A comprehensive study examines the attitudes of Jews in Israel regarding the question “Who is a Jew?”
Several theoretical issues pertaining to aspects of the “Who is a Jew” question are currently being fiercely debated in the Israeli public arena. Among other things, the recently dissolved (December 2022) government and Knesset had sought to change the institutional format of Orthodox conversion recognized in Israel. Furthermore, the “Grandchild” clause of the Law of Return, and its implications for immigrant absorption in Israel, have been placed on the public agenda, and the discussion is far from over. At the same time, Israel is absorbing immigrants from Ukraine and Russia – people fleeing the war – who are eligible for Israeli citizenship per the Law of Return. This special Jewish People Policy Institute report highlights new data that allows us to take a fresh look at areas of disagreement and consensus on the Who is a Jew? issue. Policy recommendations are also offered, which according to the authors are driven by the data.