Medical Challenges: Securing Aliyah Despite Health Concerns
Case Study: David Cohen, Age 52, Canada
Background
David Cohen grew up in a Modern Orthodox Jewish family in Montreal. He maintained strong ties to his Jewish identity throughout his life, regularly attending synagogue, observing Jewish holidays, and participating actively in his Jewish community. After a successful career as an accountant and with both children now adults, David began seriously considering making aliyah to fulfill his lifelong dream of living in Israel.
However, at age 48, David was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. While his case was relatively stable with appropriate medication, he required regular neurological care, expensive medications, and faced the possibility of increased disability over time. His condition was well-managed in Canada, but created uncertainty about his eligibility for aliyah and access to healthcare in Israel.
Despite these challenges, David remained determined to make aliyah. He had sufficient savings to support himself initially, planned to work part-time in his field, and had researched Israeli healthcare options. Yet he worried that his medical condition might lead to rejection of his application.
The Challenge
David's application for aliyah faced several significant obstacles:
Concerns about whether his chronic condition would overburden the Israeli healthcare system
Questions about his long-term ability to work and support himself as his condition progressed
The high cost of his specialized medications raised financial sustainability concerns
Uncertainty about whether the required treatments were readily available in Israel
His age combined with his health condition complicated employment prospects
He had no immediate family in Israel who could provide support if his condition worsened
The potential need for specialized housing accommodations as his mobility potentially declined
Precedent Case: The Medical Inclusion Directive (2018)
David's situation closely resembled the landmark "Medical Inclusion Directive" established in 2018, following the case of Sarah Rosenthal, a Jewish woman from Argentina with a similar chronic condition who sought to make aliyah. The directive established clear guidelines for evaluating aliyah applications from individuals with chronic health conditions.
The directive stated: "The right of return belongs to all Jews regardless of health status. When evaluating applications from individuals with chronic medical conditions, the Ministry shall consider: 1) The applicant's ability to manage their condition, 2) The availability of required treatments within the Israeli healthcare system, 3) The applicant's eligibility for healthcare coverage under the National Health Insurance Law, 4) Evidence of financial planning for medical needs, and 5) The existence of a realistic care plan considering potential progression. The presence of a chronic condition alone does not constitute grounds for denial when the applicant has demonstrated thorough preparation for managing their health needs within Israel's healthcare framework."
Resolution Process
Guided by an aliyah advisor specialized in complex medical cases, David prepared a comprehensive application that included:
Medical Documentation and Management Plan:
Detailed medical records documenting his diagnosis, treatment history, and current stability
Letters from his neurologist describing his condition as well-managed with good prognosis
A comprehensive treatment plan developed in consultation with Israeli MS specialists
Documentation of his consistent medication adherence and proactive health management
Evidence of his knowledge about his condition and self-management strategies
Healthcare Integration Strategy:
Research on Israeli healthcare providers specializing in MS
Confirmation that his required medications were available in Israel
Documentation of his eligibility for immediate healthcare coverage as a new immigrant
Letters from Israeli neurologists willing to accept him as a patient
Identification of MS support services and resources in his intended community
Financial Planning:
Evidence of sufficient savings to cover medical expenses during transition
Documentation of potential pension and disability benefits transferable to Israel
A detailed budget including healthcare costs not covered by Israeli health insurance
Proof of supplementary health insurance options he planned to purchase
Assessment of pharmaceutical subsidies he would qualify for in Israel
Occupational and Housing Strategy:
Plan for part-time employment in his field that accommodated his health needs
Research on accessibility requirements for housing in his chosen location
Connections with occupational support services for individuals with disabilities
Letters from potential employers indicating willingness to provide accommodations
Documentation of his current ability to work productively despite his condition
Outcome
After a thorough six-month review process including consultations with medical experts, the Ministry of Interior approved David's aliyah application, explicitly citing the Medical Inclusion Directive. The approval stated:
"In accordance with established guidelines regarding applicants with chronic health conditions, we have determined that the applicant meets all criteria for approval. He has demonstrated exemplary preparation for managing his medical condition within the Israeli healthcare system, has confirmed access to necessary treatments, has established eligibility for healthcare coverage, and has developed a comprehensive financial and care plan addressing both current and potential future needs. His condition is currently stable and well-managed, and he has shown remarkable resourcefulness in preparing for this transition. The presence of multiple sclerosis does not constitute grounds for denial under the Law of Return when such thorough preparation has been demonstrated."
David successfully made aliyah in 2023 and settled in Ra'anana, which offered both good medical facilities and an English-speaking community. He seamlessly transferred his medical care to Israeli specialists, enrolled in the national healthcare system, and secured the supplementary insurance he needed. He works part-time as a consultant for international accounting firms and has connected with the local MS support community. While he occasionally faces challenges related to his condition, he reports that the Israeli healthcare system has provided excellent care, and he has found both purpose and belonging in his new home.
Key Principles Established
This case reinforced several important principles regarding aliyah approval for individuals with chronic health conditions:
Chronic medical conditions alone are not disqualifying factors for aliyah
Thorough preparation for healthcare transition is essential for successful applications
The Israeli healthcare system's capacity to treat the condition is a key consideration
Financial planning for ongoing medical needs strengthens the application
Demonstrating knowledge and proactive management of one's condition is important
Integration with existing support services shows realistic planning
The Law of Return is interpreted inclusively regarding health status when proper preparation is evident
Age-appropriate work plans that accommodate health limitations address sustainability concerns
David's case is now referenced by Jewish Agency representatives counseling aliyah applicants with chronic health conditions, demonstrating that with proper preparation and planning, health challenges need not prevent fulfilling the dream of building a life in Israel.