Senior “Shomrim” Official Remains in Custody as Investigation Deepens
A senior ultra-Orthodox official from the "Shomrim" civil patrol in Bnei Brak remains in custody as authorities investigate serious allegations of abuse against young Haredi men.
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Haim Rotter, the senior ultra-Orthodox official who served as chairman of the "Shomrim" civil patrol in Bnei Brak, will remain in custody until Wednesday, July 23, after the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court approved another extension of his arrest earlier today. The police requested the extension as the investigation into serious allegations of abuse against young Haredi men continues to unfold.
Authorities confirmed that a wide array of investigative steps are underway, including international cooperation. One of the key developments involved a formal deposition taken from a complainant in the United States, with the assistance of the FBI. Police stated that the investigation is ongoing “with the goal of uncovering the full truth.”
Last week, the court had already extended Rotter’s detention by a week. Shortly after that, an explosive interview aired on Ynet, in which Yossi Rubenfeld, one of the alleged victims, came forward publicly and provided testimony against Rotter. The account was deemed too disturbing to publish in full detail.
Rotter’s wife was also questioned under caution and placed under house arrest. In addition, a senior rabbinic figure in the Haredi world and another prominent individual were summoned to testify. Five other residents of Bnei Brak were arrested in connection with the affair; some have since been released to house arrest.
According to a report by journalist Aaron Rabinowitz from Haaretz, Rotter is currently being held under close monitoring due to concerns over his mental state and a potential suicide risk.
Rotter was apprehended at Ben-Gurion Airport after spending three weeks abroad. He had reportedly fled the country following the initial media revelations about his conduct. Upon his return, he was arrested and taken in for questioning by the Ramat Gan–Bnei Brak branch of the Tel Aviv District Police. His name, initially under a court-issued gag order, was cleared for publication over the weekend.
The case continues to send shockwaves through the ultra-Orthodox community and has ignited a wider debate about transparency and institutional accountability.