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Currently grandchildren who have at least one Jewish grandparent but aren't necessarily Jewish according to the Halacha are allowed to immigrate to Israel. Should this be changed? This article is food for thought: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjg8xfv5n
I don't live in Israel so possibly I have a different view.
If claiming to be Jewish gets a person out of Russia or out of the Ukraine, I am very happy for them regardless of where they end up.
If they use Israel as a "way-station" on their way to the US or Canada or someplace else, I don't really see how Israel is harmed. Even if the people don't intend to live a Jewish life, being able to help them get out of harm's way, seems like a good enough reason to help.
If they have to be issued a passport, perhaps the passport issued for their initial flight to Israel could be good for only one year. That way, if they are only passing through, the passport will soon expire. And if they are not living in Israel, they won't qualify for a renewal passport.
Like most of life's problems and questions, there are no easy solutions that appeal to all.
I don't live in Israel so possibly I have a different view.
If claiming to be Jewish gets a person out of Russia or out of the Ukraine, I am very happy for them regardless of where they end up.
If they use Israel as a "way-station" on their way to the US or Canada or someplace else, I don't really see how Israel is harmed. Even if the people don't intend to live a Jewish life, being able to help them get out of harm's way, seems like a good enough reason to help.
If they have to be issued a passport, perhaps the passport issued for their initial flight to Israel could be good for only one year. That way, if they are only passing through, the passport will soon expire. And if they are not living in Israel, they won't qualify for a renewal passport.
The other issue is that those with just a Jewish grandfather aren't Jewish according to the Halacha and therefore arenot contributing to the Jewishness of Israel.
Like most of life's problems and questions, there are no easy solutions that appeal to all.
The problem isn't only that they get an Israeli passport, new immigrants get many tax and financial benefits. These benefits shouldn't be given to those just using Israel as a "way station".
Of course those with just a Jewish grandfather aren't actually Jewish and aren't contributing to the Jewishness of Israel's population. I think the only reason that the law was written this way was due to Hilter's definition of a Jew being anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent.
The problem isn't only that they get an Israeli passport, new immigrants get many tax and financial benefits. These benefits shouldn't be given to those just using Israel as a "way station".
Of course those with just a Jewish grandfather aren't actually Jewish and aren't contributing to the Jewishness of Israel's population. I think the only reason that the law was written this way was due to Hilter's definition of a Jew being anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent.
I understand the financial and cultural implications of an influx of non-Jews into Israel. This is a humanitarian problem and Israel cannot solve the world's refugee problems by itself.
I believe provided they agree to keep a Jewish life when they are olim in Israel they should be allowed. Now there is a lot of discussion on what constitutes a Jewish life, but for me anyone who converts according to Reform, Conservative or Orthodox is fine
I believe provided they agree to keep a Jewish life when they are olim in Israel they should be allowed. Now there is a lot of discussion on what constitutes a Jewish life, but for me anyone who converts according to Reform, Conservative or Orthodox is fine
Probably anyone who observes Shabbat in some acceptable way would qualify under your definition.
Probably anyone who observes Shabbat in some acceptable way would qualify under your definition.
Provided they've undergone a formal conversion with a registered Beth Din of any denomination then they're Jewish. Maybe not under halacha but they are part of the Jewish people.
If they have to be issued a passport, perhaps the passport issued for their initial flight to Israel could be good for only one year. That way, if they are only passing through, the passport will soon expire. And if they are not living in Israel, they won't qualify for a renewal passport.
I like this idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chava61
Of course those with just a Jewish grandfather aren't actually Jewish and aren't contributing to the Jewishness of Israel's population. I think the only reason that the law was written this way was due to Hilter's definition of a Jew being anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent.
I’m sure that’s the only reason the law was written that way. But those people should have access to Israel as a safe haven too (especially to the extent that they face danger because of their partially Jewish background), whether or not they identify with Judaism as a religion or culture.
I’m sure that’s the only reason the law was written that way. But those people should have access to Israel as a safe haven too (especially to the extent that they face danger because of their partially Jewish background), whether or not they identify with Judaism as a religion or culture.
And that is why there is a movement to change the law as Hitler's racist laws are no longer relevant for the most of the younger people living today.
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