By KTA Team |
The Law of Return, enacted in 1950, has long been a cornerstone of the Jewish identity of the State of Israel, offering the right of citizenship to Jews and their descendants scattered across the globe. However, in the present global reality of 2023, this law has become a topic of explosive debate within the Jewish world. It not only impacts Israel’s relationship with Diaspora Jewry but also affects millions of people worldwide.
The most contentious aspect is the “grandchild clause,” which grants citizenship to the children and grandchildren of Jews.
Challenges and Controversies:
In recent years, Israel has experienced a significant surge in immigration from countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. In 2022, more than 62,000 immigrants from the former Soviet Union arrived in Israel, compared to 12,873 in 2021. The concerning aspect is that many of these immigrants are not considered Jews according to Halacha (Jewish religious law) but are entitled to citizenship under the Law of Return. This raises concerns about the law’s vulnerability to exploitation by those who may not have genuine connections to Judaism or Israel.
The Need for Policy Revision:
Amidst the increasing influx of non-Jewish immigrants, the debate over the Law of Return has reignited discussions on Israel’s immigration policy. Some experts argue that eligibility for citizenship would require a specific period of residency, Hebrew language proficiency, and a commitment to settling in Israel. Additionally, advocates call for a more gradual process for family members of those eligible under the Law of Return to demonstrate genuine connections to Israel before obtaining citizenship.
The Grandchild Clause:
The most controversial aspect of the Law of Return is the “grandchild clause,” which allows the descendants of Jews to claim citizenship. While this clause has facilitated immigration, recent trends show that a significant portion of those entitled to citizenship do not intend to settle permanently in Israel. This poses challenges to Israel’s immigration policy, as the number of non-Jewish immigrants is growing geometrically with each generation.
Potential Implications for Israel’s Jewish Identity:
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 70% of recent immigrants entitled to the Law of Return are not considered Jewish according to Halacha. This raises concerns among experts that an increasing number of non-Jewish immigrants could potentially challenge Israel’s Jewish majority and dilute its Jewish identity over time.
Possibility of Conversion to Judaism Among Immigrants
There is a group of non-Jewish immigrants in Israel who, according to a study conducted about a year ago, show little interest in converting to Judaism. Approximately 15% of these immigrants express a desire to go through the conversion process in Israel, while the majority choose to settle in the country, lead regular lives as Israelis, and only consider conversion when it becomes relevant, such as before their wedding. Nevertheless, The conversion system welcomes all who seek to participate, offering its services without any charges. However, while it does not require monetary payment, embarking on this journey demands sincere dedication and personal commitment. Rooted in the Israeli tradition, the process of conversion is exclusively reserved for individuals driven by a profound desire to embrace it fully. Those who invest their efforts and wholeheartedly pursue this path will find themselves empowered to successfully complete the transformative process.
The Israeli Ministry of Absorption expresses concern over the significant number of individuals who depart shortly after arriving, considering the substantial financial investments made in facilitating the immigrants’ integration. The appeal of a Russian passport has diminished worldwide, with several countries even refusing connections with it. In contrast, an Israeli passport offers greater opportunities, attracting people to venture to other destinations such as the USA, Canada, and various European countries.
This phenomenon raises apprehension, but the state has taken action through the passport law to curtail such behavior in the short term. The law prohibits individuals from obtaining an Israeli passport and leaving within a month. Presently, immigrants receive a transit certificate initially, and to qualify for an Israeli passport, they must reside in Israel for a significant portion of their first year.
