The Magic of an Israeli Passport
In the last few years, more and more new immigrants are seeking relevant and reliable information regarding the Israeli Passport. In fact, new Olim seem to have a special desire, a special bond to this document. I’ve seen the pride on their faces when holding their own new Israeli passport.
What do you know about an Israeli passport or who can receive one?
Most people know very little about the Israeli Passport. Most new immigrants are not aware of the rules and even we lawyers are not completely comfortable saying “we are experts” because we are not.
Why is this a very complicated issue? The first reason is the most important rule: There are no rules that cannot be bent or changed for a specific purpose. The second, and also very important, is the power given to the Minister of the Interior to decide the rules and regulations in general and the power to decide in every specific case. The result is that every case is unique and giving a “general” answer is irresponsible or at least “unprofessional”.
The Law
The law regulating the issue of a passport or a travel document was created in 1952 and most recently modified in 2002.
In 1964 the Government created a decision (Decision #303) giving many powers to the Minister of Interior.
In 1980 Secondary law was created (there are laws (CHOK) and CHAKIKA MISHNIT or TAKANOT).
Since 1995 the Supreme Court has ruled on the subject, most in favor of the State. An example is the decision (Case # 4986/95 named “Petroniuk”). If you can read Hebrew it is an interesting case.
In 2005 the Minister of Interior created a document with all “formal regulations” in order to have more “clear rules” regarding all issues of a travel document such as: eligibility, new passports, renewals, temporary travel documents (TEUDAT MAAVAR), passport cancellations, when a renewal will not be possible, etc.
Who is Eligible and who is not?
There is nothing “automatic”, not even when a person was born in Israel. Every case will be decided according to different parameters created with the intention of giving an Israeli passport to those who have a bond to the Nation (I didn’t write Country but Nation for a reason). The State of Israel has no interest of giving passports to those who are not “connected” to the State, even if they are citizens from birth.
In order to be eligible to obtain an Israeli Passport a new immigrant (in the first 5 years) has to prove that the center of his life is in Israel.
In order to be eligible to renew an Israeli Passport any citizen (new immigrant or not) living abroad has to prove: “A constant and continuous contact with Israel” (for more information refer to http://voleh.org/israeli-passport-renewal-from-abroad/).
The power given to the Minister as I wrote before is very broad, for example, it can include the power to give an Israeli Passport to someone who donated a substantial amount of money to an institution in Israel (it has been done several times in the past).
Conclusion
The best place to receive information regarding an Israeli Passport is at the Ministry of Interior near you or ask a lawyer who deals with this issue.
I am including here the most important and accurate document regarding passports . Unfortunately it is long, not very clear, it is in Hebrew and please remember the most important rule – every rule can and will be applied differently depending upon the circumstances.
