Israel's "Law of Return"

The "Law of Return" was passed by the Knesset on July 6, 1950. It has also been amended twice. The first amendment (September 1, 1954) is underlined in the text below, whilst the second amendment (March 19, 1970) is italicised.

The following should not be relied on as a definitive statement of current law. Only the origin Hebrew version as interpreted by the courts in Israel has final authority. The only way to learn the current Law concerning aliyah (immigration to the State of Israel as a "Jew") is to contact the appropriate authority at your local Israel Embassy or Consulate.

Although I have been most careful in copying out the following, any errors in the text are entirely mine. The original translation from Hebrew into English was made by Dr. Susan Hattis Rolef in "Appendix II" of her book, "The Political Dictionary of Israel", 1987.

The "Law of Return"

1. Every Jew has the right to immigrate to the country.

2. (a) Immigration shall be on the basis of an immigration visa.
(b) An immigrant visa shall be issued to any Jew who has expressed a desire to settle in Israel, unless the Ministry of the Interior is satisfied that the applicant:
(i) acts against the Jewish nation; or
(ii) is liable to threaten the public health or security of the state; or
(iii) has a criminal past which is liable to endanger the public's peace.

3. (a) A Jew who has come to Israel and after his arrival expresses a desire to settle in the country may, while in Israel, obtain an immigrant certificate.
(b) The exceptions specified in Article 2(b) shall apply to the issue of an immigrant certificate as well, though a person shall not be regarded as a threat to public health as a result of an illness which he has contracted after his arrival in Israel.

4. Every Jew who has immigrated to the country before this law goes into effect and, every Jew who was born in the country, either before or after the law is effective, enjoys the same status as whoever immigrated on the basis of this law.

4A. (a) The rights of a Jew under this law and the rights of an immigrant under the Citizenship Law - 1952, as well as the rights of an immigrant under any other legislation, are also imparted on the child or grandchild of a Jew, and on the spouse of a Jew and on the spouse of the child or grandchild of a Jew; excluding a person who was a Jew and willingly changed his religion.
(b) It is immaterial whether the Jew by virtue of whom the right is claimed under clause (a) is or is not alive and whether he did or did not immigrate to the country.
(c) The reservations and conditions laid down with regard to a Jew or immigrant in this law, or under it, or in legislation as mentioned in clause (a) will apply to those who claim a right under clause (a) as well.

4B. For the purpose of this law a "Jew" - anyone born to a Jewish mother or who has converted, and is not a member of another religion.

The Ministry of the Interior is in charge of the enforcement of this law and may enact regulations in connection with its implementation and for the issue of immigrant visas and immigrant certificates to minors up to the age of 18.
Regulations regarding clauses 4A and 4B require the approval of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee of the Knesset.

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