Ruslana Rodina on her son Yan: 'He is a child, and he pays our price'
Ruslana Rodina opens up about her new relationship, her supportive co-parenting with ex-partner Itay Paz, and her fierce protection of her 11-year-old son, Yan, against public scrutiny.
We caught up with Ruslana Rodina at the launch of Dino-Land at the Toto Hall in Holon, accompanied by her son Yan Golan, shortly after news broke about her new relationship with Ami Barda and their first joint advertising campaign.
What can you tell us about your new relationship?
His name is Ami, as everyone knows. I'm having fun, I'm okay, we're good. We are just enjoying ourselves.
How did you meet?
We met abroad through mutual friends, returned to Israel, kept in touch, and it slowly developed. It developed very quickly.
This rapid development brought immediate public attention.
We went on two dates, attended a joint event, and it got out. We took into account that if we go to an event with many people, someone will likely leak it. Let's just say we talked about it.
What should we know about him?
He is from Hadera, and I am originally from Hadera too. It's funny because I 'ran away' from Hadera, and now it's like I'm back. My entire circle, including my brother, knows him.
Are there butterflies?
In every beginning, there is excitement and fun. Of course, there are feelings. Although it developed quickly, we are taking our time to really confirm this thing.
Your ex-partner, Itay Paz, recently got engaged. How do you feel about that?
Of course, I knew. We are in touch, he is in touch with Yan, and I have met his partner. Everything is good; I sincerely wish them the best. He is an amazing man and deserves it.
Are you still in contact?
We are in touch less often. We have our own affairs to settle, but everything else is through Yan. He is part of his life, and I am very happy about that.
Speaking of Yan (11), he made headlines this week for starring in your children's clothing campaign.
There is no one happier than me that my child is modeling it. I think every mother would choose her son first. We had many offers before that he didn't approve, and I never pushed him. I always said that when he is ready, it would be with great love.
Why did it change suddenly?
I think he got a little tickle for it; he really wanted to, so here it is.
Does he want to be part of the industry?
Whatever he decides, I will be behind him. When it concerns my child, I am a lioness. I can be nice, but if you hurt my child? It's over. I don't care about 'keeping my composure'—I am a mom.
Is he prepared for the industry's harsh criticism?
He is not prepared. Listen, he is a child. We are famous parents, but he pays our price for things we say or do. Children are never to blame for their parents' actions, and people need to understand that it's okay not to like us, but the children are innocent.
What do you answer to comments about him?
I answer that I truly hope that if they are parents, their children won't take a personal example from them. You have to draw a line. Bullying starts at home, from what a mother says to a father, and the child hears it and takes it to school. It's a ping-pong that starts at home. You need to know how to stop.
