LXXVII: My grandfather on my Dad's side is Jewish, but not practicing. I am going to Jerusalem to study for a year. I want to have my DNA tested to prove I'm Jewish for the Law of Return. Where do I go in Israel to have this done?
By MAURICE SINGERaliyaexpert88(photo credit: )The expert is Maurice Singer, Senior Aliyah Consultant at the Jewish Agency. While every care and attention is made to give accurate answers, no responsibility can be taken by the writer or the Jewish Agency if the information offered may prove to be misleading.Send us your questions and please leave your comments on the Q&A below.
For Vol LXXIV click here
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LXXVIIQ: I was married in the states by a Reconstructionist rabbi. I had a civil divorce and have made aliyah. My ex remarried a non-Jew and I am about to marry an Israeli. Do I need the get? I understand the get is more for my ex so that she can re-marry, but not for me. She is not so interested in assisting.
A: If you are a Jewish man that was married to a Jewish woman, then you will need to present the Rabbinate with a get. This is not for the benefit of your ex, she didn't need a get to marry a non-Jew!!! YOU need one in order to marry another Jewish woman.
Q: We made aliya as a family about 10 yrs ago, only stayed in Israel for 1 1/2 yrs and returned to US. I have a son who is 14 yrs old now and would like to go to Israel and study for a few years when he is 18 or so. How can he do this without having problems with the army. Is it possible or advisable for him to revoke his Israeli citizenship?
A: I would certainly not revoke his citizenship. If he presents a confirmation that he has been accepted to a recognized University then Army usually give Olim and Israeli non-residents a deferment. A deferment is only a postponement until he finishes his degree.
Q: I am a non-Jewish citizen, my father is Jewish, my mother not. I lived in Israel for about 6 years AND served in the army. I also hold an Israeli passport. I married a South-African non-Jew, we live in South Africa and we have a four year old son, would my son and my wife have any right to citizenship??
A: From the information that you have offered, you are an Israeli citizen married to a non Jew. Therefore your son has the automatic right to claim citizenship . You wife will need to apply for Permanent Residency after residing in Israel for a number of years.
Q: My dog is a Schnauzer/Australian Shepherd mix, the mother is a Schnauzer, her father had 1/4 Alsatian but attended shul on major holidays. Unfortunately we have lost the kennel papers - is there still a chance we can bring our dog with us to Israel?
A: Has the dog been circumsized???
Q: Hi, I am an Israeli citizen and I have been in Australia for 4 years now. I consider returning to Israel. I am unclear about the difference in rights between Toshav Chozer (2 years abroad)and Toshav Ole(6 years abroad ?). I could not find any information whatsoever about Toshav Ole in the site of moia.gov.il. Thanks for your help.
A: The difference is in Customs benefits. Please consult the customs website and all will be explained.
Q: I am now 71 years old, and have been living in the UK since 1973. I came to Israel in 1967 from South Africa, became Israeli in 1969 and did army service as a doctor. I left Israel after less than 6 years, in 1973. I have retained my Israeli passport, and visit Israel on short vacations, once a year. I am now considering returning to live permanently in Jerusalem. I see that as a returning immigrant - after 35 years - I will have certain rights, but is it possible that these may be canceled by my annual vacations (never more than four weeks) to Israel? I was issued with the old styled blue teudat zehut in 1969, and when I tried to renew it recently, I was advised by a clerk that it would be to my advantage not do so until I return again as an oleh, as my "rights" would start from that time. Is this correct??
A: Yes it is. I would advise you to "forget" Oleh Rights. You will be better off in this case to be a Returning Resident. Please check this out on the website www.moia.gov.il
Q: My grandfather on my Dad's side is Jewish, but not practicing. I am going to Jerusalem to study for a year. I want to have my DNA tested to prove I'm Jewish for the Law of Return. Where do I go in Israel to have this done?
A: Why don't you just show proof that you Grandfather is Jewish, you will need this anyway despite what the DNA shows. For DNA testing you should contact the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Q: I'm a Georgian citizen and olah hadasha in Israel. At the same time, also I'm refugee from Georgia. I want to get an international passport now, as I heard everyone can apply for a international passport after a year. Is it possible for me to get a proper passport now? If so, what can what can I do? How do I apply?
A: If you are an Olah Chadasha i.e. Israeli citizen then you are no longer a refugee. You may receive now a travel document if you need to go abroad. After one year's residency in Israel you can apply for an Israeli Passport.
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Vol LXXVIQ: I made aliyah in 1984 and was granted temporary resident status at that point. I now reside in the US but I am told that if I want to obtain Israeli citizenship that I only can do that in Israel. Therefore the question is how long must I reside in Israel to obtain citizenship or is it just a matter of going to the appropriate authority (Jewish Agency I assume) in Israel and not having to actually reside in Israel at this time. Of course, I in the long term do want to return.
A: From the little you have told me, you may apply for an Oleh Visa from an Aliyah Office abroad. The citizenship only kicks in on arrival in Israel.
Q: My mother was born in Israel and emigrated with her family to the USA when she was 7 at which point she had an Israeli passport. When her older brother was called for military service her parents decided to renounce the entire family's citizenship at which point she was 11 years old. Is there any way for her to get back her citizenship without making aliya, on the basis, for example, of having the parents decided for a minor who then reached the age of 18 and decided to retain her citizenship or any other way? She also remembers going to Israel at the age of 14 and having to get an Israeli passport before she could go because they said she was a citizen even though it was 3 years after her parents renounced citizenship, however, when we recently went to the embassy they said her parents had revoked it. Also, is there any way for me to obtain Israeli citizenship through her?
A: As I understand your story, your mother had her Israeli citizenship revoked when she was a child by her parents. Therefore she is no longer an Israel citizen. You were never an Israeli citizen. So should you decide to be an Israeli you must undergo the Aliyah process like everyone else.
Q: I made Aliyah in l969 - but left in l970 -- I had a "teudat zeut". I never used all my rights and never became an Israeli citizen. If I wanted to return to live in Israel what would my status be? I visit every year and they always check some number on the computer.
A: Sorry that is not enough information. Please explain more and I will be happy to try and answer you
Q: Would-be converts who converted in Israel by an Reform Rabbi accepted to make aliyah?
A: They will have to meet all the criteria as set down by the Israel Ministry of Interior
Q: A close relative of mine is considering coming to Israel from Spain. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and through medication has attained an almost fully normal life. Such medication is prescribed every few months and covered by the spanish public health system. The question is: does the Israeli public health system covers such kind of medication for new immigrants?
A: I would need to check the exact medication and dosages, but basically the answer is yes.
Q: There is a controversy with the shipping agent /customs broker about shipping charges. Can the aliyah department intervene or help ?
A: Possibly. Let's have some details
Q: When I was born in Germany my parents still had Israeli citizenship however they gave it up when I was one year old. Now I'm thinking of moving to Israel (I've only been there on vacation so far). Do I have to go through the whole immigration process or will it be easier / shorter because my parents used to have the citizenship?
A: Did they revoke their Israeli citizenship before or after you were born. If after did the revoke include you? I need more answers in order to answer your questions.
Q: I have no physical evidence that I'm Jewish but do suspect that I am for many reasons many are spirituals and can't be explained. I heard you talk about a DNA test that is done in Israel? Can you give me some info on this test and how I can submit to such a test. If my DNA hits a match what are the next steps for me to prove my Jewishness?
A: Please advice. DNA testing might show a connection to Jewish descent but for the purposes of Aliyah you still need documentary evidence if you are to make Aliyah
Q: I have had an inquiry from a Jewish US citizen (aged 40+) ,now working for a division of an Israeli company in US, no intention of coming on aliya in forseeable future, but would like to become an Israeli citizen. Does such a procedure exist?
A: No it does not.
Q: I'm planning on making aliya in a year. I will be 28, and I know that the military isn't usually interested in olim after this age for regular service and miluim. What if I'm interested in having a career in the military, using the skills that I currently possess?
A: Once you are an Israeli citizen, you may apply to the Israeli Army for employment in your field. This could be a uniform position or a civilian one working for the Army.
Q: My family moved in and out of Israel during the 1970s for job-related offers. I partially grew up in Israel and the second time my family moved I was at the age of 15. But this was out of my control. I am a US citizen. I went to college here and then immediately received job offers. I always support Israel and also donate to Israeli causes. When I inquired on visiting Israel I was asked if I was 15.5 at the time. I may have been. I was told I would therefore potentially have an issue. Is this true?
A: You have not given any indication of your age now. It sounds as if you are over 40 now. I would very much doubt that you will have any issues if you were to return now. To be certain you should contact the Israeli Consulate nearest to you and ask them to check it for you.
Q: I am Jewish and can prove as much. My girlfriend was born a Christian, and although she is not a practicing Christian she is not planning on converting. We both love Israel and would like to move there. Would we be allowed to move to Israel? Would it be easier if we had a civil marriage? Would she be barred from living in Israel if we weren't married?
A: A non-Jew who is married to a Jewish New Immigrant is included within the boundaries of the Law of Return. Whereas the Partner or Fiance of an Immigrant is not. I trust that this answers your question.
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Vol LXXVQ: My wife was born in Israel and we have a 4-year-old daughter that was born in the United States. I converted to Judaism by a recognized Reform Bet Din in the USA over 5 years ago. Question: In case I make Aliyah, would I be granted residence in Israel because I'm a Jew or because my wife is an Israeli citizen? How I should apply?
A: You would apply in your own right under the Law of Return.
Q: I'm interested in making aliya and joining a secular kibbutz. I am Jewish, 39 years old, female, speak Hebrew well. How can I find out about which kibbutzim absorb olim? I plan to visit Israel during winter but I'd like to get some info before my arrival .
A: It all depends on what you mean by absorbing New Olim. If your meaning is to purchase or rent a property on a Kibbutz that has housing on offer, then, like everyone else, you are free to do so. If your thoughts are like working in a Kibbutz and becoming a member with all the benefits then it is not a realistic proposition anymore.
Q: I´m a Jewish descendant, but my family doesn´t practice traditions. My parents were not married by a rabbi, because there is not a kehila [community] here. My great grant parents were not buried in a Jewish cemetery, because there is are not any here. I´m not a convert and I am not interested in becoming a convert. If I want to make aliyah would I need a DNA test to prove I´m legally of Jewish lineage?
A: I don't think so. Aliyah eligibility, is based on documentary evidence of the Jewishness up until a parent or grandparent. You don't appear to be able to show this. Therefore, there is no point in a DNA test.
Q: My father came to Israel in 1947 with the "mapilim" as a youth of 17 after surviving the war in Europe. He went to Mikveh Yisrael agricultural school until he volunteered for the Palmach in 1948. My father fought in the war, served in the Palyam, worked as a merchant marine and then left Israel for the US in 1956 when he was having trouble supporting his family.
Now, 52 years later, he'd like to move to Israel to be near his children and grandchildren. The Aliyah office in NYC told him today that he is "status 19". What does that mean?
He came to the country before independence was declared, never got any "rights", and even had to pay 400 lirot when he left for the straw mattress and sakum set the sochnut said he received from them.
Where can I go better understand and plead his case so he can make aliyah and be with his family.
Thanks!
A: Although your father came here before the State was formed, he stayed long enough to become an Israeli citizen. Citizenship came into effect in 1952. So your Father was a citizen for 4 years and still is a citizen today even if he is not a resident nor has a current Israeli Passport. Therefore should he wish to "return home to Israel" he will be classified as a Returning Resident.
Q: My sister lives in the US and wants to come to live with me in Israel on a permanent basis. She isn't Jewish [father Jewish, mother not]. Can she have status as a permanent resident? What will bringing her here entail?
A: If your sister can prove that she has/had a Jewish parent, then she is entitled to make Aliyah in accordance with the Law of Return.
Q: I am an Israeli citizen married to a non-Jewish American working in the UK. I intend to return to live permanently in Israel with my spouse. He would like to become an Israeli citizen. Would he benefit from all the rights of an "oleh chadash" when he emigrates?
A: No he wouldn't. He could not enter under the Law of Return an therefore not receive Oleh Chadash benefits.
Q: To apply for aliyah do I have to be a resident in Israel? What are the main criteria? Is it going to get harder to apply soon?
A: You do not have to be a resident to make the application for Aliyah, but you do have to arrive in Israel to get the Immigrant Visa that was issued abroad ratified.
Q: I was browsing through your very informative site and would like you to confirm the following to me:
A child born to an Israeli father and a non-Israeli (non-Jewish) mother automatically has the Israeli citizenship.
Sorry if you have to repeat yourself!
A: Yes, that is correct.
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