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Sanhedrin Pushes Israel to Accept 15,000 Latin American Converts

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The self-appointed modern Sanhedrin issued a July 6 ruling urging Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and Interior Ministry to recognize Latin American Orthodox converts and allow their aliyah.
The ruling cites a 1927 communal decree that barred converts in Buenos Aires and was later adopted by other Latin American Jewish communities.
DaCosta estimates the decision could enable 10,000-15,000 converts and many more family members to immigrate, although the Sanhedrin’s opinion lacks statutory force.

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Story summary

The self-appointed modern Sanhedrin issued a July 6 ruling urging Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and Interior Ministry to recognize Latin American Orthodox converts and allow their aliyah.
The ruling cites a 1927 communal decree that barred converts in Buenos Aires and was later adopted by other Latin American Jewish communities.
DaCosta estimates the decision could enable 10,000-15,000 converts and many more family members to immigrate, although the Sanhedrin’s opinion lacks statutory force.