The Law Of Return
The Law of Return is a foundational Israeli legislation enacted on July 5, 1950, granting Jews worldwide the right to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship. The law has undergone amendments to address various considerations. Below is the complete text of the Law of Return, including its amendments:
The Law of Return, 5710-1950
Right of Aliyah
Every Jew has the right to come to this country as an oleh.
Oleh's Visa
(a) Aliyah shall be by oleh's visa.
(b) An oleh's visa shall be granted to every Jew who has expressed his desire to settle in Israel, unless the Minister of the Interior is satisfied that the applicant:
(1) Is engaged in an activity directed against the Jewish people; or
(2) Is likely to endanger public health or the security of the State; or
(3) Has a criminal past, likely to endanger public welfare.
Oleh's Certificate
(a) A Jew who has come to Israel and subsequent to his arrival has expressed his desire to settle in Israel may, while still in Israel, receive an oleh's certificate.
(b) The restrictions specified in section 2(b) shall apply also to the grant of an oleh's certificate; but a person shall not be regarded as endangering public health by reason of illness contracted after his arrival in Israel.
Residents and Persons Born in This Country
Every Jew who has immigrated into this country before the coming into force of this Law, and every Jew who was born in this country, whether before or after the coming into force of this Law, shall be deemed to be a person who has come to this country as an oleh under this Law.
Implementation and Regulations
The Minister of the Interior is charged with the implementation of this Law and may make regulations as to any matter relating to such implementation.
Amendment 5714-1954
Amendment of Section 2(b)
In section 2(b) of the Law of Return, 5710-1950:
(1) The full stop at the end of paragraph (2) shall be replaced by a semi-colon, and the word "or" shall be inserted thereafter;
(2) The following paragraph shall be inserted after paragraph (2):
"(3) Has a criminal past, likely to endanger public welfare."
Amendment of Sections 2 and 5
In sections 2 and 5 of the Law, the words "the Minister of Immigration" shall be replaced by the words "the Minister of the Interior."
Amendment No. 2, 5730-1970
Addition of Sections 4A and 4B
In the Law of Return, 5710-1950, the following sections shall be inserted after section 4:
4A. Rights of Members of Family
(a) The rights of a Jew under this Law and the rights of an oleh under the Nationality Law, 5712-1952, are also vested in a child and a grandchild of a Jew, the spouse of a Jew, the spouse of a child of a Jew, and the spouse of a grandchild of a Jew, except for a person who has been a Jew and has voluntarily changed his religion.
(b) It shall be immaterial whether or not a Jew by whose right a right under subsection (a) is claimed is still alive and whether or not he has immigrated to Israel.
(c) The restrictions and conditions prescribed in respect of a Jew or an oleh by or under this Law or by the enactments referred to in subsection (a) shall also apply to a person who claims a right under subsection (a).
4B. Definition
For the purposes of this Law, "Jew" means a person who was born of a Jewish mother or has become converted to Judaism and who is not a member of another religion.
Amendment of Section 5
In section 5 of the Law of Return, 5710-1950, the following shall be added at the end: "Regulations for the purposes of sections 4A and 4B require the approval of the Constitution, Legislation, and Juridical Committee of the Knesset."
This comprehensive legislation underscores Israel's commitment to serving as a homeland for Jews worldwide, facilitating their immigration and integration into Israeli society.