Ellen Monique Chits, a 56-year-old Dutch citizen and descendant of Holocaust heroes, has spent the last two years trying to secure permanent residency in Israel. Despite several attempts, the Israeli Interior Ministry rejected her application, claiming it did not comply with current eligibility criteria. Chits’ grandparents and great-grandparents were honored as Righteous Among the Nations for their bravery in rescuing Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Legal Struggles in Securing Residency
Chits’ legal representative argues that the rejection contradicts both an established procedure by the Population and Immigration Authority and a ruling from the District Court issued in January 2026. This ruling extends eligibility to the grandchildren of those honored as Righteous Among the Nations, irrespective of age. Despite these claims, Chits continues to face hurdles while navigating the complexities of Israeli immigration laws.
Over the years, Chits has developed a profound connection to Israel, visiting frequently. In the aftermath of the October 7 tragedy, she returned to offer assistance to those affected by the conflict. Currently, she resides in Haifa, dedicating herself to learning Hebrew at the University of Haifa, a testament to her commitment to integrating into Israeli society.
A Legacy of Compassion
Chits comes from a family with a rich legacy of compassion. Her grandfather, Frederik Jan Kerkhof, along with his parents, Jan Kerkhof and Klaartje Kerkhof-van de Waal, bravely sheltered two Jewish brothers in their attic, risking their lives during one of history’s darkest times. This heroic legacy deeply influences Chits and fuels her desire to continue the path of humanitarian service, a value she cherishes deeply.
In interviews, Chits describes her relationship with Israel as a profound love story that blossomed long before she understood the implications of her family’s history. It was only during visits to Israel from 2018 onward that she began to appreciate the significance of her family’s actions during the Holocaust. Each visit further deepened her emotional connection to the land, often feeling an inexplicable pull to return.
Humanitarian Efforts Amid Conflict
During her recent visit to Jerusalem amidst the ongoing conflict, Chits chose not to flee but instead felt compelled to support those affected by the crisis. In her view, doing the right thing transcends personal risk. She sought permission from her employer to stay and assist, but the hospital director refused and insisted she return to the Netherlands. Yet, undeterred, she continued her advocacy by recruiting Dutch volunteers for various aid initiatives.
Following her resignation from her role in healthcare management, Chits returned to Israel multiple times to facilitate crucial humanitarian work. Her contributions included agricultural harvesting, food preparation for the needy, and volunteering with organizations like OneFamily, which provides support to families impacted by terrorism and war.
Chits harbors a strong desire to blend into Israeli life fully and find employment in the country, motivated by her faith and a sense of duty towards the Jewish community and their storied resilience. She considers her actions a natural extension of the principles instilled in her by her ancestors, underscoring that “sometimes you just have to do the right thing.”
Despite facing challenges in her immigration process, Chits remains resolute. She emphasizes that her quest for residency is not solely personal but serves as a potential precedent for other descendants of Righteous Among the Nations seeking to establish a connection with Israel. Her story is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of individual actions during times of collective suffering.