Debbie: Hello Michael, tell us about you, and briefly what is your company doing?

Hello Debbie, my name is Chekster Michael, and I am the Head of the International Relations Department at WRAI - the World Repatriation Agency Israel.

Initially, we operated without a website, relying solely on recommendations from friends and clients. In 2014, we began offering assistance with obtaining Israeli citizenship and established a legal entity. We also founded an international archival center for document restoration. Currently, we are expanding and in the process of acquiring a license in the USA, with plans to open a local office there.

Debbie: What countries are your clients coming from?

Our clients primarily include citizens from the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. In fact, we receive inquiries from individuals worldwide; for example, I recently spoke with a client from India.

Debbie: But why does a USA citizen need Israeli citizenship?

The answer is straightforward and, unfortunately, all too familiar to those who identify as Jewish: it’s anti-Semitism. Harassment is the primary reason hundreds of clients reach out to us daily, seeking Israeli citizenship.

This is insurance for you and your generations. Children born in the United States to an Israeli citizen can obtain Israeli citizenship without leaving the United States. In addition to protection from such harassment, Israeli citizenship also offers favorable tax policies, including benefits for dual citizenship.

Debbie: Don't Israeli citizens pay taxes?

Israeli citizens living outside the country are not subject to Israeli taxes. Those who live in Israel do pay taxes, but it is important to note that taxes in Israel are significantly lower than in the USA or Europe.

This makes Israel a tax-friendly environment, with additional tax benefits, for business owners and retirees.

Debbie: Okay, who can get Israeli citizenship? I can?

Debbie, of course you can! Anyone with Jewish roots can become an Israeli citizen. But it is not always easy (it is easier for members of official Jewish communities).

Your Jewish ancestry must comply with the Law of Return. If at least one of your great-grandmothers had direct Jewish ancestry, we can prove your eligibility for Israeli citizenship under this law.

Debbie: Is it that simple?

In fact, there are many nuances, which is why clients come to us. For instance, many people know they have Jewish origins but lack documents proving their Jewish nationality.

Debbie: Where can a person get these documents if their relatives don’t have them?

This is exactly what our experts do. We take over the entire process of searching for all necessary documents.

We work with literally all archival centers worldwide, except for Cairo, Egypt. In Egypt - there we can apply an experimental plan. Our specialists can find any individual files indicating nationality.

Debbie: Okay, we have the documents. Can I then immediately obtain citizenship?

Of course not, but you can start this process. When there are enough documents to submit an application, we contact the local Israeli mission and schedule an interview, usually with the consul or his assistant.

Debbie: Is it difficult?
See for yourself: according to statistics, it takes a little more than two attempts. So, how easy is it really?

Debbie: Why sometimes it doesn’t work out on the first or second try?

Sometimes it doesn’t work out on the first or second try. Because the consul may request any documents to confirm the Jewish origin of your relatives over the last three generations. If there is no such a document, the interview with the Israel consul will be unsuccessful and you'll hear "see you next time".

Debbie: Really?

That's not all. The consul may also ask you questions about your knowledge of family history, and here, too, you cannot make mistakes – otherwise, Israel may doubt your motivation. Additionally, during this interview, there will be questions from a representative of the Israeli security service and the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Debbie: And there will be tricky questions there too?

Occasionally, this occurs. For instance, a representative from the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs interviewed a married couple our clients and requested proof that they had never had children. In their case, this question was entirely justified. Our experience enables us to anticipate such inquiries.

Debbie: Okay, let's say the consular check has been passed, what next?

Next, you will receive a special repatriate visa. You will need to arrive to Israel and begin your citizenship process. Israel offers free flights from certain countries.

Debbie: How long?

If you do everything yourself, then yes. It typically takes 6-8 months to complete the entire process with the authorities in Israel.

Debbie: What are you supposed to do there for half a year? Are you exaggerating?

Not at all. Let's count together. First, you will need a local SIM card for registration, which takes 1-2 days. Then, you select the city and schedule a meeting at the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs, with a waiting list of approximately 1.5 months. Therefore, you will need to wait in Israel. Next, you need to visit the Ministry of Internal Affairs to order your passport, which takes another 1-1.5 months to be prepared, totaling around 3 months. During this time, you will need to obtain medical insurance, open a bank account, and find a long-term rental apartment. The final step is to order a foreign passport - Lesse Passe. As an Israeli citizen, you must use it to cross the border. To do this, you register at the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs for a passport, wait for the visit, then wait until it is ready. Only then are you allowed to cross the Israeli border to travel back home, whether to the USA, France, India, or Spain. In total, your journey will take 6-8 months and incur certain expenses.

Debbie: Sounds scary.

Not at all; some people follow this usual path. For those who do not benefit from this route, they turn to us. We handle all your obligations, paperwork, and bureaucracy. As a result, you spend only 3 to 10 days in Israel instead of 6 months, and the cost will be approximately the same if not less.

Debbie: 6 business days? Is this legal?

Undoubtedly.

Debbie: And how much does it cost?

We have different pricing options. There are packages for $11,000, $22,000, and $44,000, as well as more affordable options for $7,000.

Debbie: Can you tell us more about the differences between these options?

Certainly. Our pricing options are designed to meet various needs. The $7,000 package includes essential services: document collection assistance, consultations, and support at all key stages. The $11,000 package offers advanced services, such as help with health insurance, expedited document processing, and document delivery. For a premium experience, the $22,000 and $44,000 packages provide VIP treatment, including full support, organizing all meetings without queues, VIP transfers, and assistance with settling into a new location, such as securing housing and opening bank accounts. Our pricing policy is flexible to accommodate different client requirements.

Debbie: Thank you Michael, this was a really interesting interview. We will provide your contacts below.

Thank you, Debbie. Your questions about the process are very valid, and I was happy to provide detailed information.

For more information, contact: Michael Chekster
Deputy International Relations Manager
www.welcome-israel.com
Office number:
+972 3 374 1344 ONLY CALLS
WhatsApp CALLS & sms:
+972 54 734 9771
Email: info@welcome-israel.com