Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Israel
For families bringing someone home to Israel. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Israel: what to expect
The United States is home to one of the world's largest Jewish diaspora communities, concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, with very strong family, cultural, and religious ties to Israel. The US Embassy is located in Jerusalem. When a person with Israeli family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. The Israeli Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Population Registry Authority (Misrad HaPnim). US death certificates are apostilled; Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978. A certified Hebrew translation is required for the Population Registry Authority.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Israel Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Israel
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Israel Embassy in Washington DC notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Israel
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Israel funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Israel
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Israel takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Israel Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Israel Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Israeli funeral director takes custody at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv cargo terminal. The Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) registers the death. All foreign-language documents require certified Hebrew translation. Families should note that religious customs may affect burial timing and arrangements. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Israel
When the body arrives in Israel
The Israeli funeral director takes custody at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv cargo terminal. Death registration in Israel is handled by the Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim). The Israeli death certificate is issued in Hebrew. All foreign-language death certificates require certified Hebrew translation before submission to the Population Registry. Families should be aware that religious considerations may affect burial timing; the Rabbinic Burial Society (Chevra Kadisha) handles Jewish burials according to traditional practice, while non-Jewish deceased are handled by other licensed burial societies. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Israeli Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Israel. Israel joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Population Registry Authority under the Ministry of Interior for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in the United States, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Israel.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions