Dual citizens: can I become a citizen of Israel and my own country ?

News From Jerusalem

By Tom Brennan

Israel is one of the nations that allows dual citizenship. What is involved in dual citizenship ? The most immediate answer is the Law of the Return allows any Jew to make aliyah to Israel and take up residency. Those coming to Israel are eligible for citizenship and may retain their citizenship in their native country if that nation allows it by law. The Law of Return guarantees the right to reside in Israel and those who do so usually become citizens. Citizens of Israel are Israelis for all purposes and do not need passports to return when traveling outside. They are required to serve in the IDF unless exempt by health condition or age. Members of the Knesset cannot be dual citizens. Israelis cannot renounce their citizenship but the Ministry of the Interior can cancel it as per circumstance.

The Law of Return was expanded to include spouses of Jews, children of spouses, grandchildren of spouses unless the first ancestor had practiced a non-Jewish faith. The Law of the Return was intended to bring back the dispossessed, exiles and persecuted. It does not automatically grant citizenship but that is the usual result.

Non-Jews can become citizens through the Law of Residence. The child of an Israeli citizen living outside Israel is considered a citizen. This extends only to one generation. A person an become a citizen through Naturalization as well. After residing in Israel a person can have a right to permanent residency And apply for citizenship. Until recently family members of Arab and Muslim families were allowed to enter Israel. But the recent hostilities have resulted in that part of the law being suspended.

It would be an honor to be a dual citizen of our own countries and Israel as well but it’s not quite that simple. We as Christians are citizens of the soul of Israel and cherish and respect that Nation as our spiritual home on earth and support the Nation with our energy and skills.

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