Apply for recognition as a "Prisoner of Zion"

The purpose of The Compensation to Prisoners of Zion and their Families Law, 5752-1992 is to legislate the granting of compensation to Prisoners of Zion in a special law that will be an expression of recognition and respect by the State of Israel, for the activities of Prisoners of Zion

Who can apply

Applications for recognition as a Prisoner of Zion can be submitted by the persons applying for themselves, or by family members.

Who can be recognized as a Prisoner of Zion

Recognition can be granted to Israeli citizens who meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. A person who was imprisoned, or held in detention or exile for at least six months, due to Zionist activity in a country where such activity was prohibited—provided that the person is an Israeli citizen by virtue of the Law of Return and a resident of Israel.
2. A person who was imprisoned, or held in detention or exile for at least six months, in an enemy country due to their Jewish identity or that country's hostility toward Israel—provided that the person is an Israeli citizen by virtue of the Law of Return and a resident of Israel.
3. A person currently imprisoned, detained, or in exile for any of the reasons specified in paragraphs (1) and (2), or a person who was so imprisoned, detained, or exiled and has since gone missing—provided that six months have elapsed since the date of their detention and that the Law of Return, 5710–1950, applied to them.
4. A person who was a resident of the Land of Israel prior to the establishment of the State and was imprisoned, or held in detention or exile for at least six months, due to their activity toward the establishment of the State—provided that the person is an Israeli citizen and a resident of Israel.

What you need to apply

• Recognition or Compensation as a Prisoner of Zion claim form. See the application guideline for details.
• The following documents of the person for who the request is being made:
  • A resume, in the format found on the application form.
  • A photocopy of the ID card and appendix.
  • 2 passport photos.
  • Medical documents regarding health conditions that are a result of the imprisonment, arrest, or deportation, if relevant to the request.
• A completed Witness affidavit form (Heb) including 2 affidavits from witnesses attesting to the Zionist activities of the person for whom the recognition is being requested or their imprisonment, arrest, or deportation due to their activities. The completed form must include the witnesses' relationship to the applicant. Testimonies from witnesses whose affidavits are not attached to the application will not be accepted.
• Any additional documents that verify the claim.

The service is free of charge

Notes

• The Authority for Prisoners of Zion and Martyrs is authorized to collect information regarding applicants from relevant bodies such as the Prime Minister's Office, the Jewish Agency, immigrant organizations, prisoners of Zion, and other recognized bodies operating in the same field.
• The Authority for Prisoners of Zion and Martyrs may request applicants to submit additional information and documents to the Committee.
• The Authority for Prisoners of Zion and Martyrs may make use of any information submitted for the applicants' recognition.
• The National Insurance Institute examines eligibility for benefits. Not all Prisoners of Zion are found eligible to receive benefits.
• If the application is denied, an appeal can be filed within 90 days to the Appeals Committee for Prisoners of Zion at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
• This service and forms are provided in Hebrew. If you don’t speak Hebrew seeking assistance from a Hebrew speaker is recommended.

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