Petition in Support of Serach Israel’s Return to Her Jewish Community

We, the undersigned, stand in full support of Serach Israel (@_serachisrael), a committed and observant Jew who underwent a halachic conversion in 2020 after studying at Machon Ora and has remained unwavering in her dedication to Jewish life and practice.

Serach was a vibrant member of a Jerusalem-based Jewish community, where she regularly attended services for Shabbat, Selichot, Sukkot, Pesach, and more. She volunteered actively and was known for her sincerity and contribution to communal life.

Serach intended to temporarily leave Israel for a 3–6 month period, but now finds herself involuntarily isolated in the United States, living with Christian relatives who belittle her Jewish identity and have made efforts to draw her back to Christianity. She currently has no synagogue, no Jewish community, and no accessible Jewish resources within walking distance. 

Yet, despite these hardships, Serach continues to uphold her observance—attending online weekday Shacharit services, studying Torah virtually, and maintaining halachic practice with courage and faith.

A rabbi who witnessed Serach’s deep community involvement confirmed this in verified WhatsApp correspondence, but ultimately declined to provide a formal letter of support. The reasons given were factually incorrect and unrelated to her halachic status or communal participation. This refusal has compounded the bureaucratic challenges 

Serach faces in completing her Aliyah, despite the fact that her conversion certificate has been validated as halachically sound by respected authorities affiliated with the Jerusalem Rabbinate.

Serach dreams of returning to Jerusalem—to once again say blessings aloud, participate in Shabbat meals, and live freely and peacefully among others who share her faith.

By signing this petition, we:

 • Affirm the halachic legitimacy of Serach Israel’s conversion and her unwavering commitment to a life of Torah and mitzvot;

 • Recognize her meaningful contributions to the Jewish community of Jerusalem;

 • Urge relevant authorities—including the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration—to assist Serach in resolving the bureaucratic barriers currently impeding her return.

We call on all community members, leaders, and allies to support Serach in her effort to come home—to the land and people she has loved and served with devotion.

Please sign and share this petition to help Serach Israel leave behind her current isolation and return to her rightful place in the Jewish homeland. Your voice matters.