בס״ד
What is Aliyah and Who is Eligible?
What Does Aliyah Mean?
Aliyah literally means “ascent” in Hebrew. Moving to Israel is seen as going up — spiritually, culturally, and physically — to the land of your ancestors. In modern terms, Aliyah refers to the legal process by which Jews and their eligible family members immigrate to Israel.
Aliyah Nowadays
Aliyah today refers to the modern process of immigrating to Israel under the Law of Return. It allows Jews, children and grandchildren of Jews, and their spouses to become Israeli citizens and start a new life in Israel. Understanding who is eligible and how the process works is the first step toward a successful Aliyah journey.
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The first modern Aliyah began in 1881, when Jews from Eastern Europe moved to Israel seeking safety, opportunity, and a connection to their ancestral homeland. Today, that same spirit continues — but with organized support, government benefits, and resources for new immigrants.
Who is Eligible
for
Aliyah?
1. Jews
Individuals recognized as Jewish under the Law of Return are eligible. This usually includes anyone born to a Jewish mother or someone who has converted according to recognized Jewish law.
2. Children and Grandchildren of Jews
The Law of Return extends to children and grandchildren of Jews, even if they do not identify as Jewish religiously. This ensures families can immigrate together.
3. Spouses
The spouse of a Jew, child, or grandchild is also eligible.
4. Exceptions and Special Cases
Certain exceptions may apply, such as criminal records or security concerns. Each application is reviewed individually by Israeli authorities.
How to Verify Your Eligibility
Before applying, gather these documents:
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Birth certificates
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Marriage certificates (if applicable)
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Proof of Jewish status (letter from a rabbi or community)
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Any previous Israeli documents
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Final
Tip
Make copies of all your original documents.
Submitting complete and accurate documents, along with keeping copies for your records, speeds up the approval process and prevents issues if originals are lost.
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