Israeli Court Orders Couple to Pay 663,000 Shekels for Living in Kibbutz After Membership Termination

The Nazareth District Court recently ruled in favor of Kibbutz Yizrael in a lawsuit against a couple who continued residing in the kibbutz despite their membership being terminated. The court ordered the couple to pay approximately 663,000 shekels for debts accrued from living there without membership rights. The man’s membership ended in 2013, and the woman’s was removed in December 2023, yet both remained residents and used kibbutz services.

The kibbutz claimed the couple had no entitlement to live there or receive services after losing membership, and sought compensation accordingly. The couple denied being members and argued that a pending injunction prevented the woman from being charged. They also claimed the kibbutz had promised to reinstate the man’s membership, and challenged the debt amounts as exaggerated and unsubstantiated.

Judge Arafat Taha rejected the couple’s defenses, citing a 2014 kibbutz general assembly decision requiring non-members to bear the full cost of residency. The ruling also referenced the law against unjust enrichment, holding the couple responsible for costs since they continued living in the kibbutz and consuming its services after losing membership. The judge dismissed claims that the couple was still considered members, noting failed legal attempts to reverse the membership cancellations.

Regarding the debt amount, the judge accepted the kibbutz’s financial records as credible and ordered the couple to pay the full sum of 613,766 shekels plus legal fees totaling 49,000 shekels. The ruling underscores the strict enforcement of kibbutz membership policies and financial obligations for non-members residing on kibbutz property.