Haredi Figure Arrested Over Alleged Abuse of Minors: "He Destroyed My Life. He Murdered My Soul"
Police investigate six cases over 15 years as community reels from accusations against ultra-Orthodox leader.
"He destroyed my life. He murdered my soul." A prominent Haredi figure was arrested early Wednesday morning at Ben Gurion Airport upon returning from several weeks abroad, amid serious allegations of repeated sexual assaults against minors—and also against women.
The suspect, a well-known and influential community leader in one of Israel's major Haredi cities, is reportedly at the center of a widening investigation. Police say he fled the country when the first reports surfaced and was detained immediately upon arrival.
The man, described as having close ties to law enforcement and significant communal power, is under investigation by the Ramat Gan–Bnei Brak police unit in Israel’s Tel Aviv District. According to authorities, he will be brought before the magistrate’s court later today for a remand hearing.
Due to a court-issued gag order, the suspect's identity and many details of the case remain sealed. However, JFeed has learned that the investigation began roughly two weeks ago following multiple complaints—at least six separate incidents spanning over 15 years.
The alleged assaults reportedly took place when many of the victims were minors. Police have indicated they intend to petition the court to lift the gag order in the coming days, in hopes of encouraging other potential victims to come forward.
Attorney Yossi Roterman, who represents several of the complainants, told Kan Reshet B radio: “Most of the people who approached me were minors at the time of the assaults. There are also women who were abused by him, though less frequently. These are extremely sensitive cases. One client told me today, ‘I can't allow my name to be revealed—I won’t survive in my community if people find out.’”
Roterman added: “This is a man who has power and followers roaming the streets. He allegedly repeats his patterns with new victims—many of whom are too afraid to speak out.”
25 Years of Silence and Pain
One of the complainants described his experience to Kan: “Today, a circle has closed. Justice has been served. The man who ruined my life—was finally arrested. It took 25 years of pain, silence, fear, and trying to rebuild my life, but I feel tremendous relief. I’m no longer looking back—I’m moving forward. I chose life.”
Another victim, quoted in Mako, said: “He assaulted me severely 15 years ago when I was 13. I froze. I was traumatized. I couldn’t tell my family or friends—he was so respected and connected, no one would have believed me.”
A third victim recalled: “He invited me to his home under the pretense of explaining his organization—then assaulted me violently. I couldn’t sleep or function after that. He murdered my soul.”
Community Backlash and Denial
Despite the mounting accusations, some supporters of the suspect have rallied behind him in private WhatsApp groups. One message circulating in Haredi circles read: “Update: Our esteemed activist ... has landed safely in our Holy Land and was taken for questioning. With God’s help, this will all blow over and his innocence will be proven.”
Another message, attempting to discredit the accusers, claimed: “Only two so-called ‘victims’ were quoted. One is a Hasidic young man with a history of mental issues and suicide attempts after being kicked out of the organization—he gave a false statement and then fled the country. The other is a guy from Beit Shemesh who was 'bought' with a bit of attention and a few bucks.”
These responses highlight the deep divisions the case has caused within the Haredi community—between those who stand with the victims and those who remain loyal to the accused.