Aliyah to Israel is not just a move; it’s a step that connects you to a rich history and culture. The Law of Return is the foundation of this right, allowing any Jew in the world to immigrate to Israel and receive citizenship. But who is considered a Jew for the purpose of the law? And what rights do new immigrants receive? We will discuss this and more below.
Who is Considered Eligible for Aliyah According to the Law of Return?
So, who can actually make Aliyah? The Law of Return sets clear rules, but they are not always as simple as they seem. Let’s get things in order.
The law defines a Jew as someone born to a Jewish mother or who has converted to Judaism, provided they are not a member of another religion. But it doesn’t end there. Descendants of Jews are also entitled to immigrate, even if they themselves are not Jewish according to Halacha (Jewish law).
Descendants of Jews – Who Falls into the Category?
- Child of a Jew: If one of your parents is Jewish, you are eligible for Aliyah.
- Grandchild of a Jew: Even if only your grandparent was Jewish, you can still immigrate.
- Spouse of a Jew, Child, or Grandchild: Spouses of those eligible for Aliyah also receive the right.
Important to emphasize: There is no requirement that the descendants be Jewish themselves. That is, even if you grew up as a Christian or Buddhist, but you are the grandchild of a Jew, you are still entitled to an Aliyah visa. This law is intended to allow as many people as possible to connect to their roots and find a home in Israel.
Who Cannot Immigrate?
There are some exceptional cases in which an Aliyah visa cannot be obtained, even if you meet the basic criteria:
- Someone who acts against the Jewish people: If you are active in an anti-Semitic organization or do things that endanger the Jewish people, you will not be able to immigrate.
- Someone who may endanger public health or state security: If you have a dangerous disease or a serious criminal record, you may be refused.
- Someone who voluntarily converted from Judaism: If you were Jewish and converted to another religion, you lost the right to immigrate.
What Happens in Practice?
In practice, the Jewish Agency is the body that handles most Aliyah applications worldwide. Sometimes, the Agency uses additional organizations, such as “Nefesh B’Nefesh,” which helps immigrants from North America, or “Nativ,” which specializes in checking documents of immigrants from Eastern Europe.
The process can be a bit bureaucratic, but don’t despair! If you feel you are eligible for Aliyah, don’t give up. Collect all the necessary documents, contact the Agency or the appropriate organization, and if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
I know it sounds a bit intimidating, but remember – at the end of the process, a warm home, a rich culture, and the opportunity to be part of something big awaits you.
How to Start the Aliyah Process?
So, you’ve decided you want to make Aliyah? Great! Now you need to understand how to start this bureaucratic process. There are several ways to do this, and choosing the right way depends on your personal circumstances.
- Submitting an Application in Advance: The classic way is to submit an application for Aliyah before you arrive in Israel. This is done through the Israeli consulate in the country where you live, or through the Jewish Agency. In some cases, organizations like “Nefesh B’Nefesh” can help you with the process, especially if you are from North America.
- Changing Status as a Tourist: It is possible to enter Israel as a tourist and then apply to change your status to a new immigrant. This can be convenient if you want to check out the area before taking the big step. But keep in mind that this process can take time, and you need to be prepared to stay in Israel until it is completed.
- “Nativ” Procedure: If you are eligible for Aliyah under the Law of Return (that is, you are descendants of Jews), there is a special procedure called “Nativ.” This procedure is designed to facilitate the process and ensure that all your documents are in order. The “Nativ” organization specializes in checking applications and documents of immigrants from Eastern Europe, so if you are from Russia, Ukraine, or Romania, you should check this option.
No matter which way you choose, it is important to remember that the process can be a bit complicated. Collect all the necessary documents, be patient, and if you feel you need help, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Okay, so you’ve decided how to submit your Aliyah application. Now comes the technical part – what documents do you need to prepare? Believe me, it’s worth starting to collect them as early as possible, because it can take time.
In general, you will need to prove that you meet the criteria of the Law of Return. This means you will need to bring birth certificates, marriage certificates (if any), documents proving your connection to Judaism (for example, certificates of grandparents), and any other official document that can help.
It is important to know that the Ministry of Interior is entitled to ask you for additional documents if it believes there is any doubt about your eligibility. So be prepared for this, and don’t be lazy to provide everything you are asked for.
What Rights Do New Immigrants Receive?
The State of Israel grants new immigrants a basket of rights aimed at helping them settle in the country. Among these rights you can find initial financial assistance, help in learning the Hebrew language (Ulpan), housing assistance, and other benefits that make the new beginning easier. It is worth checking all the options to exhaust your rights.
What Happens if the Aliyah Application is Rejected?
Did you get a negative answer? Don’t despair! First of all, you can file an internal appeal to the Population and Immigration Authority. If the appeal is also rejected, you can appeal to a court. It is important to consult with a lawyer to understand your chances and how best to act.
In Summary, What is Important to Know About Aliyah to Israel?
Aliyah to Israel is a great right, but also a complicated process. The Law of Return is the basis for this right, but there are many small details to pay attention to. If you are thinking about making Aliyah, start planning in advance, collect all the documents, and do not hesitate to seek the help of professionals. Good luck!
