An 11-year-old orphan from Ukraine is again threatened with deportation from Israel – the drama continues

The story of 11-year-old Evgeniy Kosarev, an orphan from Ukraine, is once again in the spotlight.

A year ago, in August 2023, the boy, together with his only guardian, Uncle Alexander, arrived in Israel to find a family and a new life, but in Ben-Gurion they were detained and tried to be deported. After public outcry, the decision was revised.

However, the bureaucratic machine of the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs repeatedly becomes an obstacle to their path – now (in November 2024) the Ministry of Internal Affairs again refuses to legalize Zhenyatold about the situation Ynet.

This story NAnews told August 27, 2023 — “Still, they were allowed into Israel, but only for 3 months: upon arrival in Ben-Gurion, a 10-year-old orphan from Ukraine was almost deported from Israel back to the combat zone“

How writes On November 13, Ynet columnist Itamar Aichner, the Population Registration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs rejected the request for the legalization of Zhenya Kosarev (יבגני קוסרייב) on the grounds that his guardian (uncle Alexander) is not a biological parent. And this despite the fact that the boy has been living with his uncle’s family for a year, studying at an Israeli school, and there is no one in Ukraine who could take care of him. According to the family's lawyers, Asaf Weizen and Tomer Varsha, the decision of the Israeli authorities “contradicts the principle of caring for the child and violates the integrity of the family.”

Drama at Ben Gurion Airport: the first stage of the struggle

When Zhenya and Alexander arrived in Israel, they were detained at the airport. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that Alexander’s uncle is not the boy’s biological father, which means the child does not have the right to enter. Despite Alexander's marriage to an Israeli woman, they were denied legalization of their status. Only after an appeal by lawyers and public pressure was the deportation decision suspended.

Saturday in the isolation ward

On August 25, 2023, lawyers Asaf Weizen and Noam Grinzeig filed an appeal in the Tel Aviv court. Judge Yosef Brada suspended the deportation, but insisted that Zhenya and his uncle remain in the airport detention center until a final decision is made. Even despite Saturday, public outcry forced the Ministry of Internal Affairs to reconsider its decision. With a deposit of 40 thousand shekels, the boy and his guardian were allowed entry.

What do the family and lawyers say?

The family's lawyer, Tomer Varsha, considers the actions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs unfair:

“The state must protect children, especially orphans. This case is a clear example of how bureaucracy can destroy human destiny.”

Main arguments:

1. Guardianship. Alexander is officially Zhenya’s guardian and actually plays the role of a parent.
2. Family. Zhenya lives in Nof HaGalil with his uncle and his wife, an Israeli citizen.
3. The futility of deportation. In Ukraine, there is no one to protect the boy: his only grandmother is seriously ill.

The family is ready to go for adoption, but military actions in Ukraine are preventing the completion of this process.

Why did Zhenya end up in Israel?

Zhenya lost his mother to cancer at the height of the war in Ukraine. After her death, Alexander, who was demobilized from the Ukrainian army, became his only guardian. Zhenya’s grandmother, who had also previously cared for him, was seriously ill and could not fulfill her duties. Alexander, realizing that leaving his nephew in Ukraine meant depriving him of his family and future, took him with him to Israel.

“We wanted to give him a chance at a normal life. He studies at school, he has made friends, but every day we are haunted by the fear of deportation,” – Alexander shared.

Alexander and his wife are ready to adopt Zhenya, but military actions in Ukraine complicate the process. On this basis, the family requests that legal guardianship be recognized as evidence of kinship and allow family reunification.

Refusal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and further struggle

As of November 2024, the situation remains uncertain. The Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs again refused to legalize Zhenya’s status on the grounds that Alexander is not his biological parent. The family's lawyers believe that this violates international standards aimed at protecting the rights of the child.

“Bureaucracy defeats common sense. Zhenya has been living here for a year now, he has adapted, but for the Ministry of Internal Affairs he is still a stranger,” — comments Ynet lawyer Tomer Varsha.

Position of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that the legalization procedure on humanitarian grounds is available to the family, but the guardian insists on recognizing Zhenya as a member of his family. The department's press service states:

“We are ready to consider the application on a humanitarian basis, but the boy’s current status does not allow automatic citizenship to be granted.”

Israel recognizes the status of a family of guardians, but does not recognize Evgeniy as a member of this family, although he is an orphan in the care of a foster family.

Support from Israeli society

The Israeli public actively supports Zhenya and his family. The boy's story has become emblematic of the bureaucratic problems many refugees face. Volunteers and human rights activists insist that the authorities take humanitarian circumstances into account.

Zhenya's story resonated not only among lawyers, but also among Israelis who believe it is important to protect children, especially during war. As Ynet columnist Itamar Aichner notes:

“This case is a test of the humanity and effectiveness of the system.”

Table: main stages of Zhenya Kosarev’s case

Why is this story important?

The fate of Zhenya Kosarev raises fundamental issues of human rights, child protection and state responsibility towards vulnerable groups. Israel, known for its humanitarian initiatives, risks damaging its reputation if this case is not resolved fairly.

NANews Israel News continues to monitor developments. The story of Zhenya Kosarev is a reminder that in a world full of conflicts, children's rights should be a priority for any state.

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