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

A centenarian Jewish couple, Sandy and Rosalie Goldstein, have defied expectations by successfully making aliyah, the process of immigrating to Israel, from the United States at advanced ages. The pair, who celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary in late 2026, relocated from Englewood, New Jersey, to Netanya, Israel, in March 2023. Now, Sandy is set to turn 105, while Rosalie will reach 101 in January. Their journey to Israel has become a symbol of resilience and determination. The couple's move to Israel was not just a personal milestone but also a continuation of a long-standing connection to the Jewish state. They chose to settle in Netanya, a city near where their daughter resides, allowing them to remain close to family. Despite their advancing years, the Goldsteins have adapted well to their new environment, enjoying time with loved ones and maintaining an active presence in their community. Their home in Netanya reflects their comfort with modern living, though they take precautions against the heat, wearing warm clothing even during the summer months. Sandy, who suffers from hearing loss, communicates with clarity and patience, ensuring that conversations flow smoothly. Both wear attire that reflects their personal style, Sandy in a white textured crew-neck sweater, and Rosalie in a cream-colored jacket adorned with red embroidery, matching her red-and-black patterned blouse. Sandy was born in 1921 in Fall River, Massachusetts, and grew up in Brooklyn after his family moved there. His parents ran a dry-cleaning and tailoring business, and Sandy began contributing to the family enterprise at a young age. As a 12-year-old, he sold copies of the Saturday Evening Post to commuters, earning a small profit per sale. Later, he worked alongside his parents, delivering garments and collecting payments by bicycle. He pursued higher education at City College in New York, studying accounting. A chance opportunity arose when he took a civil service exam, which led to employment with the U.S. War Department following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He spent a year in Washington, D.C., handling financial matters before returning to New York, where he continued his work until the end of World War II. After the war, Sandy completed his studies at City College, earning a degree in accounting and becoming a certified public accountant. It was around this time that he met Rosalie Aron, a Brooklyn native. The two connected through mutual friends, with Sandy seeking out the tallest woman at a local synagogue dance. Impressed by Rosalie’s height, he asked her out, leading to a relationship that quickly blossomed into marriage in 1948. Rosalie initially worked as a typist before becoming a homemaker. She recalls being free of gray hairs at the time of their wedding, a detail that brings a smile to her face when reflecting on their early days together. The couple raised three children, a boy and two girls, and lived a life that, while rooted in Jewish heritage, did not strictly adhere to religious observance in its early years. Throughout his life, Sandy remained deeply committed to Jewish causes and community involvement. His career in accounting provided stability, and his dedication to civic engagement extended beyond professional pursuits. The couple’s decision to make aliyah represents not only a personal choice but also a reaffirmation of their identity and connection to Israel. In recent years, the Goldsteins have found a renewed sense of purpose in their adopted homeland. Their presence in Netanya serves as a reminder that age need not limit one’s ability to embrace change or pursue dreams. Their story continues to inspire others considering immigration to Israel, proving that it is never too late to begin anew.