Unraveling Jewish History: The Pivotal Passage of the Law of Return
On this day in Jewish history, July 5, 1950, an event transpired that has greatly influenced the ongoing saga of global Jewish dispersement. The conception and passage of the Law of Return symbolizes one of the most forward-thinking milestones in more than 2000 years of Jewish history.
The Law of Return: A Catalyst for Zionism and Growth of the Jewish State
The Law of Return played a pivotal role in the expansion of Zionism and the Jewish State within its ancestral homeland. This groundbreaking legislation became a beacon of hope, saving numerous Jews from continuous persecution (with notable examples being Ethiopian and Russian-born Jews) since the establishment of the State of Israel. Influences from the British Mandate period, the Evian Conference, and the post-Holocaust era all contributed to the formation and passage of the Law of Return. As with any state, the enactment of critical immigration policies is essential for its health, wellbeing, and directing human migration for reasons considered necessary and just. For Israel, the Law of Return has proven to be an invaluable immigration policy, enhancing millions of lives and continually evolving through amendments.
From Ideology to Legislation: The Law of Return and Jewish Citizenship
Turning the Zionist principle of globally dispersed Jews longing or needing to make Aliyah into legislation, the Law of Return provided Jews worldwide the opportunity to immigrate and rapidly gain citizenship status in Israel. The aftermath of the Holocaust intensified the need to establish such an immigration policy for the influx of Jews into the land of Israel. Through this law, Israel was able to adapt and learn from other sovereign states’ immigration policies, providing a legal pathway to Jewish refugees seeking citizenship and dismantling pre-State period restrictions on Jewish migration.
Evolution and Amendments: The Law of Return since 1950
By 1970, multiple court cases and legal proposals had resulted in amendments to the Law of Return. Prime Minister Golda Meir oversaw these changes, which focused on addressing the contentious question, “Who is a Jew?” The adjustments to the law expanded its interpretation from the original text defining “every Jew” to include individuals born of a Jewish mother, those with a Jewish maternal grandmother, converts to Judaism, and non-Jews married to Jews meeting these criteria. The Law of Return has continually contributed to maintaining a significant Jewish citizenship majority within the state of Israel.
Modern Implications: The Law of Return Today
A foreign Jew wishing to relocate to Israel under the Law of Return is recognized as an “Oleh”. Today, organizations like Nefesh B’Nefesh offer Olim a clear pathway to complete the Aliyah process and gain Israeli citizenship. Support in housing, employment, education, and even a one-way flight to Israel from the individual’s birth country is provided. Such programs could not have been established without the Law of Return.
Resources:
For further understanding and context:
YouTube: Unpacked Channel’s, “the Law of Return: Coming Home | History of Israel Explained | Unpacked – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3U4cV2vFOU&t=213s
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/an-introduction-to-the-law-of-return
https://www.knesset.gov.il/laws/special/eng/return.htm
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-law-of-return
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Law-of-Return
https://www.nbn.org.il/aliyahpedia-home/aliyah-process-north-america/
