Consumer Critique: Kidjacked - A Father's Story

I can't imagine the pain of losing a child to someone else - even when you know the other person. That's exactly what happened to Scott Lesnick - twice - when his wife took the children to Israel. He had to fight through the court system to get them back, and tells his story in Kidjacked - A Father's Story. I had a chance to interview him to give you a taste of his incredible story.

1) Why the title Kidjacked?

Kidnapped was too difficult a word to wrap my mind around when I was going through this horrific ordeal. I though about airplanes that were hijacked, kids that were kidnapped, and came up with Kidjacked.
2) You had to deal with losing your kids not once, but twice. What persuaded you to let the kids go to Israel the second time?

I had no choice. A few years after I was awarded placement of the children Israel signed the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction aka The Hague Treaty. My attorney, Julie and I argued passionately with the original judge. Psychological testing showed that she would keep them again in Israel if given the opportunity. Liza's comments and my common sense told me that if she was given permission to take our children to Israel for the summer she would not return with Jonathan and Alexandra. Sadly for them, I was right.
3) Did you ever consider what you would have done if you hadn't been granted custody the second time?

Yes, but I never came up with a definitive answer. Every scenario I played back in my head, every "action plan" I scribbled down on paper had me reuniting with my children and bringing them home to America. Stubborn for sure and determined I kept moving forward even if it was an inch at a time.
4) Do you have advice for other parents who might find themselves in a similar situation?

Yes. Never give up! Talk to as many people as you can and reach out for help. I did. When you're confronting a hardship in your life and many of us will, remember what your goal is. Focus your energy on that goal. Research all you can. Become an expert.

That last point is solid advice in any situation, not just his. The book was hard to read emotionally as a parent, but well worth the time reading it, well-written, and very interesting. I'm glad I had the chance to find out more about his story.

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.