According to Interior Ministry officials, tens of thousands of foreigners have requested Israeli citizenship in the past two years, claiming to be members of lost Jewish tribes.  Most of the applicants are from impoverished countries in Africa or Asia.

Several religious groups have accepted the phenomenon with enthusiasm, and have worked to bring thousands of people claiming Jewish descent to Israel.  However, the Interior Ministry has expressed concern over the increasing number of claims, and recently issued new, stricter regulations for those undergoing conversions abroad. 

Ministry officials expressed concern that alleged “lost Jews” could take advantage of Israel’s immigration policy.  54% of those immigrating under the current policy are not Jewish according to Jewish law, they added.