LXXIV: I am the mother of 4 Jewish children, plus 1 soon-to-be adopted South African born child, who is not Jewish. I want to make Aliyah in 2009, and would like to know whether I should convert her in Israel or here in South Africa. She is 5.
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 Vols LXXII to Vol LXXIII click here
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Vol LXXIVQ: Hi, I am a K'tinah Chozeret. I was born in Israel, lived in America from age 2 - 18 and came back with Nefesh b'Nefesh after that. Am I eligible for the rent subsidy that people who make "regular" Aliyah get? If so, can you please tell me the details - for how long, how much, how do I sign up for it?
A: You mean Nefesh B Nefesh didn't tell you!!??. Yes you are entitled to rent subsidy in your 2,3,4, and 5 th year of Aliyah. Try calling the AACI they will be happy to explain the process to you.
Q: I was born in the UK. I made aliyah in 2004 (too old for the army) but moved back to Glasgow in 2006 to earn some money. Long story short, I needed some medical treatment that's taken 2 years to recover from. When I return to Israel in a couple of months what status/benefits/exemptions if any would I be eligible for? I have an Israeli and British passport, which do I use to travel back to Israel? British to leave Britain and Israeli to enter Israel?
A: Yes it's the "When in Rome" rule. Your benefits in Customs rights and Housing were frozen once you were out of Israel for at least 6 months. I trust that you are feeling well again.
Q: My ancestors have been in USA since the 1700's. However, we have clear documentation of Jewish lineage through my father's side of the family. I am 45 year old woman, and unmarried. I have a master's degree in a computer field, and an extensive IT related background. Is aliyah even a remote possibility for me?Â
A: I am afraid not, sorry
Q: I am currently In Israel on a 5 month Internship program recognized by MASA. My mother was born in Israel but has not lived here in over 30 years. While trying to extend my 3 month visa through my program, they said that my mother is Israeli and that I must pay to get an Israeli Passport. The thing is I don't really want one but now that I'm past my visa and looking to get a work visa I'm worried misrad hapnim is going to blackmail me and refuse to give me one.
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The way I look at is, I was born and lived in the US my entire life and I'm only here temporarily. Why am I being forced to get a passport and have to pay for one too when I have just as many rights as an American in Israel as an Israeli does. I was particularly upset that Misrad Hapnim wrote in my American passport my mom's identification number. Is this legal? I am 23 years old and I don't know where my career will take me. Being an Israeli citizen could be problematic when traveling to other countries and besides, I don't want to have to get a piece of paper every time I visit the country to exempt me from the army. If I were living here or making Aliya I would understand, but I'm not...
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Now that I'm considering visiting Petra, Jordan I'm worried they won't let me back in the country if I were to leave.
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Please advise me as to what to do.
A: It's a pity that you did not mention if you were male or female. As a female there would be no Army issue. You were born in the USA with Israeli citizenship. This means that as long as you are not in Israel it doesn't really matter. BUT when in Israel you are subject to Israeli rules and norms. You can travel all over the world on your American passport. If being Israeli has not been problematic up until now, it shouldn't be in the future.
Q: Hi, I am married to an Israeli citizen and I would like to move to Israel to live with my husband. What do I need to do in order to reside in Israel?
A: A lot of money!! And give me some more information.
Q: My brother was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel 28 years ago. Do my sons who were born in Canada have to serve n the army? My eldest, 21 years old is in Canada at this time but would like to return either for a visit or to reside. Please provide me with some details
A: The Army recognizes the fact that they are part of a "Bereaved Family" They will still have to serve but probably not in Combat Units.
Q: I converted to Judaism via the Conservative Movement some years ago. I have already contacted the proper people in Israel and I am eligible for aliyah. My question is, if I would choose to convert to Orthodoxy after making aliyah, would that be an option?
A: Yes you can apply in Israel for an Orthodox conversion
Q: My father is an Israeli citizen, who has lived in England for 18 years, and has a British passport as well as an Israeli one. As my mother is not Jewish, I'm officially not Jewish. Is it possible for me to make Aliyah and convert to Judaism in Israel?
A: Yes
Q: I have Jewish last name. I want to buy property in Israel. If I buy property in Israel does that allow me to make aliya or permanent residency based on that alone? If not what rights do I receive by owning property in Israel?
A: I have a French name but it doesn't grant me any benefits in France. If you purchase a home in Israel you will be a tourist with a home here. No reason to receive any benefits, sorry.
Q: I am a non-Jewish American with a Jewish father whose parents were also both Jewish (grandma and grandpa were survivors of the Shoah). Due to personal and political reasons, I have grown tired of living in America, but would like to go to college in America for at least six years before starting any aliyah plans.
What process, if any, would you recommend? Am I still eligible for citizenship even though I am not Jewish? I was baptized a Roman Catholic, but I have not so much as been into a church in nearly a decade nor do I practice that faith anymore. If I am eligible, should I convert before making aliyah plans? And if I make aliyah in say, my mid 30s (I'm 19 currently, but plan on getting higher education all the way up to a Ph.D and saving up some cash before moving anywhere), would I be required to serve in the Army (I have a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of Autism as well...would that affect any potential army service?)?
A: If your Aliyah is when you are in your mid-thirties then you will be over the age to serve in the Army anyway. If you have a Jewish parent or grandparent you are eligible to make Aliyah without converting to Judaism.
Q: I understand from a previous Q&A that a child born outside Israel to an Israeli parent is recognised as an Israeli citizen and is required to enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport. My partner and I (he is Israeli and lives there permanently, eventually I will apply for permanent residence when we are married here in the UK) recently had a baby girl and we will be traveling to TLV for 8 weeks in August and September. As she is only 4 months old, I have only had time to arrange her British passport. Will this cause any problems with the Israeli customs officials when we arrive?
A: You should apply for an Israeli passport for her during the 8 weeks that you are in Israel.
Q: I am the mother of 4 biological, Jewish-born children, plus 1 soon-to-be adopted South African born child, who is not Jewish.
I am planning on making Aliyah towards the end of 2009, and would like to know whether I can convert her once I arrive in Israel, or is it suggested that I do it in South Africa. She is 5 years old.
A: I would suggest that your child undergoes an Orthodox Conversion Ceremony in S Africa, as it should be recognized in Israel. Probably an easier process there rather than here.
Q: I'm to be married to an American Jew who may have a problem proving his Jewish identity (because rabbi who knew his late father is not alive either and other documents don't seem to be relevant?! - could it be the case that a Jew finds himself in such a situation?). My question is - if we get married elsewhere, not in Israel, what would be his rights for making aliya?
A: Most Jewish people are able to establish their Jewish identities without too much trouble. I suggest that your Fiance digs a little deeper (parents and grandparents burial plots, Uncles etc. I assume you are Israeli, if so and you marry someone who cant establish Jewishness, then he will have no Immigrant benefits.
Q: Hello, I've lived in Israel for 2.5 years as a citizen and left in 1997. After that I visited for short periods of time. My Israeli passport expired in 2006. I am now a Canadian citizen who is visiting Israel (with my 18-year- old daughter who is also a Canadian citizen) with a valid Canadian passport and have been informed by the passport officer upon entry to Israel that I and my 18 year old daughter may face trouble upon leaving Israel in two weeks. I was "warned" by the passport officer that my daughter has to go to the Army office to inquire about serving and we will not be able to leave the country unless we renew our Israeli passports. Should I be worried as we are scheduled to leave in two weeks to resume our life back in Canada?
A: Both of you are Israeli citizens as well as being Canadian. In Israel, the laws of Israel are applicable. You daughter is in Israel at a time when her age group faces Army induction. I advise you strongly to get your Israeli papers sorted out before you leave. If you do not manage then arrive very early at Ben Gurion Airport and try to sort something out there.
Q: I am a divorced Jewish male, 49 years of age, and beginning to explore the possibility of making aliyah. From what I have read, I take it that this puts me in the older category of potential olim. Are there particular communities or services available to someone in my age group? Please provide me with as much detail as you can for rural and urban options. I will also need to do an ulpan program. I am presently a certified French and Spanish teacher and would eventually like to seek employment in my field.
A: You should contact the nearest branch of the Jewish Agency in order to get full details or call the Global Center on one of its toll free numbers. For your age I would recommend the Tel Aviv area.
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