After a decade together, her partner is required to leave Israel: "We are not the only couple"

Evelyn Kris, an Israeli and a certified translator with 20 years of experience, met her partner, Andrei Kozlov, a Russian citizen, ten years ago. Andrei arrived in Israel and has remained there ever since due to the bond they formed.

Throughout the last decade, Andrei's residency permit was consistently renewed. The couple, who live together, even underwent fertility treatments and waited patiently for the years to pass so they could apply for citizenship for Andrei.

"When Andrei was supposed to complete the graduated procedure and receive Israeli citizenship, we were surprised to receive a decision stating that since we do not have common children or a joint bank account, and since the Ministry of Interior claims that living together is not enough to prove a relationship, the file was closed," says Evelyn.

The decision stated that Andrei must leave Israel within 30 days, with only 21 days to file an appeal. Evelyn adds: "Conversion was not the issue. Andrei is entitled to citizenship based on the fact that he moved the center of his life to Israel over the last decade. The greatest pain is that for almost ten years, no one claimed our relationship was not real. Only when the stage arrived for Andrei to receive citizenship was it suddenly claimed that we are not a real couple."

"We had no choice but to turn to a lawyer. Instead of investing in the business we built together for years, we are forced to spend large sums on a legal process to protect our right to continue living together," she says. "Unfortunately, we are not the only couple in this situation. I believe every case should be examined on its own merits, taking into account the reality of the couple's life, rather than just technical criteria that do not necessarily reflect the essence of the relationship."

The Population and Immigration Authority responded: "Decisions within the framework of the graduated procedure for couples are made after an in-depth factual and professional examination of the sincerity of the relationship and the center of life. In this case, a comprehensive interview was conducted, during which contradictions arose that were inconsistent with the couple's claims. Since the sincerity of the relationship was not proven, a decision was made to close the file."

"Throughout the years, we submitted all required documents, presented evidence of our relationship's sincerity, and fully cooperated with the Ministry of Interior," says Evelyn. "We have been through difficult periods together and established a study center that serves as a warm home for Russian-speaking students."

"Despite the security and economic situation in the country, which forced us all to face many difficulties, we continued to work and earn a living with dignity. Recently, we even established a new place that we manage together every day. Throughout our years together, we dreamed of starting a family. I underwent fertility treatments, but unfortunately without success. Despite this, we have continued to live as a couple in every respect, supporting each other and building our life together."