Applying For The Law Of Return: A Comprehensive Guide

The Law of Return is an Israeli law that grants Jews, people with one or more Jewish grandparents, and their spouses the right to relocate to Israel and acquire citizenship. Passed in 1950, the law was amended in 1970 to extend the right of return to some non-Jews, including the children and grandchildren of Jews, and the spouses of Jews, their children, and grandchildren. The law also allows every Jew, their children, and grandchildren to immigrate to Israel with their family. The process of applying for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return involves several steps, including deciding whether to enter Israel as a tourist or to start the process before arriving in the country, completing the immigration application, and submitting the required documents.

Eligibility requirements

The Law of Return grants every Jew in the world the right to settle in Israel and acquire citizenship. The law was passed by the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, on 5 July 1950, and published in Sefer HaChukkim (Book of Laws).

The Law of Return defines a "Jew" as a person who was born of a Jewish mother or has a Jewish grandmother, as well as a person who has converted to Judaism and is not a member of another religion. This includes people with one or more Jewish grandparents and their spouses.

The law also extends to the children and grandchildren of Jews, as well as their spouses. This means that if you are the child or grandchild of a Jew, or the spouse of a Jewish child or grandchild, you may be eligible for Israeli citizenship. However, this does not apply if you have voluntarily changed your religion.

In addition, there are some security and health requirements that must be met. Applicants for the right of return must not:

• Be engaged in an activity directed against the Jewish people
• Endanger public health or the security of the State of Israel
• Have a criminal past that may endanger public welfare
• Have an illness that poses a danger to public health

It is important to note that the Law of Return does not apply to residents of the West Bank or the Gaza Strip due to the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law.

The process of applying for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return can be complex, and it is recommended to seek legal assistance from a lawyer or immigration specialist.

Application process

The Law of Return grants every Jew in the world the right to settle in Israel and was passed by the Knesset on 5 July 1950. The law was amended in 1970 to extend the right of return to some non-Jews, including the child or grandchild of a Jew, and the spouse of a child or grandchild of a Jew.

The application process for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return involves several steps:

• Examine your immigration options: The first step is to determine your eligibility for Aliyah according to the Law of Return. This includes assessing your Jewish status or that of your family members.
• Decide on your entry status: You can choose to enter Israel as a tourist with a B-2 visa and apply for Aliyah while in the country, or you can start the process before arriving in Israel.
• Complete the necessary documentation: This includes filling out the required immigration application forms and gathering any supporting documents.
• Submit your application and documents: Submit your application and supporting documents to the local Population and Immigration Authority office or the relevant Israeli embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
• Interview with Israeli immigration officials: You will be interviewed by Israeli immigration clerks at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Misrad Hapnim) or a representative of the Jewish Agency.
• Wait for approval: After your interview, you will need to wait for the approval of your Aliyah application.

It is recommended to seek legal assistance from a law firm specializing in Israeli immigration to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth application.

Potential Issues

There are several potential issues that may arise during the application process:

• Insufficient documentation: Ensure you have all the required documents and that they are in order.
• Criminal background: Any criminal history will be considered, and certain offences may result in your application being denied.
• Mental health issues: Israeli immigration officials will consider any mental health issues and their potential danger to the public.
• Questions regarding Jewish identity: Your Jewish identity or that of your family members may be questioned, especially in cases of conversion or interfaith marriages.
• Conversion to a different religion: Converting from Judaism to another religion may impact your eligibility for Aliyah under the Law of Return.

After Approval

Once your Aliyah application is approved, you will receive an Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut), an Israeli passport, and an Oleh certificate.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that receiving Israeli citizenship may affect other citizenships you hold. Therefore, it is recommended to seek legal advice regarding the potential impact on your current citizenship status.

Additionally, the Law of Return does not apply to residents of the West Bank or the Gaza Strip due to the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law.

Documentation

The Law of Return grants every Jew in the world the right to settle in Israel and become an Israeli citizen. The law was passed by the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, on 5 July 1950, and published in Sefer HaChukkim (Book of Laws) No. 51, p. 159.

To apply for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, you must first determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, the next step is to decide whether to enter Israel as a tourist with a B-2 visa and apply for Aliyah while in the country or to start the process before your arrival.

The procedure includes completing the immigration application, collecting and submitting the required documents, interviewing with the Israeli immigration clerks at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Misrad Hapnim) or the Jewish Agency, and waiting for approval.

Eligibility

The Law of Return applies to Jews, people with one or more Jewish grandparents, and their spouses. It also includes those who have legally converted to Judaism at a recognised religious Jewish institution.

Required Documents

The required documents for the application process are not explicitly stated but it is recommended to have your ID card or passport. It is also advised to contact the relevant Immigrant Association or a lawyer who specialises in your country of origin's migration laws to receive relevant information before applying for Israeli citizenship.

Application Submission

The application, along with the required documents, should be submitted in person at your local Population and Immigration Authority office.

Additional Information

• Receipt of Israeli citizenship may affect other citizenships that you hold.
• The services and forms provided are in Hebrew. If you do not speak Hebrew, it is recommended to seek assistance from someone who does.
• The Law of Return does not grant the right of return to Palestinian refugees who wish to return to their former homes in Israel.

Interview

To apply for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, you must first determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, you can either enter Israel with a B-2 tourist visa and apply for Aliyah while in the country or start the process before your arrival.

Regardless of when you start the process, you will need to complete an immigration application, collect and submit the required documents, and interview with Israeli immigration clerks at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Misrad Hapnim) or the Jewish Agency.

The interview is a crucial component of the application process and typically covers the following areas:

• Welcoming the applicant: The interviewer will begin by welcoming the applicant and asking them about the reason for their absence. Applicants will be given ample time to explain their reasons for immigrating to Israel and any concerns or anxieties they may have.
• Updating the applicant: The interviewer will provide updates on any changes or developments that occurred during the applicant's absence. This includes amendments to working patterns and other relevant information.
• Identifying required changes: The interviewer will inquire about any adjustments that need to be made to facilitate the applicant's transition. If the applicant has a medical note from their doctor, this is the time to discuss specific conditions or limitations.
• Planning the applicant's return: Based on the information gathered during the interview, the interviewer will create a plan to help the applicant transition effectively. This may include assigning different duties or allowing shorter shifts until the applicant has fully adjusted.
• Recording the absence: The interviewer will record the applicant's days off on their attendance record and ask them to confirm the dates. If regular absenteeism is an issue, the interviewer will inform the applicant that continued absences may lead to disciplinary action.
• Addressing questions: Finally, the interviewer will give the applicant an opportunity to ask questions or express any remaining concerns about their return.

It is important to note that the interview is not a disciplinary process but rather a procedure to facilitate the applicant's transition and ensure they feel welcomed and valued.

Timeframe

The Law of Return was passed on 5 July 1950, and published in Sefer HaChukkim (Book of Laws) No. 51, p. 159. It was enacted two years after the state of Israel became independent, with the aim of gathering Jews from around the world and enabling them to settle in Israel and gain citizenship. The law was amended in 1954 and again in 1970 to expand the definition of a "Jew" and include their descendants and spouses.

The process of applying for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here is a general overview of the steps and associated timeframe:

• Decision-making and eligibility determination: The first step is to carefully consider your immigration options and determine your eligibility for Aliyah under the Law of Return. This step involves researching the requirements, consulting with legal professionals or immigrant associations, and gathering the necessary documentation to support your application. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your case and the availability of resources.
• Visa application: Once you have decided to pursue Aliyah, you have two options. You can either enter Israel as a tourist with a B-2 tourist visa and then apply for Aliyah while in the country, or you can initiate the process before your arrival. Applying for a tourist visa typically involves completing an application form, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview. The processing time for tourist visas can vary depending on your country of origin and the volume of applications being processed.
• Aliyah application: Whether you apply for Aliyah before or after arriving in Israel, you will need to complete the immigration application, collect and submit the required documents, and attend an interview with Israeli immigration officials. The processing time for Aliyah applications can vary, but it typically takes several months. During this time, your application will be thoroughly reviewed, and you may be contacted for additional information or clarification.
• Approval and citizenship: If your Aliyah application is approved, you will receive an Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut), an Israeli passport, and an Oleh certificate. The timeframe for receiving these documents may depend on the current caseload of the issuing authorities and the complexity of your specific case. Once you have received these documents, you are officially recognised as an Israeli citizen.

It is important to note that the above timeframe is a general estimate, and the actual duration of the process may vary depending on various factors. These factors include the volume of applications being processed, the completeness and accuracy of your submitted documents, and the specific requirements in your case. Consulting with legal professionals or immigrant associations can help you navigate the process more efficiently and ensure you have a thorough understanding of the timeframe and requirements.

Frequently asked questions