Conversion to Judaism and Aliyah
The Law of Return and Private Conversions in Israel
The Law of Return grants Oleh (immigrant) status in Israel to Jews, including both those born Jewish and those who have converted to Judaism. Until a few years ago, the Israeli Ministry of Interior recognized conversions for immigration purposes only if they were conducted through the state-run conversion system. This approach was problematic in several ways, as it discriminated against various Jewish communities, movements, and individuals. One of its major flaws was that the state conversion system was only available to Israeli citizens or permanent residents, effectively excluding anyone who did not meet these criteria.
In 2016, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that Jews who had converted through private Orthodox conversions could also be recognized for the purposes of the Law of Return, provided they were part of a recognized Jewish community and held a legal visa. Later, the court expanded this recognition to include Reform and Conservative conversions. However, despite these rulings, the Ministry of Interior repeatedly failed to implement the court’s decisions.
In 2022, our firm achieved a significant legal victory in this field. We represented two converts who had undergone private conversions in Israel but were denied Oleh status by the Ministry of Interior. The District Court ruled in their favor, granting them immigration status and urging the Ministry to apply the Supreme Court’s precedent properly, ensuring that converts who meet the required conditions receive their rightful status.
Although both the Supreme Court and District Court rulings were broad and principled, the Ministry of Interior has continued to interpret them narrowly—arguing that only specific rabbinical courts previously recognized in similar legal cases should be accepted for private conversions in Israel. Our firm’s success was groundbreaking, as we secured an explicit judicial ruling confirming that a variety of private rabbinical courts must be recognized for conversion under the Law of Return. This landmark decision has paved the way for all private conversion applicants in Israel.
Just as with applications for Oleh status under the Law of Return, the process for conversion lacks a clear administrative procedure within the Ministry of Interior. As a result, navigating this bureaucratic maze requires expertise and legal experience. Our firm has extensive knowledge and a proven track record in handling both conversion applications and legal appeals in cases of rejection.
📞 If you or a loved one are facing difficulties with conversion or immigration status in Israel, contact us today for expert legal guidance.
