Israeli Citizenship for permanent residents aged 18-21
Michael Decker
Michael Decker
Sergei m Vashkevich
We came to Mr. Joshua with so many questions (and most of all, with so many concerns and worries) …
When we explained our case to him, first of all, he calmed us down and helped us to see the big picture, which took away our fears;
Then he presented us with a detailed explanation and a few options to explore, and a timeline, how things work and necessary steps to undertake on our part,
We thank and highly recommend Mr. Joshua for showing us so much empathy, care and professionalism (!)
Arielle Bosch
Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. They are quick to respond, engaged, and obviously top-notch lawyers. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you, Joshua and Itamar for your help with our Joint Life Application. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. I appreciate your candor and evident integrity. Hope to work with you in the future, and will send everyone I know in need of legal aid your way. Thank you for your guidance and support.
YK C
We had a pleasure of working with Irena Rosenberg who assisted in getting our two U.S. born children registered in Israel and supported visa process for my wife in 2021. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to move to Israel where I am originally from after living in the U.S. for over 20 years, but we had no idea how to go about securing visas before and after arriving in Israel. Irena is knowledgeable, reliable and competent lawyer who always had answers to all our questions which made us feel confident that everything would be fine with her assistance. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer.
Gáspár Erőss
If you need to solve any complicated legal issue in Israel, don't hesitate to contact them. Otherwise you will loose hours/days/weeks with things that they can solve in minutes. They helped me to obtain my expert working visa in Israel and even after that they responded further questions and gave me advices related to administrative issues in Israel which saved me a lot of time. Irena Rosenberg and Michael Decker worked on my case, they are very professional and helpful. They will not let you down, feel free to contact them.
Shaltiel Devorah
Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.
Michael and Ariellah Waizman
For Advocate Joshua Pex.
We were in a devastating situation when my wife received an order from the immigration office to leave Israel within 30 days, without any explanation, after we have been married and in the process for six and a half years. We heard of Advocate Pex through a friend of a friend. We contacted Mr. Pex and he was ready to help us when he heard of our situation.
The service is amazing! Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. The advice Mr. Pex gave us was great, such as what to do, he gave useful links, and advice about which officials to contact. The price for the service was great!
The process until we received the extension for another year for my wife was not long (3 months). Things started moving once Mr. Pex came into the picture.
We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! We achieved our goal and the fear of deportation has been lifted!
Eden Weiss
Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.
Josh W-S
The firm had a quick response to my last-minute needs, they were helpful in communicating with me in English, and they fulfilled my needs in a timely fashion.
Paul Prince
The team of lawyers and assistants are incredibly professional. Aiming to give their clients the advice possible regarding the normative and the law of Israel. With well trained and professional secretary at the front desk to the lawyers team, I could say that I had one of the most professional services possible. I'm super glad of choosing Joshua Pex of Law office for immigration solution, lawyers to advise in my case, to me, it is remarkable.
Lauma Zariņa
This is definitely the best lawyer I know!!! very honest and super helpful he really helped me a lot dealing with immigration issues in Israel and it was very successful!
I highly recommend
Dumitrascu Cristina
Best lawyer house from Israel! I couldn’t dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive it’s how a true lawyer house can be!
Working in European market and international now, I couldn’t dare to let myself wide my wings on countries unknown to me. Definitely they’ll be the lawyers representing me, my business at every international aspect and on personal development.
When you hear Decker,Pex,Ofir &Co, you hear 10+ class services, luxurious professionals, confidentiality and exclusive attention to your needs.
Genaan Abdelall
I cannot recommend Nechama enough! Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients is unparalleled. From the moment I reached out to her, she provided clear and concise communication, and helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease.
Throughout the entire process, Nechama went above and beyond to ensure that I was informed and comfortable with every decision. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, and was able to offer sound advice that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
What sets Nechama apart is her compassionate and empathetic approach to her clients. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and it shows in the way she handles every case.
If you are in need of a lawyer, I highly recommend Nechama.
Наталья Мажуга
Great lawyers Joshua Pex and Nechama and Michael Deker who really want to help you and I have very trustful relationships with them. All my cases they took they won. Thank you and let’s keep working together
Greg Olson
We highly recommend Adv. Mike Decker and have know him for many years. He has helped our family with many battles over the years. We recently received our permanent residency after 23 years in Israel. We so much appreciate Mike’s representation of us.
Andreas Kelling
We have been working with Decker, Pex & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well.
Alexander P Gutterman
EU PASSPORT ! Big news! Thanks to Michael Decker and the other good people at the law office, as well as to the virtue of my ancestors, the cruelty of the Inquisition, reparations issued in the Iberian Peninsula, and etc, I am delighted to be on track for Portuguese and European Union Citizenship! A truly incredible development and one which brings me deep joy.
Michael Soffer
I would like to recommend Attorney Yehuda Elcharar. He assisted both me and my company in a complex lawsuit. He handled negotiations that led to a favorable outcome much quicker than expected.
I am extremely pleased with choosing Attorney Elcharar. Many thanks also to the office team, Oz and Chaya, for their assistance throughout the entire process.
Thanks again ????
Shurouq Hajyassin
We were very satisfied with the consultation we had.
You were very straightforward with us , You tried to help us in every way you could . we really appreciate that.
And of course the fast reply we got from you on our emails and the appointment you gave us .
You deserve more than 5 stars????
Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. I reported directly to him for various activities I performed as in intern. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. He is completely trustworthy and high caliber in his work. His partners and employees are very blessed to work with him. I am honored to know them.
Heather Lebrun
Lilian Granovsky
I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.
David De La Rosa
Very friendly, professional, and effective, highly recommended
Jacob Newberry
A really excellent firm. They knew exactly how to handle my situation effectively and efficiently, and we got the result I needed without much fuss. Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help!
Sveta Vashkevich
We (myself and my husband) came to Mr. Joshua Pex – for his professional advice – and we received such human warmth and caring attitude, that our hearts melted …
His attention to our details and our situation peculiarities, combined with his professionalism and knowledge, helped us to map out what needs to be done on our part: we appreciate and recommend You, Mr. Joshua!
Schruuf
We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier.
Tomer Hila Birnbach
I received a recommendation from friends about the firm, and indeed every word is correct, a service team, professional, welcoming, a fair price for the work I requested, I am satisfied
Michelle Long
Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I have needed legal advice and assistance with immigration due to a complex situation of mine, and he has been extremely available and responsive, honest and clear about my route and how to proceed. Very much recommended!
Prima Lorenzo
I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! They deserve more then 5 stars!! They are very friendly and professional. I've got Austrian citizenship in 4 months for all family members which consists of 12 people! The entire team is very friendly and responsive. They are always answering questions and support during the process. I recommend to everyone. Was 100% satisfied.
Dongdiet & Nellie
We are very happy with the services. Somehow they managed to translate the law lingo into language we actually understand 😉 and their outstanding YouTube videos helped us to have a better grasp of what process we had to go through. Their patience, clear explanation and experience are very valuable. It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch.
Sophie Cooperman
Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Explained the bad clauses in the contract, and their possible consequences. Thank you for your amazing job, your professionalism, your consultation and honesty. You showed me from your experience how it can be done differently. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer.
I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger.
Matthias Oppliger
I have been receiving services from this Law Firm for several years now and I want to say THANK YOU to the team, especially Joshua Pex. They are doing outstanding work. The services I have received for both our Israeli non profit association but also our social business have helped us solve many issues at hand and provided solutions in complicated situations. Personally, I am grateful for support in visa issues as a foreigner living now in Israel for many years.
Adi Katina
Great Team. With no doubt, this office is actually thee best-leading office in Israel. Simply put, if you want your case to win, just join them, hand in your documents, and celebrate the victory.
Kindest regards,
Adi k.
Esty A
I had a consultation with Batya and she was very helpful. She made sure I understood all the information I needed, and was patient with me in gathering documents I needed.
Israel iluz
We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way.
We highly recommend this law firm. They proved to be reliable, efficient and pleasant to work with.
Amir Abt
The best lawyer firm I’ve had dealt with. I would like to thank Anat Levi and Ariel Galili from the Jerusalem branch for all of their efforts and patience, we could not have been Able to reach to where we are now without them
Yossi Montrose
Very knowledgeable and professional
Priscilla Moses
competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended
Stuart Safft
I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. We will be forever grateful for all of the help, guidance and support which Ariel Galili of Decker, Pex & Co. provided through this process.
I am a Jewish, 80-year-old American, and my wife is not Jewish. We had started the process on our own back in November 2020 via the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh, but soon became entangled in the delays and often-changing regulations due to Covid-19. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department.
We found Decker, Pex & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. Ariel did a superb job of leading us through the process, helping us to understand which documents were essential, which would most likely be required, and which, though included on the list of required documents, were rarely required. He helped us several times to understand what was likely and unlikely to occur as “the next step.” Helping us manage our expectations was extremely useful to us.
Besides his knowing the laws, regulations and procedures, Ariel also made us feel that he was truly interested in helping us to successfully work through this process in as smooth, timely, and frustration-free manner as possible.
My wife and I strongly recommend anyone planning to go through this process seriously consider hiring Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. and, specifically, Ariel Galili.
Marce Ruth St. Rey
Party time in the heart, my beloved husband received his residence after so much time of battles and faith. Gratitude, God has blessed us with wonderful beings who have accompanied us, including a "precious angel" who touched our hearts, our excellent and fantastic lawyer: Maria Chernin Dekel, sweet and wonderful human being, who has guided us and stayed On our side. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. God bless you dear Maria, you have exceeded your professional duty by containing us and collaborating with us in hard times, very hard, for that we want to thank you publicly, you are unique!!!
We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm.
TarcisioePotira Freitas
I really recommend the law office's services. The service is very professional and efficient, the price is right. I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them.
lynn vonne
Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.
Halvor Ronning
Courteous, clear, efficient service.
Morgan Jones
The team at Decker, Pex & Co have been awesome to work with in helping our US company establish banking in Israel and in providing counsel for legal needs in Israel. I highly recommend!
Kfir Cohen
We were searching for a law firm that will be honest with us and really work hard for a satisfying result, it wasn't an easy task
We found them online; they were the only law firm from all of our searchings which were completely honest and NOT gave us just what we wanted to hear
Using them guaranteed honesty above all. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result
They really care about helping their customers without any other interest
Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result
We definitely recommend using them
Israeli Citizenship for permanent residents of Israel who are not eligible for aliyah under the Law of Return (i.e, neither Jewish nor directly related to a Jewish parent or grandparent) is granted on the basis of the Citizenship Law – 1952.
Permanent residents of Israel in general, and specifically residents of East Jerusalem are entitled to Israeli citizenship. Obtaining the citizenship based on section 5 of the Citizenship Law requires proof that the applicant’s center of life is in Israel, and that they had renounced any other citizenship.
Residents of East Jerusalem who wish to become naturalized as Israelis often require legal assistance. The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority frequently delays the processing of applications by minority residents for naturalization under section 5 of the Citizenship Law.
However, there is another path to Israeli citizenship for permanent residents whose center of life is in Israel. Residents between the ages of 18 and 21 are entitled to Israeli citizenship for permanent residents under Article 4A of the Citizenship Law.
Attorney Michael Decker explains who can and who cannot obtain citizenship and an Israeli passport on the basis of this section.
What does Article 4A of the Citizenship Law say?
Article 4A of the Citizenship Law, by virtue of birth and residence in Israel, provides that:
“(A) a person who was born after the establishment of the State in a place which was Israeli territory on the day of his birth, and who has never had any nationality, shall become an Israeli national if he applies for it in the period between his eighteenth birthday and his twenty-first birthday and if he has been a resident of Israel for five consecutive years immediately preceding the day of the filling of his application.
(B) if a person who has filed an application under subsection (a) meets the conditions set out in that subsection, the Minister of the Interior or a person empowered by him in that behalf shall grant the application: Provided that he may refrain from granting the application if the applicant has been convicted of an offense against the security of the State, or has been sentenced to imprisonment for five years or more for another offense”.
What is the meaning and purpose of the Article?
The section was added to the Citizenship Law in 1968, as part of Amendment No. 2 of the law. According to Haim-Moshe Shapira, the Minister of the Interior at the time and initiator of the proposed amendment, section 4A is intended to “adopt the principles set forth in the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness” and “to correct discrimination against Israeli residents who are members of ethnic minorities”.
In other words, the bill was specifically designed to solve the problem of minorities who remained stateless after the War of 1968 (Six day war). The language of the article does not expressly refer to residents of East Jerusalem, but this area is considered part of Israel according to precedents of legislation and case law.
However, the residents of the Judea and Samaria region would not be granted citizenship under this Article.
What is the difference between receiving citizenship for permanent residents on the basis of section 4A versus section 5 of the Israeli Citizenship Law?
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to obtaining Israeli citizenship on the basis of either section of the Citizenship Law.
As is clear from the language of the law, only residents of Israel between the ages of 18 and 21 are entitled to receive citizenship under section 4A.
In addition, the Population and Immigration Authority may refuse to approve the application if the applicant is convicted of a security offense or had was sentenced to a prison term equal or greater than 5 years.
Applicants for citizenship on the basis of Article 4A must prove that they have never held any citizenship.
By contrast, those who wish to become naturalized under section 5 are required to provide a waiver of foreign citizenship.
Applicants for naturalization under section 4A will be required to prove that they were born in Israeli territory. Section 5 has no restrictions based on place of birth, only residence.
The language of the law of section 4A is unequivocally phrased. Whoever meets the conditions of the section is entitled to Israeli citizenship.
Conversely, section 5 of the Citizenship Law ostensibly leaves the naturalization to discretion of the Minister of the Interior. The Minister may, “if he deems fit”, grant citizenship to anyone meeting the conditions of the section.
Citizenship based on section 5 requires a declaration of loyalty to the State of Israel prior to receiving citizenship.
Section 4A does not include the requirement that the naturalized person demonstrate “knowledge” of the Hebrew language. Persons who are naturalized under section 5 are required to pass a Hebrew language exam.
Why are most requests for citizenship based on other sections of the Citizenship Law?
It’s rare to request Israeli citizneship based on section 4A of the citizenship law.
These are both familiar and well known ways to receive Israeli citizenship.
However, few applications are submitted for Israeli citizenship for permanent residents on the basis of section 4A of the Citizenship Law.
There is no established procedure for granting citizenship based on birth and residence in Israel for young people aged 18-21.
Press reports indicate that advocate Rami Yovel filed several petitions to the Supreme Court sitting as High Court of Justice regarding Israeli citizenship by virtue of birth and residence in Israel. However, the court did not issue a declaratory judgement, nor a significant discussion was held regarding the granting of Israeli citizenship under section 4a of the Citizenship Law. Instead, the petitioner was granted citizenship on the basis of Section 5 of the Citizenship Law.
Contact us, for legal aid with receiving Israeli Citizenship for permanent residents aged 18-21
Our firm specializes in immigration and citizenship in Israel.
We will be happy to provide legal assistance to Israeli residents who wish to become Israeli Citizens.
Make an appointment at our office in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for advice and assistance. We will be happy to help you obtain Israeli citizenship for permanent residents.
Article 4A of the Citizenship Law, by virtue of birth and residence in Israel, provides that:
:
: