Friend Recounts Victim's Fears Before Haifa Murder
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Victim Yanina feared her husband Ali and planned to flee Israel with their son.
- Yanina allegedly confided in a friend about experiencing physical abuse and threats.
- The victim's husband, Ali, is reported to have been controlling and suspicious.
- Friends are fundraising to repatriate Yanina's body and support her family.
- Police are investigating the murder, with friends providing alleged evidence of abuse.
Diana Marles, a friend of Yanina, who was murdered in Haifa, has shared details about the period leading up to the victim's death. According to Marles, Yanina had confided fears for her and her baby's safety, citing violence from her husband, Ali. Yanina had reportedly planned to leave Israel with their son and return to her mother in Belarus.
Yanina, who came to Israel from Belarus, met Ali in Jerusalem while working as a waitress. They married in 2025 and initially dreamed of a large family. However, Marles claims that over time, Ali became controlling, dictating Yanina's dress and social activities, and grew suspicious of her interactions with other men. These issues reportedly intensified after the birth of their son, with Yanina becoming financially dependent on Ali.
Marles alleges that Yanina reported experiencing physical abuse and threats from Ali, who allegedly warned he would take their child if she spoke to anyone. Yanina was reportedly afraid and isolated, with few people to turn to. Days before her death, Yanina's phone was allegedly broken during a confrontation with Ali. While in Eilat, Yanina reportedly told a friend she wanted a divorce and feared Ali would kill her and their baby.
Yanina was awaiting her son's passport to facilitate their departure to Belarus. Her mother in Belarus was also concerned and had spoken with Ali, who allegedly sent photos to show Yanina was fine, including one with a visible injury on her forehead. After returning to Haifa in September, Yanina reportedly ceased contact with friends before her murder.
Friends believe jealousy was the motive, but the police investigation into the circumstances and motive is ongoing. Yanina's friends are fundraising to repatriate her body to Belarus for burial and to support her mother in raising her grandson. Marles also criticized the investigation, stating that friends have provided police with recordings of Yanina detailing the abuse she suffered, and they want a full investigation.
