Aliyah for Spouses and Families
Bringing Your Loved Ones to Israel
Israel's Law of Return extends eligibility not just to Jews, but to their family members as well. This means that even if you're not Jewish yourself, you may still be eligible for Aliyah if you're married to someone who qualifies. Here's everything you need to know about family immigration to Israel.
Who Qualifies as Family?
The 1970 amendment to the Law of Return significantly expanded family eligibility:
Spouses of Jews: If you're married to a Jewish person, you qualify for Aliyah even if you're not Jewish yourself.
Spouses of Children of Jews: If you're married to someone with one Jewish parent (even if that person isn't Halachically Jewish), you qualify.
Spouses of Grandchildren of Jews: If you're married to someone with one Jewish grandparent, you still qualify.
Minor Children: All children under 18 of anyone eligible for Aliyah can immigrate, regardless of their religious status.
This means entire families—including non-Jewish members—can make Aliyah together as long as one family member qualifies through Jewish ancestry.
Understanding Spousal Rights
Full Citizenship:
Non-Jewish spouses who make Aliyah receive full Israeli citizenship immediately upon arrival, just like Jewish immigrants. There is no conditional status or waiting period.
Same-Sex Spouses:
Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad for immigration purposes. Same-sex couples married outside Israel can make Aliyah together.
Common Law Partners:
Long-term domestic partners may be eligible in some cases, though this requires additional documentation of the relationship.
Children and Aliyah
Minor Children:
All children under 18 of an eligible parent automatically qualify for Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship, regardless of whether the child is Jewish.
Children of Mixed Marriages:
The Law of Return's broad scope is especially relevant here:
A child with one Jewish parent qualifies
A child with one Jewish grandparent qualifies
Even children practicing another religion may qualify through ancestry
Adult Children:
Once children turn 18, they apply based on their own eligibility. If they have Jewish ancestry, they qualify in their own right.
Children Born in Israel:
If you make Aliyah and have children after arriving, those children are Israeli citizens from birth.
Documentation Requirements
For the Jewish Person or Eligible Individual:
Proof of Jewish heritage (birth certificates, marriage certificates, synagogue records)
Passport and vital records
Background checks
For Non-Jewish Spouses:
Official government-issued marriage certificate
Proof that the marriage is legally recognized
Passport, vital records, and background checks
Proof of relationship (photos, joint documents)
For Children:
Birth certificates showing parentage
Passports
Custody documents or adoption papers if applicable
Note: All foreign-language documents must be officially translated and may require apostille certification.
Benefits and Support for Families
Sal Klita (Absorption Basket): Every family member receives financial assistance, with families receiving more than individuals.
Housing Assistance: Families may qualify for rental assistance, especially with children.
Ulpan (Hebrew Classes): All family members receive free Hebrew instruction. Some ulpanim offer childcare for parents.
Education: Children are integrated into Israeli schools with additional Hebrew support.
Healthcare: All family members receive health insurance through a Kupat Cholim.
Tax Benefits: Families receive tax breaks and customs exemptions on imported goods.
Life in Israel for Non-Jewish Family Members
Non-Jewish family members who make Aliyah have full citizenship rights:
Right to vote and hold office
Access to healthcare and social services
Right to work without restrictions
Israeli passport and travel documents
Full legal protections
Non-Jewish family members are free to practice their own religion or maintain secular lifestyles. Israel has churches, mosques, and other religious institutions.
Common Family Scenarios
Jewish Parent + Non-Jewish Parent + Children: The entire family qualifies. All receive citizenship.
One Jewish Grandparent: Even if no immediate family members are Jewish, your entire family (spouse and minor children) can make Aliyah with you.
Adopted Children: Adopted children of Jews qualify as part of the family unit, regardless of biological background.
Widowed Spouses: Widowed spouses of Jews retain their right to Aliyah even after their spouse's death, provided they haven't remarried.
Divorced Spouses: Generally lose their right to Aliyah, though exceptions exist when children are involved.
Special Considerations
No Conversion Pressure: Non-Jewish spouses should not feel pressured to convert. The Law of Return grants full citizenship regardless of religion.
Children's Jewish Identity: For mixed families, children's Jewish status depends on whether the mother is Jewish (Halachic law). This affects religious matters but not citizenship.
Marriage in Israel: The Rabbinate controls Jewish marriage. Non-Jewish citizens can marry abroad (Cyprus is popular) and have the marriage recognized in Israel.
Military Service: Jewish males are subject to mandatory service. Non-Jewish family members are not required but may volunteer.
Making the Decision as a Family
Discuss together: make sure all family members are on board
Visit first: if possible, visit Israel together before making Aliyah
Consider timing: think about school transitions and career considerations
Plan financially: have reserves for the transition period
Build community: connect with other immigrant families for support
The Bottom Line
Israel's Law of Return recognizes that family units should stay together. The expansive definition of eligible family members means that entire families can build new lives in Israel, even when not all members are Jewish. Non-Jewish family members receive full citizenship and rights, allowing families to integrate together into Israeli society.
While challenges exist—cultural adjustment, language learning, bureaucratic hurdles—thousands of mixed families successfully make Aliyah each year. The key is approaching the process as a team, with everyone committed to building a life in Israel together.
