Israeli Court Grants Permanent Residency to National Handball Player After Years of Legal Battle

The Jerusalem District Court approved the appeal of Liza Kozmina, a member of Israel's national women's handball team, and her mother Oksana, granting them permanent residency in Israel on humanitarian grounds. The Population Authority had sought to deport them to Ukraine, but Judge Tamar Bar-Asher ruled that the authority had erred in assessing their connection to Israel. The court ordered the Population Authority to grant them permanent residency status.

Liza Kozmina expressed her relief and excitement in an interview with N12, saying, "Now I can convert to Judaism and volunteer for the army. It feels like a dream come true." She described feeling secure and finally belonging after years of uncertainty, comparing her previous situation to being imprisoned.

The judge noted that the appeals tribunal had incorrectly evaluated their ties to Israel and disregarded Liza's permanent residency status. The Population Authority had not interviewed Liza or considered her residency status, and the court accepted the welfare ministry representative's recommendation to approve their residency.

Four years ago, N12 first reported the Interior Ministry's decision to deport Oksana and Liza to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Despite Liza's achievements as a top player on the Israeli national team, she was barred from competing internationally due to the lack of recognized residency. Liza had previously expressed frustration at being unable to enlist in the Israeli army while her peers served, underscoring her desire to contribute to the country.

With the court's ruling, Liza and her mother will now receive the permanent residency they sought, allowing Liza to pursue her ambitions both in sports and civic life.