Personal Statement for Aliyah (2025): Complete Guide & Sample
As part of the Aliyah application process, particularly when your case involves special circumstances (e.g., unclear Jewish status, conversion, complex family history, criminal record, or humanitarian appeals), you may be asked to submit a personal statement.
This letter is your chance to speak in your own voice, explain your background, and express your motivation for moving to Israel under the Law of Return.
What Is a Personal Statement for Aliyah?
A personal statement is a formal written explanation of:
- Who you are
- Why you want to make Aliyah
- Your connection to Judaism and Israel
- Any personal background relevant to your eligibility
- Any special circumstances or documentation issues
It can serve as supporting evidence in cases where official documents are missing, disputed, or insufficient.
Who Should Write a Personal Statement?
While not required for all applicants, a personal statement is especially important if:
- You are converting or have converted to Judaism
- You have incomplete proof of Jewish status
- You are estranged from family members who hold key documents
- You are a descendant of a Jewish parent or grandparent but lack rabbinic confirmation
- You are applying on humanitarian or nationalistic grounds
- You have a complex legal, health, or family situation
Some regional Jewish Agency shlichim or Aliyah case officers may request it directly, especially if your application is not straightforward.
What Should the Statement Include?
Here’s what to cover in your personal statement:
1. Introduction
- Full name (matching your passport)
- Date of birth
- Country of origin and current location
- Statement of intent: “I am writing to support my Aliyah application…”
2. Jewish Background
- How you were raised Jewish (or how you became Jewish)
- Synagogue/community affiliations
- Jewish education, lifecycle events, or holidays
- Family background (Jewish lineage if applicable)
- Identity as a Jew — religiously, culturally, or nationally
3. Connection to Israel
- Past visits to Israel, if any
- Relationship with Israeli family or friends
- Zionist/Jewish identity motivations
- Why you want to live in Israel permanently
4. Special Circumstances (if applicable)
- Missing rabbinic letter or documents
- Conversion details and reasons
- Humanitarian reasons
- Estrangement from Jewish parent
- Explanation of inconsistencies (names, documents, etc.)
5. Conclusion
- Reaffirm your commitment to building a life in Israel
- Willingness to contribute to Israeli society
- Offer to provide more information or clarify further
Tips for Writing
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Be honest and personal | This is your voice – show your sincerity |
| Keep it between 400–800 words | Concise, but detailed |
| Use formal but natural language | Professional, but not robotic |
| Avoid vague clichés (“I love Israel”) | Give specific personal experiences |
| If in doubt, write in English or Hebrew | Use a certified translator if in another language |
| Sign and date the letter | Adds legitimacy |
Sample Personal Statement (Jewish by Birth)
Personal Statement – Rachel Miriam Cohen
DOB: 14 February 1994
Passport No: [Insert Number]I am writing to support my application for Aliyah under the Law of Return. My name is Rachel Cohen, and I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I am a Jewish woman, born to a Jewish mother and father, and I have lived my entire life as part of the Jewish people.
My Jewish identity has always been a central part of who I am. I grew up in a Conservative Jewish household. We kept kosher, attended synagogue regularly, and I was active in my youth group (USY). I became bat mitzvah at age 12 and later worked as a madricha at my local Hebrew school. My mother, Sarah Cohen (née Goldstein), is the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and my family has always taught me that Israel is our ancestral home.
I first visited Israel in 2012 on Birthright and again in 2017 as part of a Masa internship. Both experiences confirmed for me that I want to live in Israel permanently. I love the culture, the sense of shared destiny, and the idea of participating in building a Jewish society.
My motivation for Aliyah is both ideological and personal. I believe deeply in the values of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Medinat Yisrael. I want to live in a Jewish country, speak Hebrew fluently, and raise my future family as part of Israeli society.
I am aware that my rabbinic letter is still in progress, and I am doing my best to obtain it. In the meantime, I hope this letter helps clarify my identity and intention.
Thank you for considering my application, and I remain available to provide any further documents or clarifications you may need.
Sincerely,
Rachel Cohen
Date: May 20, 2025
How Easy Aliyah Can Help
At Easy Aliyah, we know how hard it can be to put your story into words — especially when your case involves sensitive family matters, conversion, or gaps in documentation. We help you:
Draft a strong, personalized personal statement
Structure your letter in a clear and compelling way
Translate it professionally if required
Handle special cases (estrangement, loss of proof, identity conflicts)
Submit it to the correct authorities along with your application
Whether your story is simple or complex, Easy Aliyah will help you express it with dignity, truth, and clarity — so your application moves forward with confidence.
Contact us if you’d like help writing or reviewing your personal statement.
Personal Statement Checklist
| Requirement | Completed? |
|---|---|
| Full name, DOB, passport number | |
| Jewish background explained | |
| Connection to Israel described | |
| Special circumstances clarified | |
| Signed and dated | |
| Proofread and formatted |