Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) and JCC-Rockland CEO David Kirschtel today called for an end to the apparent bias against young Israelis seeking U.S. visas to visit the United States.  

“Denial rates for young Israelis to visit the U.S. are astounding and unacceptable,” said Lowey. “It is common practice for young Israelis who have completed their mandatory military duty to travel internationally, and we should be encouraging more of them to come here.  This situation deserves greater scrutiny to ensure it does not unfairly profile and discriminate against young Israelis, especially given the unique relationship between the United States and Israel.”

Refusal rates at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv have skyrocketed in recent years, increasing from 2.5% in 2007 to nearly 10% percent in 2013. When Lowey inquired of the State Department about the high refusal rates for 21-30 year olds, the Department confirmed it was a shocking 48% last year.

Lowey’s office was contacted by constituent David Kirschtel, who is the CEO of JCC-Rockland, about one such denial. Kirschtel joined Lowey on a conference call today with media to share his family’s story.  His son’s companion was denied a visa to visit the Kirschtels for Passover despite her having a history of returning to Israel after coming to the U.S. on a work visa last summer, her intent to return to her large family in Israel, and Mr. Kirschtel’s son’s preparations to attend college in Israel.

“This unfair practice must end,” said Kirschtel. “My family will be separated for Passover for the first time this year as we prepare for my son to spend three years abroad for college.  It’s unfair that his girlfriend couldn’t come to share Passover with us. It’s clear she would return to Israel to be with him and her family.  I’m especially concerned that young Israelis who are between military service and college are forced to pay hundreds for visa applications with such low odds of approval.”

Lowey, Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, spoke earlier this week with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro about this situation and followed her call with a letter, which can be found here or below.

Some have alleged this spike could have resulted from Dead Sea cosmetic companies luring young Israelis to work illegally in American shopping malls and to violate their visa terms. 

“A few bad actors shouldn’t prevent young Israelis the wonderful experience of coming to the United States,” said Lowey.  “Denial rates have hit a highly alarming level for young Israelis, and I urge the State Department and our embassy in Tel Aviv to do everything possible to ensure there is no bias in the visa approval process for Israelis.”

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