What is Aliyah? Exploring Its Meaning and How It Works

Published on November 5, 2023February 15, 2026

Since 1950, some people have been eligible for Aliyah to Israel under the Law of Return (hok ha-shvūt) (חוק השבות):

The Law of Return allows Jews, pending a few stipulations, the right to immigrate to Israel and acquire Israeli citizenship.

Aliyah is the impactful act of moving to Israel by those eligible under the Law of Return. On a broader scale, it captures the reunification of our tribe in our homeland after thousands of years of exile.

In 1948, the visionaries who established the State of Israel announced the newly born country would forever be open for Jewish immigration. This freedom materialized as the Law of Return, granting Israeli citizenship rights. Over three million individuals have embraced this right since then.

Yet, labeling Aliyah as merely a “right” falls short of its profound significance. Aliyah is a privilege, an inheritance, a gift bestowed by past generations who fought to return home. It is the opportunity to shape our destiny, cultivate a vibrant landscape of opportunity, culture, and connection.

Aliyah has different meanings to different people. For us, it means you belong.

To qualify for making Aliyah, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

You are Jewish as you are born to a Jewish mother or converted to Judaism by a Rabbinical Court recognized by the State of Israel
You have a Jewish father or grandfather
You are married to an eligible individual
You are a widow/widower of a Jewish spouse and haven’t remarried

In addition, you must meet all of the following criteria:

You have not commited acts against the Jewish people
You do not present a risk to public health or national security of Israel
You do not have a criminal records that may endanger the public security

Check your eligibility for Aliyah

Suppose you are eligible for Aliyah according to the Law of Return. In that case, various parameters will determine your specific Aliyah profile and the rights and benefits you will receive during your Aliyah and integration (Klita) process.

Explore the current list of formal (and informal) benefits of Aliyah

Dive into your Aliyah benefits

Embarking on Aliyah is more than a move; it’s a life-changing experience. The timeline for this journey varies, as it’s shaped by your personal circumstances and the intricacies of bureaucratic processes. Typically, the Aliyah journey spans a few months, from your initial application to the moment of approval.

Smooth sailing through the Aliyah process is all about preparation. Dive into understanding the steps involved, learn from others’ experiences, and streamline your path using ‘My Belong’s’ dedicated tools. With these resources, navigating the process becomes more manageable, ensuring a smoother transition to life in Israel. Our Belong team is by your side, offering information, guidance, and personalized support every step of the way.

The financial aspect of immigrating to Israel? It’s not a burden. In fact, various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the National Insurance Institute, provide financial support to new Olim. This assistance comes in forms like the Absorption Basket (Sal Klita), living allowances (Dmei Kiyum), and a range of benefits and discounts. These include customs and income tax concessions, reduced taxes on property and vehicle purchases, and lower municipal taxes, all designed to ease your initial years in Israel.

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Beginning your Aliyah process? We suggest starting with a thorough review of your Aliyah profile. This step is key to gaining a clear understanding of the entire Aliyah process. Your profile will outline the essential documents and forms you need to prepare and submit. You’ll also discover the rights, benefits, and grants available as a new Oleh. This proactive approach does more than illuminate your path to Israel; it paves the way for a smoother journey. Rest assured, the Belong team is committed to guiding and supporting you at every turn.

Your Aliyah profile determines which benefits, rights, and steps apply to you during and after your Aliyah process. It’s based on your age, citizenship, family status, and personal history in Israel. Every profile comes with its own conditions, so getting it right is key.

Oleh Chadash (New Oleh)
A new oleh (oleh chadash) is a person who makes Aliyah to Israel for the first time, becoming an immigrant under the Law of Return and gaining official immigrant status. A new oleh (oleh chadash) is someone who has not previously held Israeli citizenship and moves to Israel with the intention of living there long-term and integrating as a resident. People receiving this status become eligible for a special set of rights and benefits, including financial assistance, tax and property discounts, Hebrew language courses, and health coverage designed to support their absorption in Israeli society.

Ezrach Oleh (Citizen Immigrant)
An ezrach oleh (citizen immigrant) is a person born abroad to at least one parent who was an Israeli citizen at their birth. An ezrach oleh is already an Israeli citizen but returns or moves to Israel to establish permanent residency, and may receive limited Aliyah benefits if certain residency and documentation requirements are met.

Katin Chozer (Returning Minor)
A returning minor (katin chozer) is an individual who held Israeli citizenship as a child and left Israel before reaching age 14, usually with a parent. A returning minor (katin chozer) is someone who now returns to Israel to live, and may be eligible for certain benefits and assistance to support their reintegration into Israeli society after living abroad.

Toshav Chozer (Returning Resident)
A toshav chozer (returning resident) is an Israeli citizen who lived abroad for at least two consecutive years and has now returned to reside in Israel. A toshav chozer (returning resident) must be at least 17 years old and demonstrate Israeli citizenship by providing an Israeli ID or passport. This profile offers unique benefits for returning residents, including exemptions on customs fees, tax allowances, discounts on flights and increased baggage, as well as access to special integration programs for up to two years after their return.

Check your Aliyah profile

Your dedicated Belong personal consultant can assist you with a spectrum of needs – from job hunting to organizing your children’s education- and smoothly guide you through every facet of the Aliyah experience, from the initial application to full acclimation.