Welcome! 
If you're starting your Aliyah journey, you’ll almost certainly interact with The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). This post explains who they are, what they do, and how to get through their process smoothly.
The Jewish Agency is the official body authorized to process Aliyah applications on behalf of the Israeli government.
They work with:
Olim (immigrants to Israel)
The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim)
Nefesh B’Nefesh (for North American and UK Olim)
Jewish communities worldwide
Their role includes: 
Verifying your Jewish status
Reviewing key documents (passport, birth certificate, background check, etc.)
Conducting a personal interview
Approving (or rejecting) your eligibility for Aliyah under the Law of Return
Submit your Aliyah application (through NBN or directly)
Upload requested documents
Schedule your Jewish Agency interview (can be in-person or via Zoom)
Provide rabbinic letters or conversion documentation
Wait for final approval before booking flights or planning your move
This is the most scrutinized part of the process. Be prepared with: Rabbinic letter (Orthodox, on letterhead, confirming Jewish mother)
Conversion certificate (Orthodox Beit Din only)
Any additional paperwork proving Jewish heritage
Need help with this? Check our sticky on Proof of Judaism!
Criminal background check
Passport
Birth certificate
Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
Aliyah application and intake forms
Translations and apostilles may be required depending on your country.
Missing or vague proof of Judaism
Incomplete documents
Unrecognized conversions
Criminal history or security concerns
Always ask for help early if something’s unclear — and don’t wait for things to fix themselves.
If you're overwhelmed or unsure, you’re not alone!
Easy Aliyah and other professionals can:
Bottom Line:
The Jewish Agency is your gateway to Aliyah. Get your paperwork right, be prepared, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You can do this — and this community is here to support you every step of the way!
If you're starting your Aliyah journey, you’ll almost certainly interact with The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). This post explains who they are, what they do, and how to get through their process smoothly.
What Is The Jewish Agency?
The Jewish Agency is the official body authorized to process Aliyah applications on behalf of the Israeli government.They work with:
Olim (immigrants to Israel) The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) Nefesh B’Nefesh (for North American and UK Olim) Jewish communities worldwide
What Does The Jewish Agency Do?
Their role includes: Verifying your Jewish status Reviewing key documents (passport, birth certificate, background check, etc.) Conducting a personal interview Approving (or rejecting) your eligibility for Aliyah under the Law of Return
Steps Involving The Jewish Agency:
Submit your Aliyah application (through NBN or directly) Upload requested documents Schedule your Jewish Agency interview (can be in-person or via Zoom) Provide rabbinic letters or conversion documentation Wait for final approval before booking flights or planning your move
Proof of Judaism – Their #1 Focus
This is the most scrutinized part of the process. Be prepared with: Rabbinic letter (Orthodox, on letterhead, confirming Jewish mother) Conversion certificate (Orthodox Beit Din only) Any additional paperwork proving Jewish heritageNeed help with this? Check our sticky on Proof of Judaism!
Other Required Documents Include:
Criminal background check Passport Birth certificate Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable) Aliyah application and intake formsTranslations and apostilles may be required depending on your country.
Jewish Agency Interview – What to Expect:
- They’ll ask about your family background, Jewish life, education, and reasons for making Aliyah
- The interview is usually casual, but they’ll want to see documents
- Be honest and clear — inconsistencies cause delays
Common Delays & Denials:
Missing or vague proof of Judaism Incomplete documents Unrecognized conversions Criminal history or security concernsAlways ask for help early if something’s unclear — and don’t wait for things to fix themselves.
Need Help?
If you're overwhelmed or unsure, you’re not alone! Easy Aliyah and other professionals can:- Review your documents before submission
- Help prepare for your Jewish Agency interview
- Work directly with JAFI staff to resolve issues
- Guide you through appeals if you’ve been denied
Bottom Line:The Jewish Agency is your gateway to Aliyah. Get your paperwork right, be prepared, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You can do this — and this community is here to support you every step of the way!
Last edited:
