Israeli Woman Jailed 3.5 Years in Russia for Small Donation to Navalny Group

Sofia Rosenfeld, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen living in Moscow, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a small donation made in 2021 to the organization of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. At the time of the donation, the organization was legal, but it was later outlawed by Russian authorities. Rosenfeld's father, Boris, told N12 that his daughter had set up a recurring payment to Navalny's group while it was still legal. While she was working in the Arctic region during the summer, the organization was declared illegal. Upon her return to Moscow, she immediately canceled the recurring payments, but two installments, each around 40 shekels (approximately $11), had already been processed. She was subsequently tried and sentenced for these payments. "We are under tremendous pressure, there are no visits," Boris stated, expressing his family's deep concern and surprise at the severity of the sentence, as they had expected a fine or community service. Rosenfeld's father described the events leading to her arrest in late November, just two days after she returned from a family visit to Israel. Russian security forces raided her home and charged her with "financing an extremist organization." The sentencing occurred on October 7th, a date of particular significance for Israelis. The family's hope now rests on an appeal, though Boris admits their hope is "very weak." The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is in contact with the family and is working with Russian authorities to provide consular assistance.