It appears that Ukrainian officials are retaliating against Israel’s detention of Ukrainian nationals at Ben-Gurion Airport by doing the same to Israelis. It is reported that 40 Israelis, including chareidim, were detained by Ukrainian authorities in the airport on Erev Shabbos, finally released close to Shabbos.

Deputy Minister Meir Porush of Yahadut Hatorah intervened on behalf of the detained citizens, leading to their release in time for Shabbos. Porush turned to Israel’s ambassador to the Ukraine, Yoel Leon, who did assist, and his actions led to their release.

In addition, MK (Yesh Atid) Yoel Razvozov contacted Ukrainian Congressman Georgi Langwski, chairman of the Israel-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship League, who worked to free the Israelis from the airport complex. This after Razvozov agreed to take personal responsibility for the members of the group.

Not sure they would be released on time for Shabbos, Ambassador Leon complied with a request from Porush to see to it that kosher food and required religious items including siddurim and other sifrei Kodesh, would be brought to the detainees before Shabbos.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)