Personal Statement Examples for Aliyah Application

Overview

A personal statement (sometimes called a "letter of motivation" or "aliyah statement") is often requested by the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh to understand your connection to Judaism, reasons for making aliyah, and plans for life in Israel.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT?

Purpose

Why It's Requested:

•     Understand your motivation

•     Assess genuine commitment

•     Evaluate realistic planning

•     See your Jewish connection

•     Identify support needs

•     Screen for issues Who Reads It:

•     Jewish Agency shaliach (emissary)

•     Interview panel

•     Ministry of Interior (sometimes)

•     Security clearance officers (if flagged) When It's Needed:

•     Sometimes requested upfront

•     Often requested before interview

•     May request if case is complex

•     Always good to prepare one

What to Include

Essential Elements:

1.         Your Jewish Background

                ◦       How you're Jewish (birth, conversion, etc.)

                ◦       Family Jewish history

                ◦       Jewish upbringing and education

                ◦       Connection to Jewish community

                ◦       Jewish practices and observance

2.         Your Connection to Israel

                ◦       Previous visits to Israel

                ◦       Family/friends in Israel

                ◦       Why Israel specifically

                ◦       Understanding of Israeli society

                ◦       Hebrew language level

    3.     Reasons for Aliyah

                ◦       Why now

                ◦       Personal motivations

                ◦       Professional goals

                ◦       Family considerations

                ◦       Zionist conviction

                ◦       Religious/spiritual reasons

    4.     Your Plans in Israel

                ◦       Where you plan to live (and why)

                ◦       Employment/career plans

                ◦       Housing arrangements

                ◦       Education (if applicable)

                ◦       Integration strategy

                ◦       Realistic timeline

    5.     Preparation and Commitment

                ◦       What you've done to prepare

                ◦       Hebrew study

                ◦       Financial readiness

                ◦       Understanding of challenges

                ◦       Long-term commitment

◦       Support system What NOT to Include

Avoid:

•     Negativity about current country

•     Only economic reasons

•     Unrealistic expectations •       Political rants

•     Demands or entitlement

•     Very personal/intimate details

•     Complaints about process

•     False information

•     Generic statements that could apply to anyone Red Flags:

•     "Escaping" language (unless legitimate persecution)

•     Only mentioning benefits/money

•     No connection to Judaism

•     No knowledge of Israel

•     Vague plans

•     Recent conversion with immediate aliyah (suspicious timing) Format Guidelines

Length:

•     1-2 pages ideal

•     300-800 words

•     Concise but thorough

•     Not too short, not rambling Structure:

•     Introduction

•     Background

•     Motivation

•     Plans

•     Conclusion

•     Clear paragraphs

•     Logical flow Tone:

•     Sincere and genuine

•     Professional but personal

•     Honest

•     Positive but realistic

•     Respectful

•     Confident but humble Language:

•     English (or your native language)

•     Clear and direct

•     Proper grammar/spelling

•     Proofread carefully

•     Have someone review

EXAMPLE 1: YOUNG PROFESSIONAL (USA)

Background: 28-year-old software engineer, single, Jewish by birth, Conservative background

Personal Statement - Sarah Rebecca Cohen

I am writing to express my sincere desire to make aliyah and build my life in Israel. My decision to move to Israel is rooted in a lifelong connection to Judaism and the Jewish people, and I believe the time has come for me to contribute to the State of Israel while building my future in the Jewish homeland.

My Jewish Background

I was born into a Conservative Jewish family in Chicago. My maternal grandmother, Miriam Horowitz, immigrated to the United States from Poland in 1938, one of the fortunate few to escape before the Holocaust. Growing up, I heard stories of her childhood in Warsaw's Jewish community, and her determination to preserve Jewish life in America deeply influenced my identity.

I attended Hebrew school at Congregation Bnai Emeth from ages 6-13, where I celebrated my Bat Mitzvah in 2009. Throughout high school and college, I remained actively involved in Jewish life - serving on the board of my college Hillel at Northwestern University, participating in Birthright Israel in 2016, and volunteering with Jewish Family Services.

My Connection to Israel

My first visit to Israel on Birthright was transformative. Walking through Jerusalem, standing at the Kotel, and meeting young Israelis my age, I felt a profound sense of belonging. Since then, I've returned to Israel three times - twice for extended trips of 2-3 months each, working remotely and exploring different cities to determine where I wanted to live.

During my visits, I studied Hebrew at Ulpan Etzion in Tel Aviv and reached intermediate proficiency (I can hold basic conversations but need to improve). I've made close friends in Israel, including former Birthright participants who have since made aliyah themselves, and I've volunteered with Leket Israel during my stays.

Why Aliyah, Why Now

At 28, I've established myself professionally as a software engineer with five years of experience in cloud computing. I work for a tech company with an Israeli office, and my manager has agreed to transfer me to the Tel Aviv branch, ensuring employment continuity. This professional opportunity, combined with my personal readiness, makes this the right time.

More fundamentally, I've come to realize that while I've built a comfortable life in Chicago, something essential has been missing. I want to live as part of the Jewish majority, to contribute to building the Jewish state, and to raise my future family in Israel. The recent rise in antisemitism in the U.S. has reinforced my belief that Israel is where I belong.

I'm realistic about the challenges - I know the adjustment will be difficult, that bureaucracy can be frustrating, and that even with a job waiting for me, integration takes time. But I'm prepared to work hard, improve my Hebrew, and build a life in Israel.

My Plans in Israel

I plan to settle in Tel Aviv, where my company's office is located and where I already have a network of friends. I've arranged temporary housing through a friend for my first month while I search for a long-term apartment. My company will assist with the employment visa conversion and ensure a smooth professional transition.

Professionally, I intend to work in tech while continuing to develop my skills in Israel's thriving high-tech sector. Long-term, I hope to contribute to Israeli innovation and perhaps eventually start my own company.

Personally, I plan to enroll in ulpan immediately to improve my Hebrew to fluency. I'm joining the young professionals' community at Beit Avi Chai and looking forward to integrating into both the English-speaking and Hebrew-speaking communities in Tel Aviv.

Conclusion

Making aliyah is not a decision I've taken lightly. It represents the culmination of years of connection to Israel, careful planning, and deep commitment to the Jewish people. I'm excited to contribute to Israeli society, to live Jewish values daily, and to build my future in the Jewish homeland. I look forward to the opportunity to make aliyah and become a contributing member of Israeli society.

With sincere dedication,

Sarah Rebecca Cohen

EXAMPLE 2: FAMILY WITH CHILDREN (CANADA)

Background: 40-year-old couple, three children (ages 12, 9, 6), Orthodox, father is doctor

Personal Statement - David and Rachel Goldstein Family

We are writing to express our family's sincere desire to make aliyah and raise our children in the State of Israel. After years of contemplation, careful planning, and preparation, we are ready to fulfill our lifelong dream of living in Israel and contributing to the Jewish state.

Our Jewish Background

We are an Orthodox Jewish family from Toronto. David grew up in a modern Orthodox home and attended Yeshivat Or Chaim, while Rachel was raised in a traditional Conservative home and became more observant during university. We met through NCSY and married in 2010 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue.

Our family is actively involved in our community at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. David serves on the board, Rachel teaches in the Hebrew school, and our children attend the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto. Our home observes Shabbat, kashrut, and Jewish holidays, and Judaism is the foundation of our family life.

David's grandfather, Shlomo Goldstein, was a Holocaust survivor from Hungary who rebuilt his life in Canada with deep commitment to Jewish continuity. His legacy of perseverance and dedication to the Jewish people inspires our decision to make aliyah - to ensure our children grow up as proud, contributing members of the Jewish nation in our ancestral homeland.

Our Connection to Israel

We have visited Israel together five times since our marriage, including a two-week family trip last summer. We've brought our children to Israel every 2-3 years, introducing them to their heritage and helping them understand that Israel is not just a place we visit but our true home.

During our visits, we've explored different communities to determine where our family would thrive. We've connected with Anglo-Orthodox communities in Modi'in, Ra'anana, and Beit Shemesh, and have decided that Modi'in offers the balance of religious community, quality of life, and professional opportunities that best suits our family.

Our children have attended Machane Yehuda day camp during our summer visits and have Israeli friends from our shul's sister congregation in Modi'in. They're excited about making aliyah, understanding that while the transition will be challenging, they'll be part of building their future in Israel.

Why Aliyah, Why Now

As Orthodox Jews, we've always felt that aliyah is not just an option but an obligation - fulfilling the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael. We want our children to grow up in a society where being Jewish is the norm, where Shabbat is everyone's day of rest, and where Jewish history, culture, and values permeate daily life.

David is a family physician with 12 years of experience. We're making aliyah now because our children are still young enough to adapt easily to a new language and culture. Our eldest is starting high school next year, and we believe this is the right time before the transition becomes more difficult.

We're also motivated by our desire to contribute to Israeli society. David has already begun the process of medical licensing recognition (we've engaged with the Medical Licensing Committee) and intends to practice medicine in Israel. Rachel, who has a degree in education, plans to work in educational programming once her Hebrew improves.

Our Plans in Israel

We plan to settle in Modi'in, where we've identified a suitable community and schools for our children. We've connected with the local Tzohar congregation and have spoken with families who made aliyah recently to understand the absorption process realistically.

Housing: We're planning for direct klita (private absorption). We've saved sufficient funds for a down payment and have pre-qualified for a mortgage with Bank Hapoalim through their Anglo desk. We understand this will be challenging and are prepared to rent initially while we find the right property.

Employment: David will complete the medical licensing process, which we expect will take 8-12 months including exams and Hebrew medical terminology courses. During this period, we'll live on our savings and sal klita benefits. Rachel will focus on Hebrew study and supporting the children's transition before seeking employment.

Education: Our children will attend Yeshivat Mekor HaChaim in Modi'in. We've met with the school administration, understand their integration program for new olim, and are confident this is the right educational environment for our family.

Hebrew: We've all been studying Hebrew. David has intermediate proficiency, Rachel has basic proficiency, and the children have been studying Hebrew at school. We understand that full fluency will take time and are committed to intensive Hebrew study upon arrival.

Our Preparation

We've been preparing for this move for three years:

•           Saved significant funds to support transition

•           David began medical licensing process

•           Visited multiple times to choose community

•           Connected with other Anglo olim families

•           Studied Hebrew

•           Arranged temporary housing

•           Researched schools thoroughly

•           Prepared children emotionally and practically

We understand that the first year will be difficult. We know about the challenges of learning Hebrew as adults, navigating Israeli bureaucracy, professional recertification, and helping our children adjust. But we're prepared to face these challenges together as a family, with faith in Hashem and commitment to our decision.

Conclusion

Making aliyah represents the fulfillment of our deepest Jewish values - raising our family in Israel, contributing to the Jewish state, and living as part of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael. We're excited to begin this journey and grateful for the opportunity to build our future in the land of Israel.

With heartfelt commitment,

David and Rachel Goldstein and family

EXAMPLE 3: RETIREE COUPLE (USA)

Background: 68 and 66 years old, children already in Israel, Reform background

Personal Statement - Robert and Susan Levine

We are writing to request permission to make aliyah and spend our retirement years in Israel, joining our children and grandchildren who have already made Israel their home.

Our Jewish Background

We are both Jewish by birth, raised in Reform Jewish homes in Los Angeles. Susan's family immigrated from Russia in the early 1900s, while Robert's family came from Germany in the 1930s, escaping the Nazi regime. Though we were raised with a more cultural than religious Jewish identity, Judaism has always been central to our lives.

We've been married for 42 years and raised our three children with a strong sense of Jewish identity. We were active members of Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills, where our children attended religious school and all became B'nai Mitzvah. Robert served on the temple board for many years, and Susan volunteered extensively with Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles.

Our Connection to Israel

Our connection to Israel deepened significantly when our daughter Jessica made aliyah 15 years ago and settled in Jerusalem. What began as an individual decision became a family movement - our son Daniel followed five years later, settling in Tel Aviv, and our youngest, Michael, made aliyah three years ago and lives in Haifa.

We now have six grandchildren growing up as Israelis, and over the past decade, we've visited Israel 10-12 times, spending extended periods (2-3 months) with our children and grandchildren. These visits transformed our relationship with Israel from tourists to almost-residents. We've experienced Israeli life through our children - attending school events, celebrating holidays together, navigating daily life, and feeling increasingly at home.

Last year, we retired - Robert from his career as an architect and Susan from her work as a social worker. Throughout the retirement planning process, we realized that remaining in Los Angeles while our entire family lives in Israel no longer makes sense. We want to be present grandparents, not FaceTime grandparents.

Why Aliyah, Why Now

Our motivation is primarily family-based, and we're honest about this. While we've always had a connection to Israel, our strongest pull is being near our children and grandchildren. We want to be part of their daily lives, to watch our grandchildren grow up, and to grow old surrounded by family.

At 68 and 66, we're healthy, active, and capable of making this transition. We understand that making aliyah at our age presents unique challenges, particularly regarding healthcare, but we've researched thoroughly and are prepared.

We also recognize the significance of spending our remaining years in Israel. Throughout our lives, we've supported Israel from afar - donations, advocacy, visits. Now we want to contribute by living there, by adding to the Jewish population, and by being part of the Israeli story.

Our Plans in Israel

We plan to settle in Jerusalem to be near Jessica and her family, though we'll visit our sons in Tel Aviv and Haifa regularly. Jerusalem also offers the best infrastructure for English-speaking seniors and access to excellent healthcare.

Housing: We're planning direct absorption and have been house-hunting during our recent visits. We've identified a suitable apartment in the German Colony neighborhood, close to Jessica's family and near medical facilities. We plan to rent for the first year while we acclimate, then potentially purchase.

Financial: We're financially self-sufficient. Robert receives a pension from his architecture firm, we both receive Social Security, and we have substantial retirement savings. We don't require financial assistance from the Israeli government and can support ourselves comfortably.

Healthcare: We've thoroughly researched the Israeli healthcare system. We plan to enroll in Maccabi with supplemental insurance. Susan has managed diabetes for 15 years, and we've confirmed that her condition is well-covered by Israeli healthcare. We've also confirmed that Robert's medications are available in Israel.

Language: We have basic Hebrew from many years of exposure, enough for simple conversations. We plan to enroll in ulpan specifically designed for seniors to improve our proficiency. We're realistic that we may never be fully fluent, but we're committed to learning.

Integration: We're joining the ESRA (English-Speaking Residents Association) and plan to volunteer through their programs. Robert hopes to consult part-time for architecture projects, and Susan is interested in volunteering with social service organizations working with new immigrants.

Our Understanding of Challenges

We're not naive about the difficulties:

•           Learning Hebrew at our age is harder

•           Israeli bureaucracy can be frustrating

•           Healthcare system differs from what we're accustomed to

•           Cultural adjustment is real even with family nearby

•           We'll miss aspects of American life

However, we're committed to this move and have our children's support. They're prepared to help us navigate the challenges and have been honest about both the difficulties and rewards of life in Israel.

Conclusion

At this stage of our lives, we want to be where our family is. We want to spend our remaining years contributing to Israel in whatever way we can, being present grandparents, and living as part of the Jewish people in the Jewish homeland. We're grateful for the opportunity to make aliyah and look forward to building this new chapter of our lives in Israel.

With appreciation and commitment, Robert and Susan Levine

EXAMPLE 4: PERSON WITH JEWISH FATHER (UK)

Background: 32-year-old woman, Jewish father, non-Jewish mother, never converted, eligible through Law of Return but not Halachically Jewish

Personal Statement - Emma Rachel Davies

I am writing to request permission to make aliyah as a person eligible under the Law of Return through my Jewish father. I understand that I am not Halachically Jewish, but I have been raised with a strong Jewish identity and wish to build my life in Israel.

My Jewish Background

My father, Jonathan Davies, is Jewish - born to Jewish parents in London in 1955. My paternal grandmother, Ruth Davies (née Levy), was born in 1930 to a Jewish family in Manchester. My grandfather, David Davies, was also Jewish, born in London to a family with roots in Poland.

My mother, Catherine Williams, is not Jewish. My parents married in 1990 in a civil ceremony. While I am not Jewish according to Halacha (as Jewish identity passes through the mother), my parents raised me with a strong connection to my father's Jewish heritage.

Growing up, we celebrated Jewish holidays in our home. We attended Rosh Hashanah and Yom

Kippur services at my father's synagogue, the West London Synagogue. We celebrated Passover Seders with my father's family, lit Chanukah candles, and observed Jewish traditions. While we also celebrated some Christian holidays with my mother's family, my Jewish identity was always emphasized and nurtured.

I attended Sunday school at West London Synagogue from ages 8-13, where I studied Jewish history, Hebrew, and Jewish values. While I didn't have a Bat Mitzvah (as I wasn't Halachically Jewish), the education I received grounded me in Jewish culture and thought.

My Connection to Israel

My first visit to Israel was with my father when I was 16. We traveled to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Galilee, visiting historical sites and connecting with my father's distant relatives who had made aliyah decades earlier. That trip awakened something in me - a sense of belonging I'd never felt so strongly in England.

I've since visited Israel five more times, including a three-month stay in 2019 when I worked for a tech startup in Tel Aviv. During that period, I lived as part of Israeli society, made Israeli friends (both secular and religious), and felt increasingly that Israel was where I wanted to build my life.

Understanding My Status

I want to be completely honest about my situation: I am eligible for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return through my father, but I am NOT Halachically Jewish. I understand the implications:

•           I cannot marry through the Israeli Chief Rabbinate

•           If I have children, they will not be considered Jewish without conversion

•           Some aspects of Israeli Jewish life will be restricted to me

•           I may face identity questions in Israel

I have seriously considered Orthodox conversion in preparation for aliyah, and this remains something I may pursue in Israel. However, I want to be clear that my current application is as a non-Jewish person eligible through my father, not as a converted Jew. I don't want to misrepresent my status.

Why Aliyah

My desire to make aliyah is complex. I've always felt caught between two worlds - Jewish enough to feel connected, but not Jewish enough to be fully accepted in traditional Jewish spaces. In Israel, paradoxically, I feel this tension less acutely. Israeli society is diverse enough that many people share similar mixed backgrounds, and there's space for people like me.

I work in digital marketing and have been offered a position with an Israeli company in Tel Aviv. This professional opportunity, combined with my personal connection to Israel, makes this the right time.

I'm also motivated by the desire to live in a society where my Jewish heritage is the majority culture, where Shabbat is built into the social fabric, and where I can participate in building the Jewish state even if I'm not Halachically Jewish.

Importantly, I want to raise any future children I have with a clear Jewish identity. In Israel, even as a non-Halachic Jew, I can ensure my children grow up in a Jewish environment and culture. If I pursue conversion in Israel, they would be raised Jewish from birth.

My Plans in Israel

I plan to settle in Tel Aviv, where I have a job offer with a digital marketing agency. I've arranged temporary housing for my first month and have begun searching for a long-term rental apartment.

I have intermediate Hebrew from years of study and my previous stay in Israel. I plan to enroll in advanced ulpan to achieve fluency and better integrate into Israeli society.

I'm also exploring the possibility of conversion in Israel. I've reached out to conversion organizations like Giyur K'Halacha and understand the process is rigorous and takes 1-2 years. I'm prepared to undergo this process if I decide it's right for me, but I want to make that decision after living in Israel and better understanding what it means.

Conclusion

I approach this application with honesty about my status and my motivations. I'm eligible for aliyah through my father's Jewish identity, I've prepared professionally and linguistically, and I'm committed to building my life in Israel. I understand the complexities of my situation and am prepared to navigate them. I hope to be granted the opportunity to make aliyah and contribute to Israeli society.

With sincerity and commitment, Emma Rachel Davies

EXAMPLE 5: CONVERT TO JUDAISM (USA)

Background: 35-year-old man, converted Conservative, married to born-Jewish woman

Personal Statement - Michael Aaron Schwartz (formerly Michael Anderson)

I am writing to request permission to make aliyah with my wife as a Jew by choice. My conversion to Judaism three years ago was the culmination of a long spiritual journey, and making aliyah represents the next step in my commitment to the Jewish people.

My Journey to Judaism

I was born Michael David Anderson in Denver, Colorado, raised in a non-religious Protestant home. My connection to Judaism began unexpectedly when I met my wife, Rebecca Schwartz, during graduate school at Columbia University ten years ago.

As our relationship became serious, I began attending Shabbat dinners with her family and services at her Conservative synagogue. I was initially an observer, but gradually I found myself drawn to Judaism's emphasis on learning, questioning, social justice, and community. What began as supporting my partner's tradition became my own spiritual seeking.

Rebecca made clear that she wanted to marry someone Jewish and raise Jewish children. Initially, this felt like pressure, but after a year of attending services and studying with their rabbi, I realized I wanted to convert not for Rebecca, but for myself. Judaism resonated with me in ways Christianity never had.

I began formal conversion studies in 2019 under the guidance of Rabbi David Cohen at

Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in New York. For two years, I studied Jewish history, Hebrew, Jewish law and ethics, prayer, and Jewish life cycle. I studied intensively - attending weekly classes, meeting regularly with Rabbi Cohen, observing Shabbat and holidays, and becoming an active member of the community.

In May 2021, I appeared before a Conservative Beit Din, immersed in the mikvah, and took the Hebrew name Michael Aaron, son of Abraham and Sarah. Rebecca and I married two months later in a Jewish ceremony at our synagogue.

My Jewish Life Post-Conversion

Becoming Jewish wasn't the end of my journey but the beginning. Since conversion, I've:

•           Studied in a weekly Talmud study group

•           Volunteered with the synagogue's social action committee

•           Kept a kosher home with Rebecca

•           Observed Shabbat weekly

•           Attended services regularly

•           Grown in my Hebrew ability

•           Continued studying with Rabbi Cohen

Rebecca and I are expecting our first child in four months. The prospect of raising a Jewish child has made our desire to make aliyah more urgent and meaningful.

Understanding My Status as a Convert

I converted through the Conservative movement, and I understand the implications for aliyah:

My conversion is generally recognized by the Israeli government for citizenship under the Law of Return. However, I'm aware that:

•           The Orthodox Chief Rabbinate may not recognize my conversion for marriage purposes (though we're already married)

•           Our children's Jewish status should be clear (Rebecca is Jewish by birth)

•           Some aspects of Israeli religious life may question my conversion

•           I may face occasional challenges regarding my status

I'm prepared for these realities and have discussed them extensively with Rabbi Cohen, Rebecca, and other converts who've made aliyah. If necessary, I'm open to undergoing an Orthodox conversion in Israel, though I hope this won't be required.

Our Connection to Israel

Rebecca and I have visited Israel together twice since our marriage. During our most recent trip last year, we spent a month in Tel Aviv, where Rebecca worked remotely and we lived as locals. That experience convinced us both that Israel is where we want to raise our family.

We've also been studying Hebrew together for the past two years. I'm at an intermediate level, able to read Hebrew and conduct basic conversations. Rebecca, who grew up attending Hebrew school, is more advanced.

Why Aliyah

As a Jew by choice, my commitment to Judaism is deliberate and chosen. Making aliyah feels like the natural extension of that choice - choosing not just the religion but the people and the land.

I want to raise our child in a society where being Jewish is the norm, where our observance of Shabbat and holidays aligns with the national calendar, and where Jewish values and culture permeate daily life. I want our child to grow up speaking Hebrew, understanding Israeli society from the inside, and feeling deeply rooted in Jewish civilization.

Rebecca and I are also motivated by Zionist principles. We believe in the importance of the Jewish state, and we want to contribute to building Israeli society rather than supporting from a distance.

Professionally, I work as a data analyst, and I've been offered a position with an Israeli tech company. Rebecca is a freelance graphic designer who can work from anywhere. We're fortunate to have the flexibility to make this move.

Our Plans in Israel

We plan to settle in Tel Aviv, where my job is located and where we have friends from our previous visits. We've arranged to live with friends for our first month while we search for a permanent apartment.

We're planning direct absorption (klita prati) as we have the financial resources and professional arrangements in place. We understand the challenges ahead - Hebrew fluency, cultural adaptation, navigating Israeli bureaucracy, raising a child in a new country - but we've prepared thoroughly and are committed to succeeding.

We're also connected to Kehilat Yedidya, a Conservative synagogue in Jerusalem, and plan to find a similar community in Tel Aviv. Maintaining our Jewish community connection will be essential for our continued growth and integration.

Conclusion

My journey to Judaism has been one of continuous choice - choosing to study, to convert, to live as a Jew, to raise a Jewish family. Making aliyah represents another profound choice - to live as part of the Jewish people in the Jewish homeland. I approach this with humility, commitment, and deep gratitude for the opportunity to build my family's future in Israel.

With sincere dedication,

Michael Aaron Schwartz

EXAMPLE 6: COMPLICATED BACKGROUND (SOUTH AFRICA)

Background: 45-year-old man, Jewish grandparents, minor criminal history (old DUI), divorced with children

Personal Statement - Jonathan David Levinson

I am writing to request permission to make aliyah, understanding that my application may present some complexities that require explanation and context.

My Jewish Background

I am eligible for aliyah through my grandparents. My maternal grandmother, Esther Goldman, was Jewish, born in Lithuania in 1925. She survived the Holocaust, having fled to South Africa in 1946. My grandfather, Samuel Goldman, was also Jewish, from a Johannesburg Jewish family.

My mother, Janet Goldman, married my father, Robert Levinson, who was not Jewish. While I was not raised in an observant household, my Jewish heritage was always acknowledged. We celebrated major holidays with my grandmother, and Jewish identity was part of our family story, even if not our daily practice.

I understand that I am not Halachically Jewish (as my mother married out), but I am eligible for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return through my Jewish grandparents.

My Connection to Judaism and Israel

My connection to Judaism strengthened significantly in my 30s. After my divorce, I began attending services at the Progressive Jewish Congregation in Cape Town, seeking community and spiritual grounding. While I haven't converted formally, I've become increasingly engaged in Jewish life over the past decade.

I've visited Israel twice - once on a heritage trip exploring my grandmother's story, and once for a friend's wedding in Tel Aviv. During my second visit, I spent two weeks and felt a powerful connection to the land and its people. I began to consider aliyah seriously after that trip.

Addressing My Criminal History

I want to be completely honest about an incident in my past. In 2011, at age 32, I was convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Cape Town. I had been drinking at a friend's party and made the terrible decision to drive home. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but I was arrested at a roadblock.

I pleaded guilty, received a suspended sentence, paid a significant fine, and completed a courtordered alcohol awareness program. My license was suspended for 12 months. This incident was a wake-up call - I immediately sought help for my relationship with alcohol and have been sober since December 2011 (over 13 years now).

I've included documentation of this conviction, the completion of my sentence, and a letter from my AA sponsor confirming my sustained recovery. I understand this may impact my application, but I want to be transparent. This was a serious mistake that led to positive change in my life. I've worked hard to become a better person, and I hope this single incident from over a decade ago, for which I've made full amends, will not prevent me from making aliyah.

My Family Situation

I was married from 2005-2015 and have two children: Daniel (17) and Sophie (14). Following my divorce, my ex-wife received primary custody, though I have regular visitation. My children live with their mother in Cape Town.

This is perhaps the most painful aspect of my aliyah plans - my children will not be joining me immediately. They are settled in South Africa, and their mother does not support their making aliyah at this time. However, I have her written consent for my aliyah (required as they are minors), and I maintain that as adults, they can make their own decisions about aliyah.

I plan to maintain a strong relationship with my children through frequent visits back to South Africa and their visits to Israel. Daniel will be 18 next year and has expressed interest in possibly attending university in Israel or making aliyah himself after completing his studies. I'm committed to staying actively involved in both children's lives.

Why Aliyah

My motivation for aliyah is multifaceted. At 45, going through major life transitions - divorce, sobriety, career changes - I've reflected deeply on who I am and where I belong. My grandmother's stories of Jewish life in Lithuania before the Holocaust, her survival, and her hope that future generations would remain connected to the Jewish people, have weighed heavily on me.

South Africa, while my home for 45 years, has become increasingly unstable - rising crime, economic uncertainty, and emigration of much of the Jewish community. I've watched friends leave for Australia, the UK, and Israel. The Cape Town Jewish community has shrunk significantly.

I'm also professionally ready. I work in insurance risk assessment, a field where my skills are transferable to Israel. I've been studying Hebrew for two years through online courses and have reached beginner-intermediate proficiency.

Most significantly, I'm seeking a fresh start in a place where my Jewish heritage is central, not peripheral. I want to spend the second half of my life contributing to building the Jewish state, living as part of the Jewish people, and perhaps finding a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

My Plans in Israel

I plan to settle in Tel Aviv or Herzliya, where there are opportunities in the insurance and financial services sector. I've connected with an Israeli employment agency that specializes in placing new olim in these fields.

I'm financially prepared - I've saved sufficient funds to support myself for 12-18 months if needed, though I hope to find employment sooner. I'm planning direct absorption and have researched housing costs realistically.

I'll enroll in intensive ulpan to improve my Hebrew to a professional level. I understand that without fluent Hebrew, my employment prospects will be limited.

Understanding the Challenges

I'm not naive about the difficulties ahead:

•           Being far from my children will be emotionally difficult

•           Language barriers will initially impact my work prospects

•           Starting over at 45 is challenging

•           Israeli culture differs significantly from South African culture

•           I'll face questions about my Jewish status and background

I'm also aware that my criminal history, though old and minor, may concern security officials. I've been completely law-abiding for over 13 years, maintained sobriety, and rebuilt my life. I hope my sustained recovery and rehabilitation will demonstrate my character.

Conclusion

My application may not be the simplest - I have a complicated family situation, a past mistake I'm not proud of, and I'm not Halachically Jewish. But I approach this with honesty, humility, and genuine commitment. I'm at a crossroads in my life, and I believe aliyah is the right path forward - a chance to build a meaningful future connected to my Jewish heritage and contributing to Israel. I hope you'll grant me this opportunity.

With sincere respect and determination, Jonathan David Levinson

EXAMPLE 7: HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR'S GRANDCHILD (USA)

Background: 29-year-old woman, grandparents were Holocaust survivors, limited documentation

Personal Statement - Hannah Ruth Weiss

I am writing to request permission to make aliyah as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. My grandparents' story of survival, resilience, and commitment to Jewish continuity is the foundation of my desire to build my life in Israel.

My Family's Holocaust Story

My maternal grandparents, Moshe and Rachel Weiss, were Polish Jews from the town of Łódź.

They survived the Holocaust - my grandfather in labor camps, my grandmother hidden by a Polish Catholic family. They lost nearly their entire families: parents, siblings, cousins. After liberation in 1945, they met in a displaced persons camp in Germany, married, and eventually immigrated to the United States in 1949.

They settled in Brooklyn, where my grandmother gave birth to my mother, Ruth Weiss, in 1950. My grandparents rarely spoke about the Holocaust during my mother's childhood - the pain was too raw, the memories too horrific. Only in their later years did they begin to share their stories, and by then, I was old enough to understand.

My grandfather passed away in 2005, my grandmother in 2018. Before she died, she held my hand and said, "You should go to Israel. Live there for us, for all who couldn't." Those words have stayed with me and ultimately led to this decision.

Challenges with Documentation

Because my grandparents lost everything during the Holocaust, documentation of their Jewish identity is limited. We have:

•     My grandmother's testimony at Yad Vashem

•     My grandfather's testimony and survivor registration

•     Their marriage certificate from the DP camp (1946)

•     My mother's birth certificate (showing them as parents)

•     Photos from their life in Łódź before the war

•     Letters from relatives who also survived We do NOT have:

•     My grandparents' birth certificates (destroyed)

•     Their parents' documentation (all killed, no records)

•     Pre-war synagogue records (most destroyed)

I've worked with a genealogist who specializes in Holocaust research. We've accessed Yad Vashem databases, JewishGen, and contacted the Łódź Jewish archives. We've documented what we can, but gaps remain inevitable given the destruction of Jewish records during the Holocaust.

I understand that Israeli authorities are experienced in handling applications from Holocaust survivors' descendants and that alternative documentation and testimony can substitute for missing records. I've included all available documentation and am prepared to provide additional information or testimony as needed.

My Jewish Background

I was raised in a Modern Orthodox home in Brooklyn. My parents were deeply committed to Jewish education and ensuring that the next generation remained connected to Judaism - a form of defiance against those who tried to destroy the Jewish people.

I attended Yeshivah of Flatbush from elementary through high school, where I studied Tanakh, Talmud, Jewish history, and Hebrew. I spent a gap year at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem after high school - that year studying in Israel was transformative and planted the seeds of my aliyah dream.

I returned to the U.S. for college at Yeshiva University, where I studied Jewish Studies and Psychology. Throughout my 20s, I remained actively involved in the Orthodox community, attending shul regularly, keeping Shabbat and kashrut, and teaching at a Jewish day school.

My Connection to Israel

Beyond my gap year, I've visited Israel six times, including a three-month summer working at an education nonprofit in Jerusalem. I've always felt that Israel is where I truly belong - not just visiting but living, building, contributing.

I speak Hebrew fluently from years of study and immersion. I have close friends in Israel, many from my seminary year who've since made aliyah. I feel more at home in Jerusalem than I do in New York.

Why Aliyah - Completing the Story

For me, aliyah is deeply personal and historical. The Nazis tried to eradicate the Jewish people. My grandparents survived and rebuilt Jewish life in America. But the ultimate defiance, the ultimate victory, is for their descendants to live proudly as Jews in a sovereign Jewish state.

My grandmother's last words to me were not just permission but a charge: "Live there for us." I want to honor her memory and the memory of the six million by building my life in Israel. I want to raise my future children as Israelis, to contribute to the Jewish state, to be part of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael.

I'm also motivated by the reality that the American Jewish community faces challenges - assimilation, intermarriage, rising antisemitism. While I've lived a rich Jewish life in America, I want to live where being Jewish is the majority culture, where I don't have to explain Shabbat or holidays, where my children will be surrounded by Jewish history and culture.

My Plans in Israel

I plan to settle in Jerusalem, where I have the strongest community connections. I work as a clinical social worker specializing in trauma therapy. I've researched the process of license recognition in Israel and understand it will take time and additional coursework, but I'm committed to eventually practicing in Israel.

I've arranged temporary housing through a friend for my first two months while I find an apartment. I have sufficient savings to support myself during the licensing process and will supplement with part-time work in education or nonprofits where my Hebrew and skills can be utilized immediately.

I'm also deeply interested in working with Holocaust survivor descendants and trauma in the Israeli context. I've connected with AMCHA, which provides psychological support for Holocaust survivors and their families in Israel, and hope to eventually work with them.

Conclusion

My aliyah is not just a personal decision but a completion of my family's story - from destruction in

Europe, survival and rebuilding in America, to renaissance in Israel. I carry my grandparents' memory and their dreams with me. I hope to be granted the privilege of building my future in Israel, contributing to the Jewish state, and living the life my grandparents' murdered families never could.

With deep commitment and sacred responsibility, Hannah Ruth Weiss

WRITING TIPS

Before You Write

Reflect on Your Story:

•     Why are you REALLY making aliyah?

•     What's your honest connection to Judaism?

•     What do you know about Israel (really)?

•     What are your actual plans?

•     What challenges do you anticipate? Research:

•     Read other personal statements (approved ones)

•     Understand what Jewish Agency is looking for

•     Know your facts about Israel

•     Be realistic about expectations Organize Your Thoughts:

•     Outline before writing

•     Key points you must cover

•     Supporting details

•       Logical flow While Writing

Be Authentic:

•     Write in your own voice

•     Don't use overly formal language

•     Be genuine, not performative

•     Share real feelings and thoughts Be Specific:

•     Concrete details, not generalities

•     "I attended Congregation Beth El from 1995-2008" not "I went to synagogue"

•     "I visited Israel three times (2016, 2019, 2022)" not "I've been to Israel"

•     Names, dates, places make it real Show, Don't Just Tell:

•     Don't just say "I'm committed to Judaism"

•     Describe what you do: "I attend weekly Talmud study, volunteer with Jewish Family Services, and keep Shabbat" Address Complications Directly:

•     Don't hide problematic issues

•     Explain them honestly and positively

•     Show growth, rehabilitation, or solutions

•     Demonstrate you've thought it through Balance:

•     Emotional connection AND practical planning

•     Jewish identity AND Israel connection

•     Current life AND future plans

•     Enthusiasm AND realism After Writing

Proofread:

•     Grammar and spelling errors undermine credibility

•     Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing

•     Check for clarity

•     Remove unnecessary words Get Feedback:

•     Have someone else read it

•     Ideally someone who knows you well

•     Also someone familiar with aliyah process

•     Incorporate useful suggestions Revise:

•     First draft is never final

•     Refine and tighten

•     Make sure every sentence serves a purpose

•     Cut unnecessary fluff Final Check:

•     Does it answer all key questions?

•     Is it honest and authentic?

•     Does it present you positively but realistically?

•     Would you want to approve this application if you were the Jewish Agency?

FINAL ADVICE

Remember:

•           The personal statement is your chance to tell your story

•           Jewish Agency reads hundreds of these - make yours memorable and genuine

•           Honesty is crucial - they will verify claims

•           Show both emotional connection AND practical preparation

•           Address any red flags proactively

•           Demonstrate commitment, not just interest

Most Important: Your personal statement should make the reader think: "This person has a genuine connection to Judaism, a realistic understanding of Israel, thoughtful plans, and the commitment to succeed. I believe they will integrate successfully and contribute to Israeli society."

If your statement achieves that, you've done your job.

Updated on: 01/02/2026