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Aliyah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aliyah

[ˈɑːliˌjɑː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Hebrew term

Aliyah is a Hebrew word meaning 'ascent' or 'going up'. It refers to the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel. This term is commonly used in religious contexts to describe the act of someone being called up to the Torah during synagogue services.

Synonyms

ascent, immigration, return.

Examples of usage

  • Many Jews dream of making aliyah to Israel.
  • The law of return facilitates aliyah for Jewish people worldwide.
  • After years in America, she finally made aliyah.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The first mass aliyah began in the late 19th century, as Jews faced persecution in Europe and sought refuge in Israel.
  • Post-World War II, a significant aliyah occurred as Holocaust survivors and displaced Jews immigrated to rebuild their lives in the newly established state of Israel in 1948.

Cultural Significance

  • For many Jewish communities, aliyah is seen as a fulfillment of religious and historical promises related to returning to the land given to them in biblical times.
  • Aliyah is often celebrated with ceremonies and joyous events, marking a new beginning and the connection to cultural identity.

Population Statistics

  • In recent years, there has been a notable increase in aliyah from diverse countries such as Ukraine, France, and the United States, reflecting global sociopolitical dynamics.
  • The Jewish Agency for Israel reported that nearly 30,000 people made aliyah in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal and Practical Aspects

  • Aliyah is facilitated by Israeli law, specifically the Law of Return, which grants Jews the right to immigrate and gain citizenship.
  • New immigrants who arrive through aliyah often receive support in the form of housing, education, and language training to help them integrate into Israeli society.

Origin of 'aliyah'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aliyah' comes from the Hebrew word 'עלה' (alá), meaning 'to ascend' or 'to go up', symbolizing a spiritual and physical ascent.
  • In Jewish tradition, going to the land of Israel is viewed as a significant and uplifting journey, both literally and metaphorically.

The term 'aliyah' derives from the Hebrew root 'על' (al), meaning 'to go up' or 'to ascend'. It has been used throughout Jewish history to refer to the return to the land of Israel, especially in religious, cultural, and national contexts. The concept is particularly significant in Jewish culture and religion, symbolizing not only a physical return to a homeland but also a spiritual elevation. The modern political context of aliyah emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of Zionism, which motivated Jews to immigrate to Palestine. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, aliyah was legally recognized and encouraged for Jewish immigrants from around the world. This term reflects both a historical pilgrimage and a contemporary movement within the Jewish community, symbolizing hope, identity, and a connection to the land.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,464, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.