What was supposed to be a 4-day birthday trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, turned into the biggest nightmare of Michael and Ahinoam’s lives.

The trip began with love and good intentions. Michael’s mother wanted to give him a birthday gift: a short vacation abroad with his girlfriend, Ahinoam, and a chance to celebrate his birthday in Georgia. They planned a short trip from May 7 to May 11, with Michael’s birthday on May 9.

They flew from Israel early in the morning, excited and full of hope. Just before entering Georgia, Ahinoam was singing and welcoming the vacation. But in one second, everything changed.

Michael was stopped by security for what seemed like a random check. He was taken to a separate room, searched, and officers found a closed box of prescribed ADD medication, Attent 30mg, which he has taken daily for the past 12 years.

Michael had brought the medication legally from Israel, based on his prescription. He bought it the day before the flight because, at the time, there was fear of war with Iran and uncertainty about whether they would be able to return home as planned.

Michael tried to explain the situation and showed his Israeli medical documentation. However, the documents were not accepted because they were missing required official approvals, including stamps from the Israeli Ministry of Health, the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, the Georgian Embassy in Israel, and notarized translated documentation.

For four long hours, Michael was held and questioned while Ahinoam stood outside in tears, terrified and helpless, trying to contact his mother, the embassy, lawyers, and anyone who could help.

Eventually, the investigator decided not to take Michael to jail immediately. Instead, he was taken to the police station. His passport was taken, and his medication was seized. The medication he depends on every single day was suddenly gone.

Michael was questioned and only later understood that this was an official investigation. He was confused, exhausted after the flight, without his medication, and did not fully understand the consequences of what was happening. A translator was provided, but to this day, Michael does not know exactly what was written in the statement he was pressured to sign.

Then came the words that froze them both. They were told that the case would depend on expert analysis of the medication and the quantity. Michael asked what kind of fine they were talking about, imagining perhaps a few hundred dollars. Instead, he was told it could be around 25,000 GEL, approximately 27,500 ILS, and that without payment or resolution, he could face up to 4 years in Georgian prison.

Michael and Ahinoam sat there in shock, pale and silent, unable to understand how a short birthday vacation had turned into a legal emergency that could change their lives.

The Israeli embassy told them that Michael’s situation was unusual and that he needed a lawyer. Legal representation alone has already cost thousands of dollars, and this does not include the expected fine, translations, official documents, housing, food, transportation, and other emergency expenses.

What was meant to be a short birthday trip turned into a month-long legal emergency.

Michael and Ahinoam were forced to move between hotels and apartments, paying for basic living costs while trying to survive the crisis. Ahinoam had to explain the situation to her workplace and use her days off to stay by Michael’s side. Michael was supposed to be starting his new business, ChatCoders, but everything was put on hold. His development team was left without its leader while he fought to come home safely.

Right now, Michael and Ahinoam need help recovering from this legal and financial nightmare.

The funds raised will go toward:

Legal fines and official payments
Legal representation
Translation and document costs
Housing and basic living expenses in Georgia
Emergency costs connected to resolving the case and helping Michael return home safely

Any donation, no matter the amount, can help prevent this nightmare from leaving irreversible damage. If you cannot donate, please share this campaign. Sharing can help us reach the people who may be able to help.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and sending your prayers and good wishes.

Michael and Ahinoam
Georgia, May 2026