The Interfaith Child: Making Aliyah with One Jewish Parent and Complex Religious Upbringing
Case Study: Leila Cohen-Ahmad, Age 27, United States
Background
Leila Cohen-Ahmad grew up in Chicago in a uniquely interfaith household. Her mother, Rachel Cohen, was a Reform Jew who maintained strong connections to her Jewish heritage and community. Her father, Tariq Ahmad, was a practicing Muslim from Jordan who remained equally committed to his Islamic faith. Rather than choosing one tradition for their daughter, Leila's parents decided to expose her to both religions, allowing her to develop her own religious identity.
Throughout her childhood, Leila attended both synagogue and mosque, celebrated Jewish and Muslim holidays, and received educational instruction in both traditions. Her parents hosted interfaith gatherings in their home and were active in dialogue between their religious communities. This dual upbringing gave Leila a rich multicultural perspective but also created complexity in her religious identity.
As a young adult, while respecting her Muslim heritage, Leila felt increasingly drawn to her Jewish roots. She became more involved in Jewish campus life during college, studied Hebrew, and began observing Shabbat. After graduation, she worked for an organization promoting Jewish-Muslim understanding, drawing on her unique background.
At age 27, after much reflection and several visits to Israel, Leila decided to make aliyah. While she clearly qualified under the Law of Return through her Jewish mother, her complex religious background and continuing respect for her Muslim heritage raised questions about her application.
The Challenge
Leila's application for aliyah faced several significant obstacles:
Her dual religious upbringing raised questions about her primary religious identity
Her Muslim name and heritage created concerns about potential discrimination in Israel
Her continued respect for and practice of some Muslim traditions complicated her Jewish status
Questions arose about whether her interfaith background would hinder integration
Security reviews were automatically triggered by her Jordanian paternal heritage
Some officials questioned whether her Jewish identity was "authentic" given her mixed practices
Her visible support for interfaith dialogue raised concerns in more conservative circles
Precedent Case: The Plural Identity Principle (2019)
Leila's situation closely resembled the landmark "Plural Identity Principle" established in 2019, which addressed the case of Daniel Santos-Goldberg, a man with similarly complex interfaith upbringing who successfully petitioned for aliyah. This principle established important guidelines for evaluating applicants with mixed religious backgrounds.
The principle stated: "The Law of Return establishes eligibility based on having at least one Jewish parent, regardless of religious upbringing or practice. When an applicant has a Jewish mother, this matrilineal connection satisfies the fundamental requirement for aliyah eligibility under both religious and secular interpretations. The presence of additional cultural or religious influences in an applicant's background does not negate their Jewish status or right of return. In an increasingly interconnected world with rising rates of interfaith marriage, Israel recognizes that many eligible Jews maintain multiple cultural identities and connections. The diversity of experiences and perspectives these individuals bring represents a potential strength rather than a disqualification."
Resolution Process
Working with an aliyah advisor specialized in complex religious identity cases, Leila prepared a comprehensive application that included:
Jewish Identity Documentation:
Her mother's birth certificate and synagogue records confirming Jewish lineage
Documentation of her participation in Jewish life, including Bat Mitzvah certificate
Letters from rabbis who had known her through various life stages
Evidence of her Hebrew studies and Jewish educational experiences
Documentation of her increasing Jewish observance in adulthood
Plural Identity Context:
A thoughtful personal statement articulating her journey and current religious identity
Explanation of how she integrated aspects of both traditions while identifying primarily as Jewish
Letters from interfaith organizations attesting to her positive contributions
Academic references discussing the growing phenomenon of dual-heritage individuals
Testimonials from other successful olim (immigrants) with mixed backgrounds
Integration Planning:
Research on communities in Israel known for openness to diversity
Connection with organizations supporting olim with complex backgrounds
Professional skills applicable to the Israeli job market, particularly in intercultural communication
Evidence of previous successful visits to Israel
Hebrew language proficiency certification
Security Clarity:
Complete transparency about her background and family connections
Documentation of her father's moderate religious views and support for her Jewish identity
Evidence of her work promoting interreligious understanding and peace
Character references from respected community leaders familiar with her family
Outcome
After a thorough six-month review process, the Ministry of Interior approved Leila's aliyah application, explicitly citing the Plural Identity Principle. The approval stated:
"In accordance with established principles regarding applicants with complex religious backgrounds, we have determined that the applicant meets all criteria for aliyah eligibility. Her Jewish status through matrilineal descent is clearly established through reliable documentation, satisfying the fundamental requirement under the Law of Return. Her interfaith upbringing and continuing respect for her Muslim heritage do not diminish her Jewish identity or eligibility. Rather, her unique background and demonstrated commitment to building bridges between communities represents a potential contribution to Israeli society, which includes citizens of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Her thoughtful articulation of her Jewish journey demonstrates genuine connection to Jewish identity while acknowledging the complexity of her heritage."
Leila successfully made aliyah in 2023 and settled in Haifa, known for its mixed Jewish-Arab population and tradition of coexistence. She found work with an organization promoting dialogue between diverse communities in Israel and continued her personal Jewish journey while maintaining respectful connections to her Muslim heritage. While occasionally facing challenges related to her mixed background, she has found supportive communities that value her unique perspective and bridge-building abilities.
Key Principles Established
This case reinforced several important principles regarding aliyah approval for individuals with complex interfaith backgrounds:
Matrilineal Jewish descent establishes eligibility regardless of religious upbringing or mixed heritage
Respect for other religious traditions does not negate or diminish Jewish identity or eligibility
Complex religious backgrounds can represent potential contributions rather than obstacles to Israeli society
The Law of Return accommodates the reality of increasing interfaith families in the Jewish diaspora
Personal Jewish journey and connection can evolve and deepen over time despite multiple influences
Cultural complexity can be compatible with authentic Jewish identity
Israel's diverse society has space for individuals who maintain connections to multiple traditions
Bridge-building abilities and intercultural competence are valued attributes for integration
Leila's case is now referenced by Jewish Agency representatives counseling aliyah applicants with complex interfaith backgrounds, demonstrating that maternal Jewish lineage establishes clear eligibility regardless of upbringing, and that respect for other religious traditions need not conflict with making aliyah when Jewish identity is genuinely embraced.