Mother of Haifa Murder Victim Seeks Justice and to Raise Grandchild

The mother of Yanina (Yonit) Rusinova, a 31-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed in Haifa, is struggling to cope with her daughter's death and is focused on raising her two-month-old grandson. Speaking from her home in Belarus, she described the immense pain of losing her daughter and expressed her desire to care for the infant, who is now the most precious thing in her life.

Rusinova was found critically injured with a stab wound in Haifa's downtown area last Thursday night and later died at Rambam Hospital. Initially, investigators considered the possibility of self-harm, but evidence has significantly strengthened suspicion against her boyfriend, Ali Masswada, 28, who was arrested. Masswada claims his wife attempted to harm herself, but the court has noted evidence that supports the suspicion against him, despite his continued denial. His lawyer stated that he was the one who called for rescue forces.

The grieving grandmother expressed her commitment to raising her grandson, calling him the part of Yanina that remains. She hopes to provide him with love and care after he lost his mother. She also wishes for her daughter to be remembered for her beautiful personality, kind heart, and pure soul, rather than solely for the tragic circumstances of her death.

"I only hope that whoever took my daughter's life will be held fully accountable under the law, and that justice will be done," she stated, emphasizing her pain as a mother. The family is receiving legal assistance from the Ministry of Justice, with lawyer Sofi Granit-Tatzman representing them and maintaining contact with the mother. Efforts are also underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange for Rusinova's body to be flown to Belarus for burial near her mother's home, pending the completion of investigative procedures.