Man Converted to Judaism in Israel Denied Residency Status

A South African national, Dennis Okpala-Gajajoo, who converted to Judaism in Israel and married an Israeli citizen four years ago, is facing a bureaucratic struggle to gain residency status. After converting and taking the Hebrew name Uziel, he married Reut Shanir in a ceremony recognized by the Israeli Rabbinate, receiving a marriage certificate. However, the Population and Immigration Authority has rejected his application for status based on his conversion, citing that the conversion process occurred while he was in Israel on a temporary visa.

Uziel first arrived in Israel about ten years ago and initially applied for asylum, receiving a temporary residency permit. His asylum claim was later denied, and he was ordered to leave the country, but he remained. He subsequently underwent the conversion process, which was recognized by the Rabbinate.

Despite holding both a conversion certificate and a marriage certificate issued by the Rabbinate, the Population Authority argues that his temporary status at the time of conversion disqualifies it from granting him residency under the Law of Return. The couple contends that the state cannot recognize their marriage through the Rabbinate while simultaneously ignoring it for the purpose of residency.

Reut Shanir stated that her husband has no rights in Israel and cannot work, and they are fighting for him to receive status so they can live a normal life together. Uziel expressed his sadness and his desire to live in Israel as a Jew with his wife. The couple's attorneys are arguing that the Authority is conflating the issue of conversion for residency with the validity of their marriage.

The couple is currently awaiting a court decision on their request to prevent deportation proceedings against Uziel until their appeal against the Population Authority's decision is resolved. The Population and Immigration Authority stated that due to ongoing legal proceedings, all arguments will be presented in court.