Mazalevsky in court
Family and friends refuse to believe Belarusian immigrant tried to join ISIS
Despite the Shin Bet painting a detailed picture of Mazalevsky's growing interest in ISIS and his being detained at the airport with a one-way ticket to Turkey, family and friends struggle with the allegations.
The family of 39-year-old Valentin Mazalevsky and
fellow residents of Shibli-Umm al-Ghanam vehemently deny that the Muslim convert and Belarusian immigrant to Israel attempted to join or support ISIS in any way.
Following his indictment Wednesday, Mazalevsky's wife Miriam and his family denied the accusations, saying, "It is all lies, we don't know where they're getting this story from. This man doesn't pose a threat to anyone and he has no connection to ISIS. Mountains are being made out of ant hills, the truth will come to light."
Mazalevsky at his arraignment
Mayor of Shibli, Naim Shibli, said that Mazalevsky came to the village 13 years ago after he had been released from the IDF.
"He converted to Islam and married a woman from the village and they have five children. He behaves respectfully without any suspicion," said Shibli.
According to Shibli, the village council can't believe the allegations. "Ever since the state was founded, we have supported the state and serve in the army. After he was arrested, I went to visit the family. They said they know nothing about it and refuse to believe the claims. It is too soon to judge him because there is no verdict and we don't have full and accurate information on the details of his arrest."
Mazalevsky after his arrest
In the indictment, prior to his arrest, Mazalevsky had a growing interest in ISIS. He is alleged to have viewed videos, songs and sermons from the organization. He also purportedly joined different groups on social media, which helped him make contact with ISIS agents in Israel and abroad.
Mazalevsky had apparently come to the attention of the Shin Bet last year when he was summoned for a security interview where he was warned that ISIS is illegal and that he should refrain from activities concerning the organization.
The Shin Bet has commented that, "The Shin Bet views the travel of Israelis to Syria and Iraq as an extremely dangerous phenomenon. It is apparent that the Islamic State organization presents a distorted picture in which rule under the Islamic State provides a better, more respectable life. Likewise, joining the group and fighting for it provides a religious and military adventure. However, from discussions with Israelis who returned from Syria and Iraq, a different picture is presented in which life is difficult and in constant danger."
