The saga of entry for foreign residents to Israel during these challenging times continues. Chaim V’Chessed staff worked deep into the night, guiding and informing large numbers of English speaking residents of Israel who have found themselves stranded abroad.
Despite original plans to immediately bar entry to all foreigners, it now appears that foreigners holding entry permits will be allowed to enter Israel, if they arrive before 10 PM on Wednesday, December 23. This is due in large part to the efforts of our colleague, Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz of the Igud.
Still, it is unclear if any foreigners will be permitted after Wednesday night. Either way, the government has ceased issuing entry permits to foreign residents currently abroad. This has lead to a deluge of calls from residents who left Israel with the intent of returning, but have not yet received entry permits – and now have no option to do so. Often, they have left spouses, children etc. back in Israel, and they are stranded away from home.
To address this untenable situation, at this hour, advocacy representatives of Chaim V’Chessed are working tirelessly towards a solution.
Late last night, Chaim V’Chessed learned that the Knesset Law Committee will be convening this morning to deliberate the current legal situation. Rabbi Paysach Freedman, of V’Chessed sent off an urgent, last minute missive to Rabbi Yaakov Asher, Chairman of the Committee. Furthermore, we succeeded in having a representative of the organization invited to the hearing, and he will air our serious concerns with committee members.
At the same time, Chaim V’Chessed is exploring legal options on behalf of stranded residents of Israel. We can share that the organization has engaged a top flight law firm to research the legalities of this latest ban. A group of first rate lawyers worked throughout the night, studying this topic. Simultaneously, a team is being readied for a possible court battle should that become necessary.
We will continue to update the community in this ever evolving situation.