The Steps in Transporting a Deceased Person
The process of transporting a deceased person is a complex one, requiring great dedication alongside expertise and professionalism. The process is even more complicated when the deceased is Jewish, as according to Jewish law, it is crucial to bury the deceased as quickly as possible without any delay. This is the basic principle and guiding line in Jewish burial.
The process of transporting a body to the burial destination varies according to different circumstances but generally requires coordination with several entities such as the Israeli embassy abroad, medical institutions both public and private, and in the case of transporting a body from Israel abroad, also with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health.
Steps for Transporting a Deceased Person from Israel Abroad:
- Meeting with a family representative and/or an authorized person and obtaining a power of attorney.
- The process begins with preparing the deceased (washing and dressing) and performing the embalming process (injecting a preservative into the body) according to legal instructions and approval from the Ministry of Health.
- Issuing an official death certificate from the Ministry of the Interior.
- Inspection of the coffin by the Ministry of Health.
- Arranging the release of the coffin at the airport abroad by a local company to the location requested by the family.
- Sending the deceased’s belongings abroad via mail or the airline.
- Payments for obtaining approvals and to the hospital where the deceased was staying.
- Assisting family members who are with the deceased in arranging their flight along with the coffin.
- Handling customs in Israel, ordering a cargo bill, and releasing the coffin for flight, customs, and security.
Steps for Transporting a Deceased Person from Abroad to Israel:
- Contacting a local representative of the company to begin coordination with the Israeli embassy abroad.
- Obtaining consular approval and organizing flight tickets.
- Obtaining an ambulance approval for collecting the coffin from the airport.
- Providing a power of attorney for representatives to handle the transportation of the deceased to Israel.
- Receiving the coffin at the airport and releasing it to the funeral location.
Repatriation of Deceased – Prices
The cost for repatriation of a deceased individual can vary significantly and is influenced by several factors:
- Distance: The price increases with greater distance between the place of death and the final destination.
- Destination: Flights to certain countries are more expensive due to available flight routes and airline policies.
- Urgency: Expedited and urgent repatriation is more costly compared to pre-planned arrangements.
- Additional Services: Additional expenses such as body preparation, special caskets, documents, and approvals.
- Airline: Prices differ among different airlines.
- Local Regulations: Specific requirements of the receiving country may affect the overall cost.
In general, repatriation of a deceased individual can cost between thousands (starting at $7000) to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the factors mentioned. It is important to obtain quotes from several specialized companies and confirm the details included in the price.
Repatriation of a deceased individual involves a complex process that requires attention to legal, bureaucratic, emotional, and religious considerations. Despite the challenges, this service enables families to lay their loved ones to rest in their desired final resting place, even if it is far from their home country. It is advisable to seek the services of experienced professionals to ensure a respectful and efficient process, while respecting the wishes of the deceased and their family. As awareness of the options and procedures involved in repatriating the deceased grows, families are better equipped to make informed decisions during this difficult time.
We, at Menucha Laad, are here to facilitate the process and assist you with all aspects of repatriating the deceased. With over 45 years of experience, we possess the expertise required to handle the repatriation process in accordance with regulations and practices in various countries.
