Toddler returns to Israel after accidental exile

Reuters Videos
Updated

A tearful reunion

between a toddler and her parents

Location: Ben Gurion Airport, Israel

was documented after a 6-month separation

Courtesy: Israir

Three-year-old Melaniya Petrushanska

spent almost a sixth of her life

in accidental exile

after Israel sealed its border

while she was abroad

visiting her grandmother in Ukraine

(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ALONA PETRUSHANSKA, 29-YEAR-OLD MOTHER OF MELANIYA, SAYING:"We discovered that it was impossible for her to return, because there were no arrival flights, it was all a mess. It's very scary to take a small girl on the last plane so we decided to wait. And it was very difficult over there for her grandmother in Ukraine to be with her. Every day, from morning until evening, we were on WhatsApp, Viber and we spoke, we were in touch all the time so she didn't forget us because it was very difficult not to see her. And we spoke, and every time she asked 'mom, take me back, when, when?' and every time I explained that the planes were sick, it was impossible and that I was waiting as well, that there was no way for her to return because everyone was sick."

Israir came to the rescue

agreeing to take the unaccompanied minor

as well as foot the bill

for an escort for little Melaniya