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Israel Set To Expell Gay Partner of Slain Israeli

Posted by: Lez Get Real on February 9, 2011.

Credit: Jerusalem Post - Nir Katz

Melanie Nathan- February 09, 2011-

Thomas Schmidt, 27, a German national was in the process of registering as the life partner of Israeli citizen, Nir Katz, in Tel Aviv; but was unable to because Nir was murdered in the devastating attack on the Tel Aviv LGBT Center, back in 2009. Now Mr. Schmidt will be expelled from Israel as there is no longer a basis for his immigration.

Nir Katz, and one other person, were killed in the 2009 attack by a masked gunman, who opened fire at a meeting of gay and lesbian youth. The perpetrator has yet to be caught.

A spokeswoman for Israel’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday a special humanitarian committee decided last year to allow Schmidt to extend his stay in Israel because of the unique circumstances, but that he would have to leave this month. The Gay community leaders and an Israeli lawmaker are calling on the interior minister to allow Schmidt to stay in the country.

Please write to Minister Eli Yishai to prevent the expulsion of Thomas Schmidt, whose partner was murdered Nir Katz Abbernoaar shooting attack in Tel Aviv.

“Schmidt has lived in Israel for over 6 years, the center of life here, and he ought to have a right to be in he vicinity of his beloved’s family, the Katz family. Had it not been for this despicable murder, Nir and Thomas would have been able to complete the proceedings and to regulate the status of Thomas in Israel.” According to Nitzan Horowitz.

“Therefore, the Interior Ministry’s decision to expel the Thomas, is another blow to this man who lost his partner, and the Katz family who lost a son, and the gay community and society Israel as a whole. There would be no harm caused to Israel if Thomas Schmidt were allowed to remain. if the Minister accepts this request – it would demonstrate openness and understanding. “ Said Horowitz.

While immigration laws of all Countries ought to be respected Countries must remain open to special circumstances – and Israel is no different. Clearly this young man had established his life around living in Israel and moving back to Germany was not part of his plan, and would be onerous. Given the nature of the tragedy, Israel should indeed honor the memory of the fallen Katz, by allowing his partner to remain in the Country.

Israel is a Country that endorses LGBT rights through the progressive laws of the Israeli Kneset

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