Israeli Citizenship for non-Jew?

[eethomas]

Israeli Citizenship for non-Jew?

Hi, My fiance and I are thinking of moving to Israel next year. He's an Israeli citizen, and we met while he was in the US pursuing a graduate degree. We plan on having a Jewish home in many respects (celebrate Jewish holidays, keep Shabbat to some degree), and I'm willing to convert to make my connection to Judaism official. However, as a secular Israeli, he is uncomfortable with the conversion. What are my options for immigration as a non-Jew? If the conversion goes through in May, would it work for me to immigrate in September of the same year? Is it possible for me to immigrate without him having to become religious? thanks, Elizabeth

 

[yeshtikva]

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Hi, Elizabeth I can't answer all of your questions but can give some general answers. Your best bet is to contact a Rabbi locally - you are in the US, right? You can look up to see what synagogues are in your local area and contact the Rabbis at those. About conversion (giur): first you need to be really committed to becoming Jewish. Conversion is NOT an easy process and takes time, effort and dedication - whatever 'stream' of Judaism you choose to convert to (i.e. Conservative, Masorti, Orthodox, Reform). The Rabbi/ Beth Din in charge of your conversion will want to meet you first to find out why you want to convert and be satisfied about the reasons you choose on this difficult path. I believe they will wish to talk to your partner too and he will have to support you through the process and also attend shuls, classes etc. It's a BIG commitment to convert! But it's doable and if you want to be Jewish it's the only way. Second, about immigration. The Law of Return says that you can make Aliyah as a convert - but you need to check first whether the Interior Ministry will accept a conversion from your chosen synagogue in the US, so you should check with your nearest Aliyah Shaliach before you start. If you didn't start on a conversion process yet then there's no chance you can finish by May 2006. I never heard of one done so quickly. There was a one year waiting period from the date of conversion until the date you could make Aliyah. This recently changed BUT it's still being processed through the various official bodies in Israel so if I were you I would set your mind to waiting a year after your conversion date. It's possible to convert in Israel - but I don't think you could live with your partner whilst you do so. There's another forum that might help you - it has lots of questions and answers by the non Jewish partners of Israelis - check out www.newinisrael.com You cannot get married in Israel as a non-Jew but you can (I think - you need to check on the law) marry in a civil ceremony abroad then move to Israel and get a visa but you won't be an Israeli citizen straight away. I'm not really too sure on this.

 

[eethomas]

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Thanks! I live in Toronto, and I started the reform conversion process here in September, with the Beit Din scheduled in June. Our plan is to have a civil marriage ceremony here, and then a non-religious, non-legally-binding ceremony/party in Israel. I'm aware that there's no such thing as civil or non-orthodox Jewish wedding in Israel. My partner is grudgingly cooperating with the conversion, and this seems to be working out okay with our sponsoring rabbi. Do you know where I can find any more information on the one year wait between conversion and aliyah? If we have jobs lined up in Israel -- a real possibility since we're both in high tech / academia -- then I'm not going to be able to convince him to wait another year before going back to Israel. I've contacted the Shlicha here in Toronto, but haven't heard back yet. Thanks very much for the link! I hadn't seen that forum before, and there's lots of information there. Elizabeth