Why Can’t a Jew Make Aliyah?

 As appeared in JNS. 

 

A recent Jerusalem Post article ('Don’t ask, don’t tell’ aliyah) by Cookie Schwaeber-Issan, Nov. 18, 2025) makes the uncomfortably true statement that “there is an unacceptable and antagonistic attitude present in Israel’s Interior Ministry [and the office of the Chief Rabbinate] who are  discriminating against Jews who are not connected to the faith or even their community.” While the writer astutely points out that this is occurring “at a time when we are witnessing the worst wave of global antisemitism since the Holocaust, even affecting both totally assimilated, non-observant Jews”, unfortunately, this “unacceptable and antagonistic attitude” has been going on for decades.

According to the Law of Return, established in 1950, eligibility to become a citizen of Israel is as follows: “Every Jew has the right to come to this country as an oleh (immigrant).” In 1970, the law was amended to include people with at least one Jewish parent or grandparent, or a person who is married to a Jew, whether or not they are considered Jewish under Orthodox interpretations of Jewish law. The law defines "Jew" as a person born to a Jewish mother or converted to Judaism, who is not a member of another religion.

Yet when applying for citizenship, there is a very strict requirement for a letter from an Orthodox rabbi, or rabbinic authority, that is recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, who vouches for the applicant, guaranteeing that this person is a “Jew in good standing.” In some cases even after fulfilling this requirement the applicant has been rejected. Additionally, what about those with no synagogue or religious organization affiliation? They might be assimilated, intermarried, etc. Ethnically, they are still Jews.

And what about converts?

Israel’s immigration authority recently denied aliyah to an American woman, already living in Israel, who converted to Reform Judaism, saying her conversion lacked sufficient community involvement. Yet, a beit din (rabbinic court) had approved her conversion after nearly a year of study. Additionally, she entered an immersion program to teach English in an Orthodox public school in Netanya, which included living a Jewish communal life in Israel, from school prayers with students to weekly Orthodox Shabbat meals with a host family. Other related news stories are “Rabbinical courts revoke conversion approved by Beth Din of America” and “Rabbinical Court Puts Thousands of Converts in Legal Limbo,” to reference just a few.

The Bible, Talmud, and daily prayers clearly state how converts should be treated or accepted.

One of a number Biblical texts on the subject states: “When strangers reside with you in your land, you shall not wrong them.” “The strangers who reside with you shall be to you as your citizens; you shall love each one as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am your God.” [Leviticus 19:33-34]

Importantly, rabbinic interpretation and Jewish tradition have equated and linked the word "stranger" ("ger" in Hebrew) with "convert". Therefore, converts are to be accepted as full Jews. The Biblical texts command the Children of Israel to treat converts, and non-Jews, with exceptional care, love, and equality, rooted in empathy from their own history as strangers. As modern-day proof of this command and concept, this is clearly expressed in the thirteenth paragraph of the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence on equality, which states: “THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

If that wasn’t enough, Talmud Bavli Tractate Yevamot 47a v13 states very clearly: “Our Rabbis taught: A convert who comes to convert in this time is told: ‘What have you seen that brought you to convert? Do you not know that Israel in this time are distressed, oppressed, harassed, and troubled, and that suffering comes upon them?’ If he says: ‘I know, and I am unworthy [but still wish to join]’ – they accept him immediately.” This authoritatively says accept them immediately, then begin to teach and immerse them in Judaism.

Emphasized in the Shmona Esray, a major part of the thrice recited Jewish daily prayers, is the thirteenth blessing: “May Your mercy be aroused, HaShem our God, upon the righteous, upon the pious, upon the elders of Your people, Israel, upon the remnant of their scholars, upon the righteous converts, and upon us. Grant bountiful reward to all who trust in Your Name in truth; and place our lot among them, and may we never be put to shame, for we have put our trust in You. Blessed are You, HaShem, Support and Trust of the righteous.” Note the inclusion and description of converts in this prayer for the righteous.

On November 23, 2025, according to a JNS article, the Israeli government wonderfully approved the immigration of 1,200 members of India’s Bnei Menashe community by the end of 2026, and about 4,600 more by 2030. According to Israeli Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer this “strengthens the resilience, solidarity, and renewal of the State of Israel.” Yet, the government statement reads that after approval of the lists by the Chief Rabbi of Israel and president of the Great Rabbinical Court, the immigrants will enter the country with a temporary A/5 visa and not citizenship!

We are repeatedly commanded to accept and treat converts as equal Jews. Shouldn’t we also accept the Jewishness of those born Jews, regardless of their current religious situation or affiliation? Would Ruth, a convert from who King David is descended, be good enough for Israeli citizenship for them today? Don’t those who make up the Chief Rabbinate know their Bible, Talmud, and daily prayers?

Rabbis of the Chief Rabbinate, let all Jews make aliyah! Jewish cultural and religious life in Israel and your teachings should bring them along their path as a positive part of Am Yisrael (the Nation of Israel). Rabbis of the Chief Rabbinate, let all Jews make aliyah!

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David S. Levine, MBA. Author of “Revolutions: In Their Own Words – What They Really Say About Their Causes” and the forthcoming book “Prayer: In Their Own Words – Islam-Catholicism-Judaism – What Do They Pray For?” David is a former New York City advertising & marketing executive, and a retired Rutgers University instructor. Follow him on X (Twitter): @DavidsLevine