- November 21, 2025
- 11:52 am
- Israel
The story that Israel learned thanks to “Vesti” became one of the most resonant and illustrative in recent months. Journalist Igor Moldavsky on November 19-20, 2025, told in detail how the mother and disabled brother of IDF reservist Boris Zilberman flew to Israel from Ukraine for the first time in 10 years — and instead of the long-awaited hugs, they received a harsh deportation decision, 20 hours of humiliation at Ben Gurion Airport, and a demand to post a bail of 50,000 shekels.
It was thanks to the publications of “Vesti,” the massive public response, and the intervention of diplomatic representatives that the situation was overturned. After media coverage, the deportation decision was canceled, and the mother and son were able to enter Israel and hug Boris — an officer who spent more than 400 days on the front line.
This story is a vivid example of how journalism not only reports on a problem but becomes a tool of real help, restoring people’s dignity where the system failed.
A meeting awaited for 10 years and humiliation that no one expected
It was supposed to be a simple, almost everyday story.
A mother who hadn’t seen her son for ten years. A disabled brother who dreamed of holding his newborn nephew for the first time. And a reservist officer who spent more than 400 days in IDF combat units and is now undergoing a battalion commanders’ course.
But instead of hugs at Ben Gurion Airport, the family received a threat of deportation, a humiliating “interrogation” lasting two minutes, isolation near duty-free, and a lack of water, food, and basic care.
Valentina Datsyuk — the mother of reservist Boris Zilberman — flew from Kyiv on November 19 with her son, Dmytro Zilberman, a childhood disabled person. They planned to spend three months in Israel. So far — 20 hours of fear and uncertainty.
“I just feel helpless,” Boris said bitterly in a conversation with “Vesti”. “I heard about the arbitrariness of officials at Ben Gurion, but I never thought this could happen to someone who invited their closest relatives — mother and brother — to the country.
I arranged an invitation for them in advance and sent it through the website of the Population and Immigration Authority of the Ministry of Interior (Rashut ha-ohlusin). At the border control, my mother and brother were told that no invitation was received. Then they changed the version, claiming that the document ‘was not properly formatted.’
Suppose that’s the case, but no one gives me the opportunity to correct mistakes if there were any. My mother was offered to sign a document agreeing to deportation. After consulting with me, she refused to do so: it is clear that if she signed the permission, she would never be allowed into Israel again.”
“Isn’t that enough for you?” — a question that sounded like a slap
According to Valentina, the “conversation” at the border control lasted 2–3 minutes.
First, a female employee approached, then she was replaced by an “unpleasant young man” who:
- asked why she brought her disabled son,
- inquired why they came for the maximum period,
- clarified if Boris had visited Ukraine,
- and upon hearing: “Yes, ten years ago,” — threw the phrase:
“Isn’t that enough for you?”
This is not a mistake. This is a quote from the mother.
As if meeting with a soldier son is a luxury, not a right.
Deportation. Cameras. Chairs instead of a bed. Waiting until November 23
After a short “interrogation,” they were told that entry was prohibited — they were awaiting deportation on November 23.
Valentina and Dmytro were taken to a fenced area near duty-free:
- without beds,
- without the ability to lie down properly,
- without food (sandwiches were brought once in 20 hours),
- without information,
- without the ability to call anyone.
Boris was at reservist training at that moment. He learned about what was happening by chance — when Valentina was briefly allowed to take the phone.
“Collect 50 thousand in cash.” A bail that appeared only after publicity
Only after Igor Moldavsky’s publication in “Vesti” did the story receive maximum public resonance — more than 160 thousand readings in the first hours.
The editorial office was contacted by:
- Ukrainian Vice-Consul Vasyl Sych,
- Knesset members,
- employees of the parliamentary committee on Aliyah and integration,
- public organizations.
And only then did the Ministry of Interior of Israel “suddenly” find an alternative to deportation.
First, they said:
entry is possible after posting a bail of 50,000 shekels.
But the main thing — they demanded cash.
Boris arranged a bank guarantee, brought it to the airport, but he was “looked at like a madman” and repeated — only “cash”.
After long arguments, they agreed to a bank transfer.
At the same time, the border guards warned:
If Valentina stays even one day beyond the permitted period — the money will not be returned.
When Boris asked what would happen if a war started and flights were canceled, he was told:
“These problems do not concern us.”
And only after the publication of “Vesti” did a miracle happen
On November 20, the day after the first article, a second one appeared — the decision was changed:
the deportation was canceled, Valentina and Dmytro were allowed into Israel.
In tears, the mother rushed to her son. Dmytro hugged his soldier brother for the first time.
The family, torn apart for years, was finally together.
But that’s not all. The luggage disappeared
When Valentina and Dmytro came out, it turned out that their suitcases… disappeared.
The reason:
the suitcases were already sent on the return flight and will be returned only in a day or two.
Valentina said:
“We’ll manage. The main thing is that we are already here.”
What really happened? An analysis without emotions, but based on facts
1. The system “by default” assumes that Ukrainians want to stay illegally
Response from the Ministry of Interior press service:
“There was a suspicion that Ms. Valentina and Mr. Dmytro came to Israel to stay.”
This is the key phrase.
This is the root of the problem.
2. An IDF reservist was helpless before the same system for which he risks his life
400 days of service.
Active participation in hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
But before bureaucracy, this is not an argument.
3. The human factor turned out to be destructive
The border control officer’s question:
“Isn’t that enough for you?” — characterizes the situation better than any reports.
4. Loud media intervention was more effective than diplomacy
Without the publications of “Vesti” — this meeting would not have happened.
This is an acknowledged reality.
Why it is important to tell such stories
Because tens of thousands of families torn apart by the war in Ukraine live in Israel.
Many serve in the army. Many defend this country.
But the system still looks at them as “potential illegals.”
The story of Boris Zilberman’s family is not an “exception.”
It is a symptom.
It is a signal.
It is a question to the state that cannot be swept under the rug.
NANews – Israel news will continue to monitor such stories — so that no family of a reservist, repatriate, or refugee goes through this silently.
Publications “Vesti”
https://www.vesty.co.il/main/article/s1udpmigzl
https://www.vesty.co.il/main/article/rj3dhu3xzg
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