Jailed Couple Freed to Israel

After about 16 months in the Ukraine, the couple arrested for carrying drugs in their suitcase by Ukrainian authorities was released ahead of Pesach.

Pinchas and Chani Willer have been released from jail following renewed efforts to obtain their release over recent weeks.

The story began when the two were engaged to be married, looking forward to a lifetime of happiness together after Chani’s bitter divorce.

They traveled to the Ukraine to explore a possible job opportunity, and on their way back to the airport they stopped in Uman to pray at the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslav.

Unbeknownst to them, someone placed two pounds of marijuana in their suitcase.

They said a person, who they suspect was connected to inserting the drugs, had tipped off Ukrainian authorities who were waiting at the Boryspil International Airport near Kiev to arrest them at the airport.

Their lawyer insisted they are not drug dealers and they were released on bail with severe restrictions, including prohibition on leaving Ukraine. The two were left without means and they were assisted by Chabad Shluchim while being detained in Ukraine for 15 months.

A number of months ago, Israeli Police became involved and the individuals responsible for setting them up were arrested in Israel, Switzerland and in Ukraine.

An indictment was handed down a few weeks ago against a Gerrer chossid involved, a young man who ostensibly ran the entire array of threats against the two. Ukrainian officials were informed of the indictment and this led to their release.

Immediately upon release, Pinchas and Chani traveled to Israel, arriving home to be reunited with their families just before Pesach.

The couple thanked COLlive readers around the world who helped them during their time of crisis.

“We would like to thank all of you who stood by us from the time that we were framed, as has now been proven, in the Kiev airport on Dec. 27. 2015. You stood by us as we were falsely incarcerated for 17 days in prison, as well as throughout the following 15 months we were detained in Ukraine, away from both sets of our children,” they wrote.

Now, their real work begins, as they must secure a place to live together as a family, as they begin their lives anew.

Click here to help now.

They need a permanent dwelling for them and their children. They need jobs and they and their kids need to recover from 16 months of personal terror and tragedy.

Pinchas and Chani both still need our help. Their kids need it more than ever. We ask of you to once again give generously to help them rebuild.

A fundraiser has been set up by friends and family to help them find an apartment and rebuild.

Click here to help now.