Israeli Court Orders Child's Return to Russia Amid Abuse Allegations

A Haifa family court has ordered a child, identified as Andrey, to be returned to Russia to his mother, Zhanna, despite allegations of sexual abuse by his maternal grandfather, Alexey Andreevich. The child, who is learning Hebrew and attending school in Israel, expressed fear of returning to his grandfather, whom he accused of inappropriate touching. The court, however, appears to trust the Russian legal system's ability to protect the child.

During a meeting at the Investigative Committee (SK) building in Shchyolkovo, Russia, the child pleaded with his father, Sergey, not to send him back. Sergey reported that he had been prevented from seeing his son for days. The mother, Zhanna, was present but reportedly did not intervene. Her father, Alexey Andreevich, blocked the door, asserting his role as the child's legal representative, stating the boy lived with him and was provided for.

Zhanna, who is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in Russia, claims to live separately from her father. However, a Russian court ruling from autumn 2025 regarding her bankruptcy indicates she resides with him. Sergey alleges his ex-wife has accumulated millions in gambling debts. The family's history includes antisemitic remarks from the grandfather and Zhanna's family, who reportedly opposed Sergey's Jewish heritage. Alexey Andreevich, a former military officer, is a businessman with significant holdings and connections to security services.

Sergey claims the abuse allegations surfaced in March 2023, shortly after the couple decided to divorce due to Zhanna's debts. He provided a recording of a distressed call from Andrey on March 29, 2023, in which the child expressed fear of his grandfather. Sergey also discovered a video on Andrey's tablet, which he found disturbing. Despite these concerns, Zhanna secretly took Andrey back to her parents' home shortly after. Sergey reported the incidents to the SK, which investigates child sexual abuse in Russia. An SK document from August 28, 2013, states that the grandfather "repeatedly committed acts of a sexual nature" against Andrey between November 25, 2018, and May 10, 2023.

Sergey has faced difficulties with the Russian investigation, including attempts to close the case and alleged pressure from his father-in-law. He eventually fled to Israel with Andrey, obtaining citizenship. Andrey has been attending school in Israel and learning Hebrew, expressing a strong desire not to return to Russia. His lawyer argued that returning him would be traumatic and disrupt his life.

However, the Israeli judge, Liron Zarbel-Kadshai, relied on a psychologist's assessment that downplayed the likelihood of abuse, suggesting Andrey might be coached by his father. The judge ordered Andrey's return to Russia within three months, stipulating that Zhanna must not live with her father and must prevent any contact between the grandfather and the child. This ruling has been met with surprise and concern by Sergey and his legal team, who are appealing the decision. Meanwhile, Zhanna has initiated proceedings in Russia to strip Sergey of his parental rights, citing the child's relocation to Israel as a threat due to ongoing regional conflicts.