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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Yossi Montrose
Very knowledgeable and professional
Shaltiel Devorah
Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.
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.
Halvor Ronning
Courteous, clear, efficient service.
Priscilla Moses
competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 (!)
Lilian Granovsky
I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.
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.
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
lynn vonne
Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Eden Weiss
Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.
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
The process of deportation from Israel for visitors denied entry
Deportation from Israel can happen to any visitor – workers, tourists and spouses of Israelis. Population and Immigration Authority officials (the Border Crossings Authority, also known as border control) have broad authority to refuse entry into Israel, to arrest and expel visitors. In this article, an attorney specializing in Israeli immigration law explains what leads to deportation from Israel and how it can be avoided.
We specialize in immigration to Israel: Aliyah, work visas, entry as tourists and family unification. We are often approached by tourists, pilgrims, as well as relatives and spouses of Israeli citizens, who have been arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport and are facing deportation from Israel.This article by Joshua Pex will explain what happens when detained and how to avoid deportation.
Border Control Questions:
The first stage leading to arrest and deportation from Israel is something that everyone goes through – getting off the plane and being asked a few questions by a border control clerk. Israeli citizens get an automatic pass. Foreign citizens are subjected to more in-depth questioning to ensure that they have a “good” reason to enter Israel. The main issues being checked; whether the visitor came to Israel as a tourist or through another visa and whether there is a suspicion that the entry is for the purposes of illegally working or living in Israel.
As written in more depth in another article on our site, it is possible and plausible to prepare for these questions. Write down the details of the people you’re going to meet – relatives, friends or employers. Explain how long you will be in Israel, where you will stay and how you will leave (plane tickets, timetables). It is important to answer questions in a relaxed and coherent manner, without getting excited or irritated. Tourists from a country with which Israel does not have a “visa-free” arrangement, or from a country whose citizens are often refused entry to Israel, should bring documents indicating that their “center of life” is in the country of origin. This is to prove that they have no reason to stay in Israel or work here illegally. Generally, border control officials will not refuse entry into Israel if the visitor has a clean criminal record (at least sufficiently clean that information about it is not available in Israel), and left Israel before their visa expired on previous visits. It is recommended to look clean and tidy and to dress in a way that does not attract notice.
Reasons for automatic denial of entry and deportation from Israel:
There are certain categories of visitors whose entry into Israel is immediately denied, regardless of the suspicions against them. In our offices, we often deal with refusal of entry for foreign spouses of Israeli citizens. According to the procedure of the Ministry of the Interior, an Israeli citizen can invite his wife / partner to Israel only by filling an invitation form at the MoI office closest to his place of residence. A person can certainly find himself in a romantic story of love and marriage abroad that turns into a horror show when the couple arrives in Israel and one of them encounters the shame, discomfort and waste of money due to deportation back to the country of origin.
Similarly, (legal) foreign workers in Israel are not allowed to invite relatives to Israel, whether for a visit or for family unification. Such relatives are also automatically deported, unless they have received a special entry permit in advance.
A previous illegal stay in Israel also leads to refusal of entry and deportation from Israel.
Transfer to the interrogation room:
You failed in the first step. You did not provide enough information, your responses were incoherent and aroused suspicion, you just seemed too nervous? At this point you are taken to an interrogation room and a border control officer begins to inspect your story more thoroughly. This is the point to call contacts in Israel, if the border control officer allows you to use a cell phone.
Things to remember at this stage:
A) Border control officials at Ben Gurion Airport and other ports of entry are legally entitled to arrest, investigate and deport foreign nationals entering Israel on the basis of reasonable suspicion. Ben-Gurion Airport is not a court, therefore border control employees are not required to “prove” anything to deport visitors from Israel. Even if an appeal comes before an Israeli court (which rarely happens), the court tends to favor border control in their understanding of “reasonable suspicion.” Only rarely will the Court of Appeals intervene in the discretion of the administrative authority and stop a process of deportation from Israel.
Therefore, it is HIGHLY recommended to cooperate with the interrogation – from answering questions to giving permission to inspect your belongings and phone. It is hard to soothe suspicions by resistance.
B) This is the stage where contacts in Israel can help. First of all, we need to emphasize the need to get in touch with your Israeli hosts before the plane lands, and ask them to be available by phone in the following hours. Israeli contacts can allay border control employees suspicions. Border control needs to know that the Israeli contacts are law-abiding citizens of Israel who do not import illegal workers on the one hand, and on the other hand, the Israeli citizens should make clear that they know the visitor, and that he has no reason or intention to stay in Israel beyond the visa’s validity.
In the past, an offer to deposit a bank guarantee – a sum of money that the state would take if the visitor did not leave the country before the visa expired – was considered an excellent way to persuade border control officials to allow the foreign visitor to enter Israel. But it is no longer a sure formula for success (and it is obvious that both sides, the Israelis and the visitor, must trust one another in order to deposit a bank guarantee).
Stage Three – Transition to Detention Facility and Beginning of Deportation Process:
According to Israeli law, deportees from Israel must be sent back to their original destination. Therefore, those who are refused entry to Israel wait until there is an available space on a flight back to the same destination – which can take less than a day, or even a week or more, depending on the destination and occupancy of the flights. During this period, the deportees are held in the “Facility for those denied entry”. Their belongings (including phones) are held until deportation. This is the last opportunity to contact a lawyer and ask for an injunction preventing deportation.
Help in preventing deportation from Israel – contact a lawyer:
A lawyer can apply to the appeals court under the Entry into Israel Law, 1952, in order to challenge the border control decision to deport the visitor from Israel.The Interior Ministry must explain its decisions in court, and possibly have the reversed. Those who come to visit first-degree relatives or work legally are often allowed to enter Israel after an appeal.Our office has assisted a number of clients with family reunification and common law marriage, allowing them to remain in Israel despite the threat of deportation.
On the other hand, tourists or casual visitors often find themselves in a Catch-22 situation. The Ministry of the Interior and the courts do not believe that anyone will be willing to invest a lot of time and money to enter Israel without a hidden motive. Rarely will a person whose only desire is to visit the Holy Land be able to successfully appeal a deportation order in court.
After arrest and deportation:
The deportee receives an automatic entry refusal to Israel for a period of 5-10 years. In practice, this extends to the rest of their life, or until a dramatic change of circumstances. Any attempt to enter Israel after these five-ten years have elapsed, will encounter severe suspicion of border control, based on the previous deportation. However, after deportation from Israel, an Israeli lawyer may help remove or shorten the period of entry ban.
Contact our law firm in Tel Aviv specializing in immigration issues to Israel, if you, a friend or a relative were arrested when entering Israel, and face deportation.