Reform and the Law of Return

Israeli Religious Action Centre has complained that Israel's representatives in eastern Europe are refusing to recognise non-Orthodox conversions to Judaism.

Attorney Nicole Maor writes that a few weeks ago, 22-year-old T.S., who converted to Judaism through the Reform rabbinical courts in Europe, asked Israel's embassy in Moscow for a tourist visa to Israel. T.S. planned to visit her husband, N.S., who is in Israel for six months on a Jewish Agency study program slated to boost immigration. According to Maor, T.S. presented her conversion certificate and entitlement to the status of immigrant.

"Unlike for those born Jewish or converts through Orthodox rabbinical courts, the embassy representative refused to accept her application for a tourist visa as entitled under the Law of Return."

Instead of the simple visa with no limitations provided to the entitled under the Law of Return, the embassy gave T.S. a form for foreigners seeking to visit Israel.

The difference is substantial, as under the Law of Return, Jews are granted immediate tourist visas, while citizens of the former Soviet Union face a protracted application process, requiring relatives in Israel to formally invite the applicant for a visit, as well as approval from the Population Administration. In addition, the Israeli must provide a host of documents such as a lease, pay stubs, and municipal tax bills and must make a security deposit to guarantee the tourist will leave Israel at the end of the visa period.

From Ha'aretz.