Throughout the Corona crisis, Chaim V’Chessed has worked hand in hand with Rabbi Zvi Gluck, President of Amudim, and Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, Director of the Igud, on all matters relating to entry for foreigners into Israel. Now, for the first time, all three organizations have issued a Joint Travel Advisory, regarding travel during the upcoming Pesach season.
The Advisory addresses the uncertainty regarding returning to Israel after Pesach. The organizations emphasize that, at this time, there is no certainty that student visa holders will be permitted to return to Israel immediately after Pesach.
Furthermore, the signees mention that there is a possibility that vaccinated/recovered patients will have priority in returning to Israel. This would require vaccination and recovery documented in Israel. However, they point out that there is no confirmation of this.
Read the Advisory below.
The undersigned have been deeply involved in the saga of entry of foreign citizens to Israel throughout the Corona pandemic, as well as assistance to US citizens overseas.
As Adar has begun, the Pesach travel season will soon be upon us. Many foreigners in Israel are now considering travel plans, and are wondering what entry to Israel policies will be after Pesach.
Currently, there is a total ban on entry of foreign citizens to Israel. It is impossible to predict what the coming weeks and months will bring.
Separately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are serious delays and difficulties in renewing or obtaining US passports in Israel. We have had extensive communication with the US Embassy, elected officials and other government bodies, but no solution has been reached yet.
As such, be aware that, at this time, there is no guarantee that entry for foreign students, whether married or single, will be permitted after Pesach. Please bear this in mind while considering travel plans.
There is a possibility that vaccinated persons or machlimim (recovered) will have a greater likelihood of being permitted to enter Israel. This would require vaccination and recovery documented in Israel. However, this possibility has not been confirmed.
Of course, we will continue to advocate for the community, and look forward to having good news to report.
Zvi Gluck
Paysach Freedman
Nechemya Malinowitz
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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8 Responses
This is madness. JUST STAY IN EY (sorry for all caps but that may be the only way to communicate with some segments of the tzibur. Going home for the yom tovim isn’t that important if going back is essential. You are also risking yourselves and others at home by traveling. Having your mother’s tzimmes ain’t that important. Lives are.
I am sure these three organizations try their best and do many good things. However, to make this “Joint Travel Advisory” out to be something of consequence is just nonsense. It is clear to any thinking person that there can be no way of knowing what the Israeli Government may decide about allowing foreigners into Israel after Pesach, or indeed even after next Sunday. The Israeli Government operates on the fly from one minute to the next, breaching International agreements without even thinking about it, inconveniencing its own citizens without a care, and generally behaving in an arrogant way, generally for personal and political considerations. If you, bochur or avreich, regard learning in Eretz Yisroel as of prime importance, forget about leaving Eretz Yisroel at present. Those making policy and decisions in Israel do not have any allegiance to your learning here. They will not make any effort to accommodate you after you decide you need a break for Pesach.
We greatly appreciate you telling us that you don’t know, and that nothing is certain.
And to Yeshiva world for this groundbreaking peice of important news.
What are they trying to accomplish to that letter ?
Maybe they are trying to say that people soulful get vacation?
@ maskildoresh
They are emphasizing that things will be a mess for those that dont act prudently. just saying, there are many of those.
I join all others in stating the obvious, you likely do not need to travel. I had kids in Seminary and there was never a plan to go home mid year. Covid is still a risk and NOBODY is immune to the new variety.
Sadly, there is a segment of the population that DOES need these types of hand-holding advisories since they are agonizing over what to do. While the answer is simple (aka if you need to come back, don’t leave) there appears to be a high level of angst amongst those who somehow believe they are entitled to clear answers when none exist.
Jerusalem Observer & Maskil –
You guys don’t know how to read, and think, between the lines.
Yes, it’s not great breaking news, but issuing a statement like this can greatly reduce the volume of calls these organisations are fielding, AND they will prevent tens of cases of people who just ‘rely’ that with a bit of prtoexia the askanim will get me back into the county….
Besides for that there was something eles they were trying to achieve. Read the letter again. Do you think you can figure it out now?
Gadolhadorah mind your own business