Deafness in Israel

Deafness in Israel encompasses a diverse range of experiences shaped by linguistic, cultural, and socio-political factors. As of 2021, approximately 44,700 individuals in Israel—0.48% of the population—live with hearing impairments, with disparities across ethnic and gender lines. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals often face social and economic challenges, including lower life satisfaction and reduced social connectivity. The Israeli Deaf community is linguistically diverse, with Israeli Sign Language (ISL) being the most widely used, alongside minority sign languages such as Al-Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language (ABSL) and Palestinian Sign Language (PSL). Legal frameworks, including the 1998 Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law and Israel’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), aim to promote accessibility and inclusion. However, barriers persist in education, healthcare, and employment, exacerbated by regional conflict and fragmented policy implementation. Ongoing advocacy seeks to advance Deaf rights, including the recognition of ISL as an official language and improved access to services.

Overview

As of 2021, there were 44.7 thousand people with hearing impairments in Israel, representing 0.48% of the population. The rate of hearing impairment among Jews and others was 0.44%, which is lower than the rate among Arabs, which was 0.62%. Additionally, the rate of hearing impairment was significantly higher in men (0.70%) compared to women (0.25%). Data from the 2021 Social Survey also showed that people with severe hearing difficulties reported lower life satisfaction, less contact with family members and friends, and more pessimism about their future.

The experiences of deaf individuals in Israel are shaped by a complex interplay of ethnic background, socio-political context, and the ongoing conflict in the region. Deaf people's experiences can differ significantly depending on whether they are Jewish, Arab, Pakistani, or from other minority groups, with each group facing its own set of challenges and barriers. These disparities are compounded by the impact of the ongoing conflict, which not only limits access to resources and services for individuals with disabilities but also affects the availability of accurate data. In times of war, information can be censored or become difficult to obtain, further complicating efforts to understand the full scope of issues affecting the deaf community. Recognizing these contextual factors and intersectionality is essential when examining the broader experience of deafness in Israel.

Despite these challenges, there are growing initiatives aimed at improving the lives of deaf individuals in Israel. Efforts by advocacy groups, governmental bodies, and organizations are working to address accessibility issues, promote inclusive education, and raise awareness about the unique needs of the deaf community.

Human and civil rights for DHH Individuals in Israel

Israel's State Party Report(s) From the UN CRPD

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) is an international treaty aimed at ensuring the human rights of persons with disabilities. It provides a comprehensive framework for advancing disability rights, which countries like Israel who ratified the CRPD in 2012, must report on periodically. Although the World Federation of the Deaf (WFDeaf) works alongside the UN CRPD, Israel is not a member of the WFDeaf.

According to Israel's initial report (2014) to the UN CRPD, emergency information is provided to the deaf and hard of hearing population in Israel free of charge through a pager. The report also mentions a smartphone application that provides real-time text messages, as well as a Home Front hotline accessible via text messaging which is still in use to date. Besides the Home Front hotline, in accordance with the Deaf Persons Relief Law, at least one news program a week on television is translated into sign language for accessibility.

The 2014 initial report also states that there are approximately 73 police stations in Israel that have assistive hearing devices, a list of sign language translators, and a nationwide publicized procedure for investigating people with disabilities that "outlines the methods of Police treatment during an investigation of a persons with disabilities, while maintaining the values of human equality and dignity throughout the process."

Citizenship Rights and Access to Benefits for DHH Individuals

In order to access the benefits, pensions, and accessibility services provided by the government of Israel, deaf and hard of hearing individuals must be citizens of the country. Citizenship in Israel is governed by both the Nationality Law (5712-1952) and the Law of Return (5710-1950). According to these laws, any individual born in or immigrated to Israel before the establishment of the state in 1948 is considered an Israeli citizen. Additionally, anyone born in Israel after its establishment who has at least one parent who is a citizen also gains Israeli citizenship. The Law of Return further grants citizenship to Jews and their descendants who choose to immigrate to Israel. However, individuals who do not have citizenship are those who did not reside in Israel after its establishment or those who chose not to become citizens.

While Israeli's citizenship laws are clear, the situation is more complex for residents of Palestinian territories, such as the Gaza strip. Individuals from these regions are not automatically eligible for Israeli citizenship or residency permits. As a result, deaf and hard of hearing individuals from Gaza and other Palestinian areas face significant barriers not only in accessing specialized accessibility services but also in receiving general healthcare. This lack of citizenship denies them the rights and benefits available to Israeli citizens.

Benefits and Pensions

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Hebrew: משרד הרווחה והביטחון החברתי) provides a communication allowance for adults with hearing loss, offering a fixed monthly payment directly to their bank accounts. To qualify, individuals must meet several criteria: they must have a hearing loss of at least 70 decibels in their better ear, the hearing loss must have occurred before age 3, they must be over 18, under pension age (62 for women, 67 for men) as of August 15, 2002, and they must be Israeli citizens. It is unspecified how much the fixed payments are.

According to the National Insurance Institute in Israel, or Bituach Leumi (Hebrew: ביטוח לאומי), parents of children with hearing loss from birth to age 18 years and three months are entitled to financial benefits, provided they meet the basic requirements. For children with partial hearing loss, the monthly benefit is NIS 1,880, while for children with full deafness, the benefit rises to NIS 3,694, including an additional pension. These benefits, paid retroactively for up to one year, offer important financial support, especially for lower-income families. However, while the amounts are helpful, they are generally comparable to half the average monthly salary of lower-income workers in Israel and may not fully cover the costs of living, particularly in high-expense areas like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Other Rights and Laws

The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law 1998 was enacted to address the discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Israel, including deaf individuals. Before the law's implementation, individuals with disabilities were often denied equality in social rights, inclusion, and autonomy. Deaf individuals specifically faced barriers to communication, access to information, and public participation. They were often viewed primarily as recipients of welfare services, rather than individuals with equal rights. The law aims to address these issues by combating discrimination, challenging stereotypes, eliminating paternalistic views. It promotes the inclusion of all people with disabilities, including the deaf community. This includes ensuring accessibility, such as the provision of sign language interpreters and visual aids in public spaces, media, and governmental services. While there are still challenges, the law has played a key role in changing societal attitudes toward people with disabilities, encouraging greater inclusion and respect for deaf individuals and others.

Shirley Pinto is the first hearing-impaired Member of Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and was sworn into office using Israeli Sign Language (ISL) on June 16, 2021, as the 13th Israeli Prime Minister. During her induction speech, she stated that she represents the 1.8 million Israeli citizens with disabilities and has been, and will continue to be, a long-standing advocate for the disabled community. She has been a leading advocate for pushing to make ISL a recognized official language in Israel.

Sign languages in Israel

Development and Access of Sign Languages in Israel

Throughout Israel's history, the use of sign language has been restricted in educational settings, which has diminished its relevance compared to spoken languages. The most widely used sign language in Israel is Israeli Sign Language (ISL) (Hebrew: שפת הסימנים הישראלית). In 1932, the "Jewish School for Deaf Mutes" was founded by German-Jewish educators, attracting many deaf and hard of hearing individuals immigrating to seek education. It was during this time that ISL emerged as a community-based sign language, influenced by German Sign Language (DSL) and the interactions among deaf students.

Israeli Sign Language (ISL) has approximately 10,000 users, representing about 0.1% of the population, according to Ethnologue. Its usage is dispersed across various regions of Israel. ISL is classified as Level 5 on the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS), indicating that it is a developing language. This means it is still evolving and gaining recognition, but it is not yet fully standardized. ISL also features a range of dialects, reflecting the regional and community-based variations in its usage.

Palestinian Sign Language (PSL) (Arabic: غة الإشارة العربية الشرقية), also known as Levantine Arabic Sign Language, or Jordanian Sign Language, is primarily spoken in Jordan and Palestine, including the Gaza strip, a region that remains under the control of Hamas amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions. According to Ethnologue, PSL is used by about 30,000 people, and although it is also a community-based sign language, it is classified with an EGIDS status of 5, indicating that it is still developing. PSL has its own distinct grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, separate from spoken Arabic, and is also deeply tied to Palestinian Deaf culture, offering a unique means of communication that reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the region. Although the language is not prevalent in Israel, it plays a significant role in Gaza, where it is used by the local Deaf community. It is important to note that Palestinian Sign Language is distinct from Israeli Sign Language. The development and promotion of PSL are limited by both political and social challenges, with access to resources for the Deaf community in Gaza being particularly constrained by the ongoing conflict.

Shared Signing Communities

In addition to ISL, Israel is home to several unique village sign languages, often referred to as "shared signing communities." These communities form when groups of individuals, typically within isolated or close-knit settings, use signing as a means of communication. While not necessarily a fully developed or formal language, these shared signing systems are often simplified and composed primarily of home signs developed within the community.

Al-Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language

One of the most notable village signs is Al-Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language (ABSL) (Arabic: لغة الإشارة لعشيرة السيد). ABSL developed in a small, relatively isolated Bedouin community with a large percentage of deaf individuals. Bedouins are nomadic groups who speak Arabic and traditionally inhabit the desert regions of the Middle East. The language emerged when multiple deaf individuals were born into the same family over several generations, leading to the formation of a distinct sign language passed down through the community. Over time, ABSL was adopted not only by deaf individuals, but also by hearing members of the community.

ABSL has an estimated 150 users and does not have any known dialects. It's EGIDS level is classified as 6a, indicating that it is considered a vigorous language, actively used in daily communication within its community (Al-Sayyid village). ABSL stands out for its differences from both ISL and the surrounding spoken languages, like Hebrew and Arabic, because it features unique vocabulary and word order. This linguistic emergence suggests that in comparison to ISL, ABSL likely developed independently rather than being influenced by existing sign languages.

Kufr Qassem Sign Language

Another shared signing community is Kufr Qassem Sign Language (KQSL) (Arabic: لغة الإشارة الكفر قاسم ), a local language used by the Palestinian deaf community in Kufr Qassem, Israel. The community has developed this sign language over time, primarily due to high rates of hereditary deafness caused by consanguineous marriage within the community. KQSL is a shared form of communication among both deaf and hearing individuals in the town. Historically, Kufr Qassem and its residents were isolated both linguistically and geographically, which helped KQSL to emerge without much influence from Israeli Sign Language (ISL).

From 1948 to 1966, the Israeli military imposed Military Rule (Hebrew: צבאי) on Palestinian citizens of Israel, restricting movement and interaction between neighboring towns. This restriction further contributed to the isolation of Kufr Qassem, allowing KQSL to evolve independently.

While KQSL was once relatively isolated, it has seen some influence in recent years due to the town's proximity to Jerusalem (about an hour's drive away). This has led to younger generations of deaf individuals in Kufr Qassem becoming bilingual in KQSL and ISL as they have come into contact with other sign languages through interactions with deaf communities outside their hometown.

Today, KQSL is still a part of the deaf community in Kufr Qassem, though it has faced pressures from the surrounding linguistic environment. Despite this, its EGIDS remains classified as a vigorous language with an estimated population of around 50 speakers.

Less Commonly Used Sign Languages in Israel

Some other sign languages that can be found in Israel, but are not widely or frequently used, include Algerian Jewish Sign Language (EGIDS: 8a-9, classified as "dying") and Russian Sign Language (EGIDS status unknown in Israel). The presence of these languages may primarily be attributed to immigration.

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)

The Israeli Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHSP) was established in 2010 with the aim of identifying hearing impairments in newborns early to ensure timely intervention and habilitation. Since its implementation, the NHSP has required all newborns to undergo a hearing screening before discharge from the hospital. As of 2012, approximately 99.1% of the newborns are screened in Israel. All of the screenings were completed at birth facilities, 20% of the screenings were conducted by audiologists, while 80% were conducted by trained screeners and biotechnicians.

The screening process involves two tests: the Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test, which is mandatory for all newborns in Israel, and the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (A-ABR) for infants who score low on the OAE test. Studies show that infants who undergo screening receive treatment by 6.8 months of age, whereas those who do not participate in the screening process tend to start treatment later, at 9.4 months. Although 84% of parents receive verbal explanations regarding failed screening results, many report that they do not receive written explanation to aid in understanding the results.

Overall, the program has contributed immensely to earlier identification and intervention for hearing impairments in infants. However, improvements in communication between caregivers and parents, as well as more efficient follow-up procedures, are seen as areas for continued development to maximize the program's impact.

Early intervention

Overall, Israel follows a rehabilitation medical model for disabilities which focuses on helping deaf and hard of hearing individuals achieve independence and integrate into society. Several organizations in Israel provide support and services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as their families. Beit Micha, Shalva, and The Institute for the Advancement of Deaf Persons in Israel are some of the most prominent early intervention centers, offering a range of services to support early development and communication skills in children with hearing impairments.

Beit Micha

Beit Micha is a multidisciplinary center in Israel that provides services to children with hearing impairments from infancy to first grade. Beit Micha's primary approach centers on spoken language development, aiming for integration into society through listening and speaking skills. The use of sign language may be supplementary, only depending on individual needs and circumstances. The center also emphasizes family involvement in the rehabilitation process, with parents playing an active role in their child’s intervention. Beit Micha works in collaboration with several government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

The center provides a range of services, including audiology assessments, speech therapy, and rehabilitative daycare for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Beit Micha also offers parental support, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Additionally, it runs a rotating kindergarten program for children aged 2–4, allowing them to engage in mainstream kindergarten activities while receiving specialized support. Beit Micha's goal is to support the development of language, communication, and social skills in children with hearing impairments. The center reports that a significant proportion of its first-grade graduates integrate into mainstream schools, though the outcomes vary depending on individual needs.

Technology

Following a diagnosis through Israel’s Newborn Hearing Screening Program, many children with hearing impairments begin using assistive hearing technologies as part of their early intervention plan. Access to hearing technology, especially hearing aids, is largely supported by Israel’s national healthcare system, with services provided through hospitals, health funds (Kupot Holim), and specialized centers such as Beit Micha and Hadassah Medical Center.

Healthcare

Israel has a well-developed healthcare system, and it is outlined by the National Health Insurance Law (Hebrew: חוק ביטוח בריאות ממלכתי) of 1994. This law provides comprehensive healthcare to all citizens and residents of Israel, based on the following 5 key principles: universal coverage, the health basket, health maintenance organizations (HMOS), funding, and patient rights.

Every citizen and permanent resident of Israel is entitled to healthcare services, regardless of their income, employment status, or health condition. This includes access to a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments.

The law also defines The Health Basket, which are essential healthcare services that must be provided to everyone. This includes hospital care, general practitioners, specialists, medications, preventative care, and rehabilitation services. The basket is reviewed and updates annually by the Ministry of Health, and services outside the basket can be provided if individuals are willing to pay out of pocket or through private insurance.

In Israel, the healthcare system is run by four public Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), also referred to as Kupat Holim, which are responsible for providing the services within the health basket. Permanent residents and citizens can choose which HMO they want to belong to, and each HMO is required to offer a similar set of health services.

The healthcare system is funded primarily through a progressive health tax deducted directly from the wages of employees. This means that if you are working as an employee in Israel, a portion of your salary (separate from regular income taxes, but still taxation) is taken by the government to fund the national healthcare system. The amount paid is based on income, where higher earners contribute more to the system.

The law also lists patient rights, such as the right to choose a doctor, the right to privacy, the right to receive information about a treatment, and the right to be involved in decisions regarding one's healthcare.

Access to Communication Support

The National Health Insurance Law does not specifically mention sign language interpreters or other accommodations for Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals. In fact, interpreters are not provided in health care facilities, including emergency care. However, the Ministry of Health facilitates communication between Deaf of Heard of Hearing individuals and healthcare providers through online remote sign language interpretation services. This service is available to assist patients in their interactions with the Ministry of health, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), hospitals, and private healthcare practices. This includes during medical, psychological, and para-medical treatments, including consultations with physicians, psychologists, speech and language therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. The service, however, is only provided in Hebrew.

Given the linguistic diversity in Israel, with many people speaking languages such as Arabic, English, or using only sign languages, the absence of official requirements for providing sign language interpreters in healthcare settings means that Deaf individuals may face challenges in fully understanding medical advice or communicating their health concerns.

Hearing Devices and Assistive Technologies

Children (typically under the age of 18) receive full coverage for hearing aids through the public healthcare system. This is part of the national healthcare benefits extended to all citizens and permanent residents. For adults, however, hearing aid coverage is usually partial. The health basket may cover the cost of basic hearing aids, but individuals may be required to pay out-of-pocket for more advanced or specialized models. Some individuals also choose to purchase hearing aids outside the system, particularly if they prefer higher-end devices that aren't included in the health basket.

Cochlear implants are generally covered by the health system for both children and certain adults, particularly when the hearing loss is severe or profound. However, there may be a waiting period, and individuals must undergo medical evaluations and obtain approvals as part of the qualification process. [Go more into evaluation and criteria].

The Israeli government collaborates with several hearing technology companies such as ReSound, Bernafon, Powerone, Audiomedic, and Starkey Foundation to provide hearing solutions. The Starkey Foundation, which operates in over 100 countries, plays a prominent role in providing hearing aids to underserved populations, including in Israel. Starkey refers to deafness as a "hearing crisis" and promotes hearing technology as a solution. The foundation has partnered with health ministries and local NGOs worldwide, including in Israel, to distribute hearing aids and advance its hearing solutions. However, Starkey's framing of deafness as a medical issue to be "fixed" has been met with criticism from the Deaf community, which often prefers a focus on Deaf culture and sign language rather than medical intervention.

Education

Israel's education system can be divided into four main sectors: general state education (approximately 45%), religious state education (14%), independent/orthodox education (18%), and Arab education (23%). While the majority of education in Israel is funded by the government, the clear divisions between these sectors make it challenging to implement a cohesive national educational policy or general understanding. This fragmentation is also reflected in the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Additionally, the location of these students—whether in rural, suburban, or urban areas—plays a significant role in determining their access to educational resources and the overall quality of their educational experience.

The most common education experience for deaf or hard of hearing individuals include either mainstream education following an oralist approach with support services or specialized schools/classes. There is also a growing emphasis on the use of Israeli Sign Language as part of the educational process, though it is not often consistently implemented in primary and secondary education.

Among the 30,500 people with hearing impairment aged 25–69 in Israel, approximately 23.4% hold an academic degree, while 9.1% have completed a non-academic post-secondary diploma. 37.5% have a matriculation certificate or graduated from high school, and 25.6% had a lower education certificate from high school graduation. These educational statistics reflect the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Israel, particularly given the country's reliance on mainstream education with limited specialized support. While 37.5% have completed secondary education, the lack of specialized programs and consistent use of Israeli Sign Language in schools may contribute to the relatively low percentages of individuals achieving higher education (23.4%) or advanced diplomas (9.1%). This gap highlights the barriers to academic success.

History

The first Jewish school for the Deaf, Kol Yisrael Chaverim, was established in Jerusalem in November 1932. Prior to this, Deaf children in Israel likely had limited or no access to formal education. The school, founded by educators trained in Germany, adopted the Oralism approach, focusing on teaching Deaf children to speak and lip-read rather than using sign language. Kol Yisrael Chaverim accepted students as young as 4 years old. Over the next decade, additional schools and programs for the Deaf and hard of hearing children were founded in Israel, many of which also followed the Oralist approach.

Education Rights

The Special Education Law (SEL) of 1988 governs the provision of special education services to children and adolescents with disabilities in Israel, including deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The law was enacted and aimed to establish clear procedures and guidelines for special education, which had previously been managed through informal negotiations between families, schools, and the Ministry of Education. The SEL consists of five main sections: Definitions of Terms, Free Special Education, Diagnosis and Placement, Education in a Special Education Institution, and Miscellaneous. It defines a "handicapped child" as someone aged 3 to 21 with limited adaptive behaviors due to physical, mental, psychological, or developmental challenges, who requires special education. The law emphasizes goals such as developing skills, correcting impairments, and facilitating social integration and employment (rehabilitation model of disability). Placement decisions are made by a committee composed of education and health professionals, with limited parental involvement. While the law prioritizes placement in mainstream schools, it does not explicitly mandate inclusion or the least restrictive environment (LRE). The SEL also requires the creation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students, though parental consent is not required for their implementation.

Organizations

Although organizations such as the Institute for the Advancement of Deaf Persons in Israel and Tel Aviv Foundation acknowledge and promote the use of Israeli Sign Language in educational settings, there is limited available information on how exactly this is being implemented or the specific methods employed.

Biet Micha, or the Ministry of Education, is one of the leading organizations in Israel providing educational services to Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Their Pre-School Division caters to children from ages 3 to first grade, with a focus on preparing students for integration into mainstream schools by primary school. The Pre-School Division typically teaches groups of 6-10 students and follows an Oralist approach. In addition to education, Biet Micha offers a range of supplementary services, including social services, financial assistance, and other community support initiatives.

The Shalva National Center also provides essential services for Deaf and hard of hearing children, offering both pre-school education and daycare. Shalva follows a similar educational framework, supporting early childhood development and facilitating social integration. In addition to their educational programs, Shalva offers a variety of other services, including summer camps, sports programs, wellness initiatives, and recreational activities.

Funding

As mentioned previously, Israel has several programs specifically designed for children with hearing impairments. Many of these schools / programs are part of the public education system and are funded by the government, meaning tuition is typically free or at a significantly reduced cost. While the funding for these programs is adequate, access to resources and schools remains limited, as they are primarily concentrated in the cities Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Many other areas of Israel, particularly in the more distant suburbs, have fewer such opportunities.