Video: Shliach Blesses Freed Doctor

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A nine-month nightmare ended for professor Cyril Karabus, a 78-year-old former pediatric oncologist, who was arrested in Dubai. Hundreds greeted the freed man at the airport, among them Chabad Shliach Rabbi Asher Deren – who blessed him with Birchas Kohanim.

The 78-year-old former pediatric oncologist landed back on South African soil this past Friday following his harrowing nine month ordeal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Karabus was held in Abu Dhabi on a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of a young Yemeni girl he treated for leukaemia more than 10 years ago, in 2002.

He was arrested in Dubai last August on his way to South Africa from Canada.

Even though Karabus was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, he struggled for weeks to leave the UAE due to several delays.

Karabus’ family lawyer Michael Bagraim said the retired doctor is seeking legal opinion on whether to sue Emirates Airlines because it didn’t inform him about his arrest last August.

“I’ve also investigated whether we can sue the hospital group, who were aware of the guilty findings in 2002 and didn’t actually ever convey the message to Dr Karabus.”

Karabus spoke to the media after landing at Cape Town International Airport.

He said he remained resilient even though his experience was not pleasant.

“I think [the whole experience] had more of an impact on my wife and my kids. I managed to cope with it some way or the other.”

Karabus said the constant delays and disappointments were dreadful.

“It was really upsetting, and trying to get my passport and exit visa [was really difficult].”

Being honored with giving Birchas Kohanim Rabbi Deren wrote “What a special moment in my life – giving Birchat Kohanim the Priestly Blessings to Professor Karabus on his return, and then introducing the Phyllis Jowell students who have been davening for his release every day.”