How hard is it to make Aliyah?

So, I thought I had all my ducks in a row for Aliyah—documents, interviews, everything. But now, the Jewish Agency is asking for my grandmother’s marriage certificate from 1930, and guess what? It doesn’t exist. My family fled Europe, and records got lost in the chaos. I’ve sent DNA tests, synagogue records, even old letters proving our Jewish heritage, but they’re still not convinced. Has anyone else had to deal with this nightmare? What did you do?

 

Oh man, I feel you. When I made Aliyah, they wanted my great-grandfather’s birth certificate from a town that doesn’t even exist anymore. Here’s what worked for me: I got sworn testimonies from Jewish community leaders, an old family ketubah, and even a notarized letter from a historian confirming our Jewish ancestry. Took months, but persistence pays off. Keep pushing—sometimes they just need a different angle to approve your case. Hang in there! Also, check this guide on how to make aliyah.

 

Honestly, the Aliyah process is both exciting and frustrating. Israel wants to make it easy, but bureaucracy always finds a way to complicate things. I get why they need proof, but sometimes it feels like they expect you to have an ancient scroll signed by Moses himself. If you’re serious about moving, be ready for a long paper chase. That said, once you’re in, the support system is pretty solid. Just remember, patience and persistence are your best friends in this journey.