Repatriation to Israel: what is it and how to move to the country of your ancestors if you are a Jew? The article discusses repatriation programs, payments and benefits, and also provides advice on how to avoid mistakes.
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Since 1948, millions of repatriates have migrated to Israel, and despite the large numbers, they have been warmly welcomed by everyone. Each wave of immigrants has contributed to the country’s cultural and spiritual development, bringing something new to the nation. Even today, many Jews still dream of moving to Israel permanently. So what attracts them to this country?
For Jews, repatriation to Israel is not just a move to a beautiful country with a high standard of living, particularly for those coming from relatively successful countries. It is a return to their sacred land, making repatriation one of the most long-awaited events in the life of every Jew. This attitude towards repatriation has been preserved up to the present time and is considered the foundation of Zionism, a biblical confession fulfilled by migrating to the country.
The practice of repatriation, also known as “Aliyah”, has been active since ancient times, and the first Jews moved to live on the land of their ancestors over a thousand years ago. However, mass repatriation began in the twelfth century when the Christian and Muslim churches persecuted Jews worldwide. Israel was considered a holy land, where there would be no persecution, and it became an annual massive pilgrimage for Jews seeking refuge.
Jewish Programs is essential part of state policy
Today, the return of Jews to the country is an essential part of state policy, receiving much attention, and actively encouraged by the state, which creates favorable conditions for the residence of Jewish individuals. The country’s authorities have carried out many operations to save the Jewish people and ensure that resettlement occurs comfortably with minimal pain for all family members. Numerous charitable funds are available to assist migrants, and a special Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has even been established to make the resettlement process more organized and comfortable
Who is eligible Repatriation to Israel and how can it be done?
The issue of migration to Israel for Jews remains relevant in the present year. However, the process itself is not complicated as long as one understands the Israeli legislation that regulates this matter.
The primary step is to study the Law of Return No. 5710-1950 of July 6, 1950. This law states that any Jew can return to the land of their ancestors.
Nevertheless, having a Jewish passport does not necessarily guarantee eligibility under this law, as its definition of “Jew” is quite narrow. Jews are recognized as those who were born to a Jewish mother, those who underwent a special conversion to Judaism, and those who renounced other faiths. Interestingly, individuals who became Jews through their paternal lineage are not recognized as Jews under this law. If you acquired Judaism through your paternal lineage, you are not eligible for the Law of Return. In such cases, you would have to convert to Judaism, or you will not be granted the right to return to Israel.
It is interesting to note that the right to repatriation is not only available to Jews but also to foreign citizens whose parents were Israeli citizens. Many people from around the world have taken advantage of this opportunity. According to statistics, one-fourth of the country’s population is not Jewish.
How to obtain approval for immigration to Israel?
Your current place of residence, living conditions, and occupation do not matter for the purpose of repatriation. To obtain approval for immigration to Israel, you only need to document your Israeli roots or accept Judaism in one of the Jewish organizations. Additionally, applicants may be required to take special courses on giyur matters conducted in independent rabbinical courts. It is worth noting that if you are not Jewish, attempting to deceive the embassy is highly unlikely to succeed. They carefully examine all documents, and any fake certificates will not pass the verification process.
Choosing a specific Repatriation program
If you are indeed of Jewish nationality, it is worth taking a closer look at the current repatriation programs. With their help, you can migrate to the country as quickly and comfortably as possible for your family. Official programs provide assistance in adapting to the new place. You will be helped to better study the country, provided with financial support, helped to find a job and friends. You will also receive information assistance at any time, which is often simply necessary. And assistants will accompany you throughout the entire resettlement process.
The government has developed a huge number of programs that help to adapt better to the new place. These include educational programs for children, employment programs, and programs for getting to know the country. In any case, you will not feel like a stranger here, as someone is always concerned about you.
Multiple educational programs
As for educational programs, there are several dozen of them. Each person can choose what suits them best in their particular case. There are programs that are designed for a short period of time, and there are long-term ones. The most popular options for children are summer camps, where they are taught Jewish culture and traditions for a certain period of time. Teenagers can also complete a year-long course for camp counselors and then find work. There are also programs for schoolchildren that last three to four years. They allow you to complete schooling in Israel and receive a local certificate. You can also receive training under a program that will allow you to become a volunteer in one of the funds helping repatriates.
Transparent and Thought-Out Process of Repatriation to Israel
It’s pleasing to know that the process of immigrating to Israel is transparent and well-planned. The “MASA” public-service organization founded by the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Israel, together with The Jewish Agency for Israel has carefully designed the procedure in stages. Firstly, you need to approach the agency, and they will guide you on what to do next.
The process consists of several stages:
- Firstly, you undergo a diplomatic check and obtain a visa.
- Then, depending on your age, family composition, flight dates and times, and where you plan to live, you need to select a specific repatriation program. It’s better to decide on the location beforehand, as it’s a significant and challenging question.
- After that, you need to book tickets and take the flight to Israel.
- From there, it’s straightforward. A coordinator will guide you on what to do, where to go, and how to move to your new home.
- Upon arrival, you need to register at your new location, receive all the necessary assistance and information and start adapting to your new life.
As you can see, Israel supports Jews in all aspects of migrating to the country.
Bonuses for Repatriates
Excellent conditions for work and living are provided for both new repatriates and people who migrated more than fifteen years ago. Currently, new repatriates are granted the status of “Ole Hadash.” What does it entail? Let’s try to figure it out together.
This status allows Jews to receive a vast number of benefits, advantages, and subsidies. All these bonuses significantly simplify the process of adapting to the new country, making life very comfortable. According to the latest statistical data, around six and a half million people of Jewish nationality reside in Israel. Most Jews immigrated to Israel through repatriation programs. Also, the children of yesterday’s repatriates still reside here.
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Most Jews migrated to Israel in modern times to get Israeli Citizenship
Regarding the descendants of the first generation of repatriates, there are also quite a few of them. Such people in Israel number no less than two million. Analyzing this figure, it becomes clear that most Jews migrated to Israel in modern times. Moreover, this process is not stopping but actively continues today. Every year, between seven and thirty thousand people migrate to Israel, which is quite a significant number.
