Israel's Supreme Court Recognizes Conversions for Immigration Law
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that conversions performed by the private Orthodox rabbinical court "Ahvat HaGer" will be recognized for immigration purposes under the Law of Return. The unanimous decision by President Yitzhak Amit and Justices Yael Vilner and Khalid Kebub rejects an appeal by the Population and Immigration Authority. The court found "Ahvat HaGer" to be a serious Orthodox court, comparable to previously recognized conversion networks. The ruling emphasizes the importance of accepting converts, citing traditional Jewish sources.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Supreme Court recognizes conversions by private Orthodox court "Ahvat HaGer" for immigration.
- The unanimous ruling rejects an appeal by the Population and Immigration Authority.
- President Yitzhak Amit cited Talmud and Maimonides on accepting converts.
- The court found "Ahvat HaGer" comparable to the recognized "Giyur Kahalacha" network.
- The decision impacts eligibility for Israel's Law of Return.
Israel's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that conversions performed by the private Orthodox rabbinical court "Ahvat HaGer," led by Rabbi Chaim Amsellem, will be recognized for the purpose of obtaining immigrant status under the Law of Return. The decision, delivered on Thursday, rejects an appeal by the Population and Immigration Authority.
The ruling was made by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Justices Yael Vilner and Khalid Kebub. The appeal stemmed from a petition by Rozny Michal Reis, a Filipino citizen who worked in Israel as a caregiver and converted in 2018 through "Ahvat HaGer."
The justices determined that "Ahvat HaGer" is a serious Orthodox court with standing, which carefully examines the sincerity of converts and their conversion processes. They found no justification for differentiating it from the "Giyur Kahalacha" network of courts, established by the "Itim" organization, which has previously been recognized for the Law of Return.
President Amit cited Maimonides and the Talmud in his ruling, emphasizing the importance of accepting converts, particularly in the current era. He quoted a Talmudic passage, also found in Maimonides, that instructs one to inform potential converts of the difficulties of joining the Jewish people but not to create unnecessary obstacles if they remain determined. "If he says, 'I know and I am not worthy,' we accept him immediately."
Rabbi Dr. Shaul Farber, chairman and founder of "Itim" and the "Giyur Kahalacha" court network, praised the ruling but sharply criticized the state's policy on conversions. He argued that conversion should be an open door, not a fortified wall, and that the Supreme Court having to cite religious texts to highlight the importance of accepting converts indicates a failure by the state. Farber also noted the lack of a comprehensive conversion law ten years after the "Regesheva" ruling and the prolonged interim appointment of the head of the state conversion system.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Coverage from Arutz Sheva
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
