In 1919, Kanev immigrated to Palestine. The following year he fought in the Battle of Tel Hai, where he was wounded. He later helped found Gdud HaAvoda and attended the convention that established the Histadrut trade union. In 1923, he became one of the leaders of the Histadrut's medical services, and in 1947 he established the Institute for Social Research, where he served as a director.