Widow of Oct. 7 victim denied entry to Israel: 'Callousness and lack of sensitivity'

Jovel Santiago Castellvi, a caregiver from the Philippines, lost her husband Paul Vincent Castellvi on October 7 in Kibbutz Be'eriy. The couple was deeply connected, as Jovel had stayed in a safe room at Kibbutz Or Haner with her husband and his patient, Eviatar Kipnis, while they hid during the terror attack. Nadav Kipnis, Eviatar's son, and Sharon Lavon, Paul's partner, were also present at the time of the tragedy.

After the massacre, Jovel gave birth to their son, Jaysen Paul, without an epidural. Despite the tragic loss, Jovel and the Kipnis family formed a profound bond. Recently, the couple announced their decision to marry, and they had invited Jovel to their wedding. However, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority denied her entry, citing the need for her to deposit 100,000 shekels before approving her entry.

Jovel returned to the Philippines with her son, leaving them to face the challenges of bureaucracy and feel that their situation is unfair.