The Gubaretz Family, Be’er Sheva

Natalie and Vladimir Gubaretz got married in Russia in 1998. Natalie, whose father is Jewish, immigrated to Israel with her and Vladimir’s son in 1999, where they both received Israeli citizenship. Vladimir joined them in 2001, yet continues to be denied citizenship by the Ministry of Interior, who claims that Vladimir and Natalie are divorced. This is despite the fact that since his arrival in Israel the couple has had a second son who is also an Israeli citizen. After a period of time in which Vladimir had been residing in Israel without any clear legal status, the Israeli judicial system ordered the Ministry of Interior to grant Vladimir a temporary visa. AMF has been providing the Gubaretz family with support and assistance while they have been waiting for more than a year for Vladimir's hearing before the Supreme Court. Natalie and Vladimir are hoping that the judges will rule in favor of granting him Israeli citizenship.

Born to Be Divorced

The Ministry of Interior refuses to acknowledge the annulment of Natalie and Vladimir's divorce. Such an acknowledgement would obligate the Ministry to grant Vladimir Israeli citizenship. So what if the couple has all the necessary documents?

By Shahar Ilan

Published in Haaretz, an Israeli daily newspaper

October 6th, 2006