Repatriation to Israel from the Netherlands

In the wake of the events in Amsterdam, Israel is providing assistance in repatriation from Netherlands to Israel to Jews on an expedited basis. In 2023, about 45 thousand people resorted to repatriations. In 2024, the number is expected to grow. Interest in Israeli citizenship increases every year.

What Happened in Amsterdam?

On November 7, some residents of Amsterdam attacked Jewish fans after a soccer match. More than 60 Jewish people were injured — some suffered only minor bruises and some are still in hospital.

The incident was declared anti-Semitic by the authorities, so Israel took measures to return the Jewish people to their homeland. Several airplanes have been dispatched for urgent evacuation, and embassies are working urgently to help process documents for repatriation.

The Law ot Return

The Law of Return that regulates the repatriation process, was approved by the Parliament of the State of Israel in 1950. Representatives of Jewish nationality or persons professing Judaism residing in other states may become Israeli citizens under a special procedure called repatriation. In order to obtain Israeli citizenship, it is necessary to document a connection with the Israeli relative.

In 1970, the Law of Return was amended to allow for the repatriation to Israel of spouses, children and grandchildren of a close relative of a person of Jewish nationality. Israeli law also imposed restrictions on the granting of citizenship to foreigners whose activities were directed against the Israeli people and to persons with criminal records. A negative decision is also granted to foreign nationals who consider Israel as a safe haven to avoid justice in another state.

Aliyah to Israel from the Netherlands

The Aliyah to Israel from Netherlands procedure can be carried out at an Israeli embassy, or in Israel. The law provides for the right of foreigners, upon arrival in Israel as a tourist, to apply to the Population Registry Office for a change of status.

In addition to “direct absorption” in Israel, there are specialized programs for new olim: “Ulpan Kibbutz”; “First Home in the Homeland”; “Aliyah-2000”. The first program is best suited for young people under 35, including married couples without children. Here it is possible to combine the study of Hebrew with work. The study lasts 5 months, and the students live in a kibbutz during this time. During this time they have time to take part in all kinds of cultural, educational and entertainment events, to visit excursions.

• The “First Home in the Homeland” program also offers life in Kibbutz, only in this case you can rent a house there. This program is aimed at families with children and there is a fee to participate. You can live in Kibbutz for up to a year, learning Hebrew and using all the services: canteen, school, kindergarten.
• “Aliya-2000” – a program for those who plan to enter an Israeli university or professional training courses. It consists of two phases: Hebrew language study and exam preparation.
• Moreover, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, with the participation of the Jewish Agency, runs a “municipal absorption” program. This program, as the name implies, actively involves municipalities in a number of cities in Israel. This program provides a coordinator, assistance in finding housing and work, preparation for employment, benefits from the municipality, information assistance for opening a bank account, registration in a health insurance fund, etc.

Why Is It Necessary?

Obviously, it is not safe for Jews to stay in the Netherlands right now. The Government of Israel strongly advises not to use any Jewish and Israeli symbols on the street and in public places to avoid potentially further incidents. In addition, if you planned to move or repatriate before, moving to Israel from Netherlands — in 2024 is a great opportunity for you.

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, together with other Israeli government agencies, provides a system of benefits to returnees in various ways. The main goal is to help new citizens settle in and quickly adapt to the state. Free medical insurance for a period of 1 year is provided for repatriates who receive income only from state financial aid payments. The benefits apply in the system of education, taxation, employment, rent/purchase of housing and consist of:

Steps for Starting the Repatriation

The process of obtaining Israeli citizenship begins with the decision to move to Israel. Obtaining objective information about the state and preparing for repatriation greatly facilitates the procedure of obtaining an Israeli passport. For future citizens there are special programs that allow you to get acquainted with the historical homeland, Jewish traditions, religion and history of Israel before the repatriation process.

Once you have made a decision, you must bring a package of documents for yourself and your family (if you want to repatriate together). The package of documents confirming the right to repatriation to Israel is individual for each applicant. WRAI staff will provide you with a full list of the necessary documents to guarantee your repatriation visa (depending on your specific case!). A sample list of documents may include:

• Applicant’s birth certificate;
• Internal passport/ID card/residence permit;
• Foreign passport (must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of relocation);
• Applicant’s marriage certificate;
• Birth certificates of mother, father;
• Marriage certificate of parents;
• Birth certificates of grandmother, grandfather;
• Marriage certificate of grandparents;
• Death certificate of a Jewish relative;
• Death certificate of a Jewish spouse;
• Certificates of absence of financial indebtedness to the states;

Why WRAI?

We will find a suitable date for you to visit the Israeli Embassy at the Repatriation Department and help you register for an appointment. The queue depends on the number of applicants wishing to undergo the procedure. Generally, it takes about 3 months, but as 7 November it can be faster.

WRAI will prepare you for the interview in advance. Our team will provide you with a prototype of the application form to be filled out at the Repatriation Department of the Israeli Embassy, as well as a list of frequently asked questions with recommended answers. On the appointed day, we will accompany you to the Repatriation Department of embassy for an interview. In the case of collective repatriation, all family members must appear in person.

It is forbidden to enter the embassy with unauthorized items. At the repatriation office you will be given a questionnaire in which you must fill in information about yourself and your relatives. After filling out the form, representative of the Jewish Agency will review your documents proving your connection to the Jewish people and conduct an interview in a separate office.

Successful completion of the interview will guarantee you a repatriation visa. The validity period of the document confirming the right to obtain Israeli citizenship is 6 months. All family members listed on the application form must fly to Israel within the time limit. The repatriate retains the right to obtain a visa later, for this purpose it is necessary to notify the embassy staff. The permit will be issued upon the consent and readiness of the new citizen to travel to Israel. Upon arrival at the Israeli airport, at a meeting with the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, you will be given a Teudat Oleh – a document certifying your status as a new repatriate.

WRAI Assistance

Our archivists have many years of experience and are able to find a way out of any situation. Even if your documents have been lost, your ancestors changed their name or moved to another country — do not lose hope and contact us for help. From the moment you arrive at the airport in Israel, you will feel comfortable as WRAI will fully prepare you for repatriation. We will provide detailed information about the absorption process in Israel.