It’s time to put older adults at the center of the national agenda

As Israel approaches national elections, the Histadrut is placing the rights and well-being of older adults squarely at the forefront of its political and social agenda. Shmuelik Mizrahi, Chair of the Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union, warns that crucial issues have been overshadowed by the prolonged security crisis and stresses that this must change.

“We expect to see serious attention to the rights of retirees and the fight against poverty in party platforms, and even more so in their actions,” Mizrahi says. The union’s top priority for 2026 is the looming cancellation of long‑term care insurance through Israel’s health funds, a move that threatens to leave millions without coverage.

Fighting poverty and the soaring cost of living

Israel’s cost-of-living crisis continues to hit older adults particularly hard. National insurance benefits increased by only 43 shekels this year, 6 of which went directly to the health tax. But basic expenses such as medicine, electricity, municipal taxes, and food continue to rise.

Many elderly citizens face heartbreaking choices between medication, heating, and basic nutrition. The Histadrut is calling for a significant increase in old‑age pensions to restore dignity and security to retirees who have contributed to society throughout their lives.

A national crisis in long‑term care

Long‑term care insurance offered by the health funds will expire at the end of 2026, according to a government decision. Roughly five million Israelis who have been paying monthly premiums for years to be eligible for retirement support will be left without the coverage they deserve.

Mizrahi warns that without immediate government intervention, many will be left completely exposed. He calls for legislation establishing a universal, state‑run system: “It is time for a national long‑term care insurance law, ensuring that every person receives support when they need it, not dependent on income tests.”

The Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union is preparing a legislative proposal and has announced a major demonstration on 25 March, during which thousands of retirees will gather at the Histadrut headquarters to demand urgent government action pending Home Front Command directives.

Addressing loneliness and building a supportive infrastructure

Loneliness among older adults has been exacerbated by wartime restrictions and reduced mobility. It is a growing concern as Israel’s security situation has been unstable for the third year in a row. The Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union advocates establishing a dedicated Ministry for Older Adults to coordinate welfare, cultural, and community services across local authorities and civil society organisations.

With more than 1.25 million pensioners in Israel today and life expectancy continuing to rise, Mizrahi argues that a comprehensive, well‑funded national strategy is essential.

Combating ageism and promoting independence and better welfare

The Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union is also working to challenge ageism in the labour market and beyond. This includes fighting discriminatory mandatory retirement policies, expediting bureaucratic procedures such as medical approvals for driver’s licenses, and safeguarding the autonomy of older adults who remain fully capable and active.

The importance the Histadrut placed on the pensioner population, and the significant investment in the union, led to pensioners’ membership growing dramatically. From 45,000 to more than 100,000 in recent years, with an additional 50,000 older workers still active in the labour force.

They enjoy access to Histadrut purchasing and health clubs, community programming, sports activities, college courses, trips, and wellness initiatives. For the second year in a row, the annual sports festival saw 700 participants. It is expected to double in size next year.

The Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union is also advancing the expansion of the “Shelach LeGimla’i” welfare foundations to include retirees from the state and local government sectors, who were previously excluded from the social benefits offered by those foundations. The new agreement states that all those public sector retirees, regardless of their pension classification, will be eligible for social benefits from dedicated government foundations.

The fight for pensioners’ rights is not a side issue, but a central social and economic challenge. The Histadrut, via its Pensioners’ Union, operates to ensure that older adults receive the respect, protection, and opportunities they deserve. We remain fully committed to advancing stronger social protections and dignified ageing for workers at all stages of life, including after retirement.

This article is based on an article from the monthly newsletter of Histadrut’s Pensioners’ Union, published by Davar in Hebrew.