Israel
Israel considers expanding Return law to help Russians flee war
Avigdor Lieberman has proposed allowing those with one Jewish great-grandparent to make aliyah
October 3, 2022 12:06
Avigdor Lieberman has proposed allowing those with one Jewish great-grandparent to make aliyah
October 3, 2022 12:06Israel’s government will today debate broadening the Law of Return to make it easier for Russian draft dodgers to make aliyah.
In the month since Vladimir Putin announced a call-up of reservists, 6,566 Russian citizens have arrived at Ben-Gurion airport, data released by Israel’s Interior Ministry reveals.
Soviet-born Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman has now proposed extending the right to emigrate to Israel to anyone with one Jewish great-grandparent.
Israeli law currently only allows those with at least one Jewish grandparent, and their spouse, to claim citizenship.
Mr Lieberman has suggested that the expansion could be a temporary measure.
The idea has proved controversial, however. Religious Zionist MK Simcha Rothman said the plan could mean “destroying Israel's Jewish identity”.
On Sunday, Israel’s cabinet approved a £22 million plan to help Russian and Ukrainian immigrants integrate into society.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Lieberman said: “We have now approved at the cabinet meeting a broad plan of approximately NIS 90 million for the reception of Jews and those entitled to Shabbat coming from Ukraine and Russia to the State of Israel.
“The program will immediately assist in the preparation of the State of Israel for the reception of aliyah from Russia.
“Aliyah is a strategic asset for the State of Israel and the biggest engine of growth that has been here since the establishment of the state.
”Around 40,000 Russian Jews have received immigration visas, while another 15,000 are in the process of aliyah, the Jerusalem Post reported. Their journey to Israel will not be easy, however.
Direct flights from Moscow to Tel Aviv are still available, but have sharply increased in price.
The cheapest currently available from El Al cost a minimum of £927. After October 3, none are available to book until November.
The Israeli government is considering helping Russian Jews travel to countries neighbouring Russia such as Georgia or Azerbaijan from which they can travel on to the Jewish state, i24 News reported.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid had reportedly asked El Al to increase its flights to Russia.
Since Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine in February, over 24,000 Russian Jews have arrived in Israel.
In March, Moscow Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt fled Russia after he was reportedly pressured to lend his support to the war.
Speaking to the JC in August, former Soviet refusenik and Jewish Agency chair Natan Sharansky said Jews considering leaving Russia should get out while they still could.
“Without doubt, the moment the regime becomes more and more totalitarian, they will be looking for more and more internal and external enemies,” he added.
“The moment it changes the Jews will become scapegoats again, then immediately antisemitism on the streets will come back. It hasn’t happened yet, and let’s hope it will not happen.”
Discussing the newly announced integration plan, Israeli Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata said: "The State of Israel is a safe haven for all Jews in the world, including Russian Jews.
“We will ensure that all immigrants from Russia who come here due to complicated circumstances receive a comprehensive and appropriate package of measures to best integrate them into Israeli society.”