Jerusalem Rabbinical Court Approves Return to Judaism of Three Brothers with Muslim Father's Consent

The Jerusalem Rabbinical Court approved on Sunday the return to Judaism of three brothers under 16 years old, following the consent of their Muslim father. The father participated in the hearing via Zoom from prison, facilitated by the prison service and the court. The process was supported by the organization "Yad L'Achim," which has assisted the children's Jewish mother over recent years. The mother, a Jewish woman from central Israel, had a complex and difficult relationship with her Muslim husband, whom she met nearly 20 years ago. After years of hardship and several separations, she sought to end the relationship following his imprisonment.

The mother underwent a return to Judaism process herself, but the children could only join with their father's approval. After persistent requests from the children and appeals from their mother, the father agreed, partly to maintain contact with his children and preserve the family unit. During the court hearing, the children expressed their desire to return to Judaism, and the father confirmed his understanding and approval, stating, "They are Jews according to Judaism, and I approve that my children undergo the return process and be Jews in every respect."

According to Jewish law, the children are now considered fully Jewish, and the process also enables them to change their official nationality registration in Israel. "Yad L'Achim" noted the children's strengthened Jewish identity, with the eldest son regularly laying tefillin provided by the organization. The court's chief rabbinical judge, Rabbi Eyal Yosef, praised the cooperation between the court, prison service, and other parties, wishing the family a new chapter of belonging and blessing. The organization described the event as a significant milestone for the children, marking both closure and a new beginning in their lives.