T. Belman. Another reason to amend the clause is because over the next 20 years, massive Jewish immigration is expected from Europe due to the growing Muslim population there. Israel needs the room to accommodate them.
“40 percent of those granted automatic citizenship take the benefits and leave. The State should assess immigrants’ intentions.”
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli is in the process of establishing a council that he hopes will receive broad support for revising the so-called Grandchild Clause of the Law of Return, in order to arrive at consensus on changes to the law that currently permit anyone who has at least one Jewish grandparent to claim Israeli citizenship.
In an extensive interview with Israel Hayom, Chikli presented his plans to amend the clause.
“Urgent changes are needed,” the Diaspora Affairs Minister stated. “Someone who isn’t Jewish and whose sole connection to Israel is through his grandfather, or even his great-grandfather, shouldn’t be able to receive citizenship automatically. As things stand, the State of Israel can tell someone who doesn’t keep a Jewish way of life in any way to go through a certain process in order to immigrate to Israel.”
From his first day on the job, Chikli has held dialogues with many personalities in diaspora Judaism. “I hope to execute the revisions through a national outlook. President Herzog’s idea to form a council to revise the law is acceptable, and we will include representatives from the diaspora. We need to put together a clear policy, just as we do when it comes to visas, for granting citizenship.”
When asked what changes need to be made to the Grandchild Clause, Chikli answered:
“Forty percent of those who receive Israeli citizenship leave after receiving the financial benefits. The State of Israel can assess whether someone wishes to become part of the Jewish nation or even to convert, and if they want to live here for the rest of their days or only for a short amount of time. This isn’t a game.”
Chikli was also asked if he had heard any comments about the progress of the planned judicial reform and replied: “I have held meetings during which senior figures in diaspora Judaism expressed concern about the Override Clause, but this clause was added to the Freedom of Occupation Law by [former Supreme Court President] Aharon Barak himself. Israel is moving closer to the American model, and that’s a good thing.”
They want to limit or, ideally, even to stop the aliyah of anyone who is not religiously Orthodox for at least two generations (this is already a requirement for the US Jews).
According to mirib, it looks like they don’t even want the Israeli citizens living abroad to return (otherwise, why would they make it so difficult to do it?)
I think it is merely a question of which “sector” gets the most money – if there is a huge increase in aliyah, it will take a big chunk of state funds which then won’t go to those who want those funds the most.
I have a dream – I want to see THOUSANDS of aliyah applications A DAY submitted to the Jewish Agency and NBN!
I guarantee you, those who make Aliyah do NOT take the benefits and leave. The barracudas in the Bituach Leumi are formidable. Of course, you must have a bank account so any governs funds can be deposited, but You are cut off immediately when you leave Israel, any funds deposited in your account are withdrawn, surprise! Then upon return, you must re-activate your bank account and make a payment to the National Health Insurance, according to the months you were absent, before you get coverage and any reinstated benefits. Unlike in USA, where those Social Security deposits go into your US bank account, as scheduled, even if you are in Timbuktu. There is a new returning citizens policy where I read you must pay 12,000 nis to establish Health Insurance if you’ve been out of Israel up to 5 years! I shudder to think about finding how much we are taxed! The VAT that every Israeli pays is already a hardship! All this talk about huge increase in Aliyah, well, will they have money to cover the barrage of fees? And expense of relocating? It’s a serious problem!