The children were aged 3, almost 2 and 9 months at the date of the alleged wrongful removal. The two older children had lived in both England and Israel. The parents were married and had joint rights of custody. On 9 November 1995 the mother took the children to England.
Following the removal the father sought to secure the return of the children in accordance with established orthodox Jewish procedures. However, after several months and many failed attempts he was given permission by the rabbinical court to take whatever steps he saw fit. He therefore initiated return proceedings under the Convention.
On 3 May 1996 the father’s originating summons was issued.
On 5 July 1996 the High Court ordered the return of the children.
The mother appealed.
