit to a doctor or urgent care center, you will only need to present your Teudat Zehut (or at least know the number) to open a file. You will not need to present your Kupat Cholim card although you will need to provide the receptionist with the name of your Kupat Cholim and family doctor (if you have one). As in any country, be prepared to wait.
When going to the ER, if you are not consequently admitted to the hospital, or if you don’t have a doctor’s referral or a referral from your Kupat Cholim call line, you may be charged a fee for the emergency room visit.
An exemption from charges in the emergency ward is granted automatically for a number of specific health crises, including: work injury, road accident, school accident, fracture, foreign object in eye, joint dislocation, stitches. For full details, see here.
National Emergency
It is important to be prepared for all eventualities, to have a plan in place and to know how to protect yourself and your family in the event of a national emergency. Pikud Ha’Oref (The Home Front Command) is responsible for direction and guidance in times of a national emergency such as rocket/missile attacks and earthquakes. The Pikud Ha’Oref Website provides up-to-date information and important guidelines to be followed in times of national emergencies. A pamphlet in English on emergency preparedness can be found here.
During times of national emergency, the Nefesh B’Nefesh Post Aliyah Department remains your number one resource for any questions or concerns you may have: [email protected] 072-336-9232
Where to Turn:
Gas Masks: At this time, there are no gas masks available for distribution. Should the need arise, the Home Front Command will open distribution centers throughout the country.
Missile Fire Alerts: Different types of missiles can have different ranges. The Home Front Command will provide instructions specific to each region in the country. A siren will be sounded warning citizens to seek shelter. The siren alert will also be heard on radio and television. One should seek immediate shelter. For expanded information and guidance see here
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Additional Resources
Nefesh B’Nefesh Post Aliyah Department:
The Post Aliyah Department is here for you every step of the way. We offer one-on-one meetings, translation services for bills and paperwork received, events, workshops, and Skype tutoring for children. See page 15 for contact information for other Nefesh B’Nefesh departments and for our office locations throughout the country. Contact us at [email protected].
Municipal Coordinators:
Municipal Coordinators can be found in cities with large concentrations of Anglo Olim. Speak to your Nefesh B’Nefesh Post-Aliyah advisor for more information.
The Shira Pransky Project:
Provides guidance and answers inquires about navigating the healthcare system.
Yad Sarah:
Best known for their medical lending services and offer a wide range of other services in 100 locations throughout the country
Emotional Assistance During Times of National Crisis:
Israel Center for Psychotrauma
Natal Trauma Center
Talking to Your Kids About Terror
SHIL (Sheirut Ye’utz L’Ezrach):
A citizen’s advice bureau found in most cities throughout Israel offering a wide range of free services.
Revacha (Social Services):
Found in every municipal region, all Revacha offices have reception hours. No appointment is necessary.
National Hotlines for Men and Women in Cases of Rape or Sexual Harassment:
Women – 1202 from any phone | Men – 1203 from any phone
