Israeli Rabbinate Marriage Clashes With Population Authority Deportation Threat

A legal battle is unfolding in Israel as the Population and Immigration Authority refuses to grant legal status to Uziel, formerly known as Denis Okplagago, a South African national who converted to Judaism and married an Israeli citizen four years ago. Despite holding an official marriage certificate issued by the rabbinate in Bnei Brak, the couple faces potential deportation.

The Path to Conversion and Marriage

Uziel arrived in Israel about a decade ago, initially seeking asylum and receiving a temporary residence permit. After his asylum application was eventually rejected, he remained in the country while undergoing conversion to Judaism. Months later, he married Reut Schneior, an Israeli citizen who had returned to religious observance. The couple settled in Harish and holds both a conversion certificate and a marriage certificate signed and recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

However, the Population and Immigration Authority rejected Uziel's application for legal status based on his conversion, arguing that the process took place while he held only a temporary visa, which disqualifies it under the Law of Return guidelines.

Legal Arguments and Current Status

Represented by attorneys Tomer Warsha and Asaf Weitzen, the couple argues that the state is employing contradictory standards.

The state cannot speak with two voices—one that marries the couple and another that denies the validity of those very same marriage rights for status adjustment, the attorneys stated.

• Uziel and Reut have been married for four years.

• The couple holds official rabbinical documentation.

• An appeal has been filed, alongside a request to prevent enforcement and deportation proceedings while the case is pending.

The Population and Immigration Authority declined to comment on the specifics, stating that since the matter is currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings, all arguments will be presented exclusively in court.