Immigration to Israel

Individuals and families who seek to immigrate to Israel must have their Jewish identities certified by Israel’s Interior Ministry, a task that can be difficult for those who are not members of recognized Jewish communities, or who do not have recognized rabbis to vouch for them. It is especially challenging for those who have converted, because of disparities between Interior Ministry and local conversion court requirements.

• What does one need to Make Aliyah From Chul? In order to Immigrate to Israel, you must prove your Jewish Status. Only if you are Jewish according to the Law of Return (Chok Hashvut) can you make Aliyah.
• How do I know if I am Jewish according to these regulations? See criteria below:

There are 2 categories under the Law of Return (Chok Hashvut) which make you eligible for Immigration to Israel:

1. Jewish Lineage: If you yourself were born Jewish or you have a Jewish parent or grandparent. For further information on Aliyah/ proof of Jewish status based on Jewish Lineage, please see below.
   1. Where is your birthplace?
      1. If Former Soviet Union, then turn to Nativ. Bring them relevant documents like marriage and birth certificates. ITIM can help consult and obtain necessary documents.
      2. Anywhere else in the world: Do you yourself or your family have a connection/ presence in a recognized Jewish community?
         1. If yes, then you need a letter from your community Rabbi.
            1. Once you have this letter, submit it to the following organization depending on where you live:
               1. North America- Nefesh B’Nefesh
               2. Israel- The Ministry of Interior
               3. Rest of the World- The Jewish Agency
         2. If not, then you will need to find a community rabbi who is willing to write you a letter vouching for your Jewish status.
            1. You may need to submit some documents and present them to the Rabbi before he writes the letter. Contact ITIM for further questions.
            2. Once you have this letter, submit it to the following organization depending on where you live:
               1. North America- Nefesh B’Nefesh
               2. Israel- The Ministry of Interior
               3. Rest of the World- The Jewish Agency
2. Conversion:
   1. If you converted outside of Israel you must:
      1. Submit your conversion documents (Contact ITIM for guidance on which documents are necessary). Once you have this letter, submit it to the following organization depending on where you live:
         1. North America- Nefesh B’Nefesh
         2. Israel- The Ministry of Interior
         3. Rest of the World- The Jewish Agency

Disclaimer/ clarification:

1. ITIM does consulting for Aliyah purposes, but they themselves don’t submit documents for Aliyah. For that you must turn to Nefesh B’Nefesh, The Jewish Agency  or Nativ.
2. They have connections with many institutions such as Rabbis and Beit Dins all over the World, and Lishkat Hakesher/ Nativ which they can use to help you prove your Jewish status for Aliyah.
3. ITIM IS ALWAYS HERE TO HELP IF ADDITIONAL ADVICE IS NEEDED

1. Further Information regarding Aliyah/ proving Jewish status based on Jewish Lineage:

Proof of Jewish status for Aliyah purposes:

The Law of Return states that someone with a Jewish parent or grandparent is eligible for Israeli citizenship.

To prove your Jewish roots, you must submit a letter from a rabbi from a recognized community outside of Israel stating that you, one of your parents, or one of your grandparents is Jewish.  A recognized community, according to the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Interior, is one that is well established, active, and is affiliated with one of the recognized streams of Judaism.

The rabbi’s letter must appear on official synagogue letterhead (together with the rabbi’s name and title); state the name, location and telephone number of the congregation; and include your full legal name (as appears on your passport) and parents’ names (and grandparents’ names, if you are making aliyah based on a Jewish grandparent.) The letter must bear the rabbi’s signature.

If you require assistance finding a rabbi who can write you a letter, please be in touch.

For further information regarding general Aliyah requirements, please be in touch with the Jewish Agency or with Nefesh B’Nefesh (for Aliyah from the US, Canada, or the UK).

1. Further Information regarding Aliyah/ proving Jewish status based on Conversion:

According to the Law of Return, a convert is eligible for Israeli citizenship. The Ministry of Interior has specific conditions for making Aliyah based on conversion.  First, the conversion must take place in a recognized Jewish community. A recognized community is one that is well established, active, and is affiliated with one of the recognized streams of Judaism.  Second, the convert must participate in the converting community for at least 9 months before the conversion, including a study program of at least 9 months.  The convert must continue to be an active community member for at least 9 months following the conversion as well.

The following is a list of documents you will be required to submit, along with the standard documentation required for Aliyah:

1. Conversion certificate signed by 3 rabbis
2. A written and signed statement by the convert describing in detail his/her studies towards conversion, the content of the study program, length of the study program, name(s) of teacher(s), and a description of the length and nature of his/her involvement in the community before and after the conversion.
3. A written statement by the community rabbi regarding the conversion process and the convert’s participation in the community for at least 9 months before conversion.   The letter should include information regarding preparation, study program details (syllabus) and length of study (the study period must be at least 9 months long and include at least 350 hours of study).   If the conversion took place in front of a regional Beit Din, which is not part of the community where the convert studied, the community rabbi should provide a detailed explanation regarding the connection between the community, the Beit Din and the whole conversion process.
4. A written statement by the community rabbi regarding the convert’s active involvement in the community for the period of at least 9 months after the conversion.

Please note:  all documents must include the convert’s full name and valid passport number.

Please be in touch if you need assistance regarding Aliyah based on conversion.

For further information on general Aliyah requirements, please be in touch with the Jewish Agency or with Nefesh B’Nefesh (for Aliyah from the US, Canada, or the UK).