Israel’s chief rabbi: tighten Law of Return now
Israel’s chief rabbi has said the Law of Return should be changed to allow only those with Jewish mothers into the Jewish state.
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau was responding to a report commissioned by the Israeli government that found that almost nine million people around the world were eligible to come and live in Israel under the current law.
“We must change the Law of Return immediately so it will include only those who are Jewish according to the halakha,” said Lau.
“Israel can decide to be the third world’s welfare state, but as long as that decision has not been taken, it needs to stop allowing non-Jews to make Aliyah.”
Currently, children of a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother, or grandchildren or great-grandchildren of at least one Jewish grandparent or great-grandparent, can immigrate to Israel.
In one example cited by Lau, the Jewish identity of a grandfather buried in Moscow allowed 73 of the man’s children and grandchildren to enter the country.
Lau is one of several religious leaders to worry about an influx of non-Jews, who then marry within Israel.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
