Two Israelis who claimed they “risked their lives” every time they left their home in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba have been denied refugee status in Australia.
Ayala and Yehuda Dror now face deportation from Australia, as their tourist visas have expired.
The Drors, both 27, applied to the Department of Immigration, one day prior to the expiration of their tourist visas, claiming they were living in constant fear of their Arab neighbors. The application is understood to be the first of its type, although asylum has been given to refugees from Western democracies on various grounds, including the inability of governments to protect their citizens effectively.
Privately, Jewish leaders agreed with the Australian decision to reject the Drors’ application, arguing that it is not reasonable to imply that the Israeli army is incapable of defending Israeli citizens.
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