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December 7, 1999
28 Kislev, 5760
Jerusalem

Jewish Agency for Israel brings to Israel this afternoon, (Tuesday 7th December, 1999) 14 year old Vladimir Fayil, who was held hostage for ransom by Chechen rebels for eight months and freed last week.

Vladimir Fayil his father Jacob and his mother Dina Matatov The Jewish Agency for Israel will bring this afternoon at 4.00pm on El-Al flight LY612 from Moscow, fourteen year old Vladimir Fayil, who had been held hostage for ransom by Chechen rebels since 12th May 1999, and freed last week. Vladimir's mother, Dina and his 14-year-old first cousin, Sergei Matatov will be joining him on the flight. They will be accompanied by one of the Jewish Agency's emissaries from Russia. In Israel, Vladimir will be re-united with his father, Ya'akov Fayil, who lives in Beer Sheva and whom he has not seen for eleven years.

Chaim Chessler greeting Vladimir Fayil Vladimir will be personally greeted upon arrival by Jewish Agency for Israel Treasurer, Chaim Chesler and representatives of the Jewish Agency's Immigration and Absorption Department and representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Absorption.

Vladimir Fayil When Vladimir Fayil was kidnapped on May 12th off the streets of Makhachkala, the capital of the Russian autonomous Republic of Dagestan, he was on his way to participate in the Jewish Agency's program for Russian Jewish teenagers "Na'aleh", (a joint Jewish Agency and Israeli Education Ministry venture which enables high school students to immigrate to Israel without their parents to study in Israeli schools). In Chechnya and Dagestan, two Islamic republics seeking separation from the Russian Federation, kidnappings are common and are carried out by groups who want ransom money.

Vladimir Fayil and his father Jacob Vladimir's personal Chanukah miracle will be fulfilled today, he will now be able to join the Jewish Agency's Na'aleh program eight months later than planned. Until the program begins next month, Vladimir, Dina and Sergei, who is also a candidate to participate in the Na'aleh program will be accommodated in a Jewish Agency Absorption Center in central Israel.

The media is invited to cover the arrival of Vladimir Fayil at Ben Gurion International Airport this afternoon (Tuesday) at the Absorption Hall in the arrivals building. Journalists will be given the opportunity to interview Vladimir on his traumatic ordeal in the hands of his Chechen captors.

Journalists who wish to participate in the ceremony should be at the Workers Gate (sha'ar ovdim, opposite the El-Al check in counter in the departures hall next to the Yotvata restaurant) at 3.00pm with Israel Government press office credentials. Please call Lilach Gur ASAP at 02 620-2783/8/9 to confirm your participation at the arrival ceremony.

For further information contact:

Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media, JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706