Repatriation to Israel for children of mixed marriages

For Israeli citizens married to non-Israeli spouses, securing citizenship for the partner’s child is a common concern. Back in 2021, Dr. Netanel Fisher of Shaarei Mishpat College highlighted a striking data: approximately 85,000 mixed couples (where one spouse is Jewish and the other isn’t) live in Israel, accounting for 7% of all marriages. The actual numbers are likely higher, as statistics don’t include unmarried couples. Or those in relationships with non-citizen foreigners.

Moreover, nearly 60% of these very 7% marriages are between Jews and non-Jews, often resulting in children not raised under Jewish law. The trend also shows no signs of slowing, as between 2011 and 2018, mixed marriages increased by 38%. That said, the actual topic proves to be highly relevant. The following article outlines Israeli law on the matter and offers guidance for navigating the process, ensuring children’s legal status is properly secured.

Eligibility criteria under the Law of Return

To explore the topic, it’s mandatory to understand who qualifies for the Law of Return – a key opportunity for a child to repatriate. It grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship. The principle is established in the very first article and cannot be revoked – neither by the Knesset nor any other authority. At one point, there was a proposal to amend the law by adding a clause preventing the expulsion of Jews already living in Israel, yet the idea wasn’t adopted.

To exercise the right of return, one must first secure a special visa, issued after a review by an Israeli consulate. However, it may be denied if the applicant has a criminal record or poses a public health risk due to certain dangerous diseases. Eligibility for the visa extends to those recognized as Jewish under the law, meaning individuals with a Jewish mother or those who’ve undergone conversion – without adopting another religion. Overall, the repatriation process is overseen by the Minister of the Interior and a dedicated commission. While the Law of Return defines who qualifies for immigration, the specific citizenship procedures are outlined in a separate 1952 statute. The law also applies specifically to children and grandchildren of Jews (since 1970), allowing them to make Aliyah even if they don’t meet Halakha (Jewish law – the literal way to behave).

Challenges faced by mixed families

Various challenges can arise when is the child’s repatriation to Israel planned. Some are severe enough, others less:

• The absorption process. It considers diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. That said, if a child isn’t introduced to anything, it’ll obviously be difficult for him to settle in and find his way around in the future.
• There also might be concerns about personal status matters, such as burial arrangements or the future marriages of children.
• Language barriers can pose difficulties. While Hebrew fluency isn’t always required, a strong grasp of English may be a must for smoother adaptation. And if a child hasn’t yet begun to speak (due to the young age), early exposure to Hebrew can be beneficial. That said, language programs, known as Ulpans, aren’t limited to Israel – they’re available almost worldwide. Many reputable ones operate in the U.S. and Canada. For detailed information click here.

Documentation and proof of heritage

To apply for a child’s citizenship, parents first should contact their local Interior Ministry office. The absolute must of a smooth process is preparing the correct documents, which vary depending on the child’s age. Yet the required paper list typically includes the birth certificate (with a translation and Apostille, in case it’s not in Hebrew or English) and a valid passport with at least two years of remaining validity. The last isn’t always required, as this depends on local regulations. Thus, in many countries, the identity card is issued starting only at age 16.

Additional considerations apply in certain cases. Do note that when applying through the father, documentation confirming the parents’ relationship before the pregnancy (photos, chats, a hospital birth certificate) must be provided. To prevent delays, it’s best to confirm all requirements in advance with the consular office or Interior Ministry – proper preparation helps ensure a faster and smoother process.

Case studies of successful Repatriation

Case studies on interreligious couples have been conducted as well. In fact, there’s been a great deal of them. A few examples are worth mentioning:

Michael Cohen and Elena Petrova-Cohen

Michael grew up in a Jewish family in England, staying connected to his roots from childhood. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and participated in almost all themed holidays, though he wasn’t strictly observant. And at 29, he met Elena, a Russian Christian who’d moved to Britain as a teenager. They married, and Elena, respecting her husband’s heritage, gladly shared in his family’s traditions. Four years later, the couple moved to Israel. Michael wanted to immerse himself in Jewish culture, and Elena fully supported him, though she had no plans to convert.

That said, they prepared carefully, gathering documents proving Michael’s ancestry, drafting a letter affirming their commitment to life in Israel, and joining a community for mixed families. Elena also began learning Hebrew in advance. Upon arrival, Michael received immediate citizenship, whilst Elena was granted temporary residency, which converted to full citizenship a year later. They settled in Tel Aviv, where they connected with other interfaith couples: Elena quickly picked up Hebrew in local Ulpan and found work as an English teacher, and Michael made a name in tech-sector. Both became active members of their local community, embracing their new home.

The ‘Silverman-Kim Decision’

Michael and Elena’s case closely resembles the 2016 Silverman-Kim’s case ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court, which addressed the Law of Return’s application to interfaith couples. The court’s decision at that time established key legal precedents, affirming that while the law grants a non-Jewish spouse the right to immigrate alongside their Jewish partner, thus upholding family unity, it doesn’t recognize them as Jewish under religious law.

Still, the non-Jewish spouse is granted equal civil rights. Obviously, everything worked out well for this very couple. Yet this was one of those rare cases where the matter wasn’t just resolved – instead, it also established a strong legal foundation, setting a precedent and serving as a reference for similar situations.

Support for Interfaith families

In Israel, support systems for interfaith families are always expanding. It’s so with synagogues, community centers, and online platforms offering resources, events, and consultations to meet the needs of interfaith couples.

Say, from some culinary events to children’s themed workshops. The latter is especially relevant given the article’s focus. There’re also special educational programs are intended exclusively for children. Among the most popular, one can highlight NAALE, which is aimed at schoolchildren – within the framework, participants’ll have the opportunity to study free of charge in local schools for 3-4 years. And upon completion, graduates are issued a certificate of maturity.

Another sought-after option is the international Makom.il, designed for both children and teenagers from 10 to 17 years old: participants go to Israel for 10 days, where they’ll attend a camp of a sort. Makom.il provides an introduction to the history, culture and traditions of Israel. Lastly, state assistance remains available, though it falls under broader aid packages, such as those for new repatriates. Be it as it may, families making Aliyah with children under 18 qualify for a monthly allowance from the Bituach Leumi. This benefit isn’t income-dependent, so all eligible families receive it – regardless of financial status. The actual amount is automatically calculated and payments are issued on the 20th of each month.

In 2025, the allowance is NIS 169 for the first child (by birth order), increasing to NIS 214 for the second, third, and fourth children. From the fifth onward, the amount returns to NIS 169 per one. For more details on assistance programs, you may visit the official government website.