Too old for aliyah? This centenarian Jewish couple proved age is no barrier to moving to Israel

Sandy Goldstein, 105, and his wife Rosalie, 101, made aliyah from New Jersey to Netanya in March 2023, proving age is no barrier. The couple, married 79 years, moved to be near family after a COVID-19 recovery. They were initially told they were too old for aliyah decades ago, but finally took the leap with their daughter's help. Since arriving, they have been welcomed by neighbors and participate in family events.

Sandy Goldstein, who will turn 105 next week, and his wife Rosalie, 101, made aliyah from Englewood, New Jersey to Netanya in March 2023, proving that age is no barrier to moving to Israel. The couple, who will celebrate their 79th wedding anniversary next month, moved to be near their daughter Risa and their extended family, including five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They had first considered aliyah some 60 years ago when Sandy was 40, but were told by aliyah officials that he was too old. After both became ill with COVID-19 and recovered in a rehabilitation center, the family decided it was time. Risa returned to the US in February 2023, helped her parents pack, and brought them to Israel on March 1. Neighbors in Netanya held an impromptu celebration with singing and dancing to welcome them. Since moving, the couple has visitors almost daily and has participated in numerous family events, including a brit milah where Sandy served as sandak. Sandy, a former CPA and WWII-era War Department accountant, and Rosalie, a former typist, have been married since 1948.