12 aug 2013
Indictment: Stabbed mother of 8 in hotel for unknown reasons
The Northern District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment with the Nazareth District Court against a 25-year-old resident of the city for the attempted murder of a woman in one of the city's hotels. The indictment does not specify the reasons behind the attempted murder of the woman, a mother of eight in her forties. According to the indictment, the man walked into the hotel with a knife in his possession, entered the woman's room, which was unlocked, and stabbed the woman several times. Afterwards, he beat her with an electric kettle and a ceramic mug.
The Northern District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment with the Nazareth District Court against a 25-year-old resident of the city for the attempted murder of a woman in one of the city's hotels. The indictment does not specify the reasons behind the attempted murder of the woman, a mother of eight in her forties. According to the indictment, the man walked into the hotel with a knife in his possession, entered the woman's room, which was unlocked, and stabbed the woman several times. Afterwards, he beat her with an electric kettle and a ceramic mug.
Border Gaurd in action.
Undercover Internal Affairs investigation leads police to arrest Border Guard drill sergeant for stealing iPhones, cash from recruits while they were in the field training. Border Patrol promise: If officer is guilt, he will be dismissed 'effective immediately'
A Border Guard officer serving as a drill sergeant in a training base in Ma'ale Mikhmas is suspected of stealing mobile phones and cash from his recruits.
The officer was arrested by the police's Internal Affairs Unit after one of the phones that were allegedly stolen was found in the possession of another Border Guard officer who claimed the drill sergeant sold him the phone.
About two months ago, recruits at the Ma'ale Mikhmas training base filed complaints to the police that money and phones have been taken from their private rucksacks.
According to the recruits, the thefts occurred while they were out in the field during a two-day exercise. The trainees further complained that as a result of the alleged thefts their commanders forced them to hold a 'line-up of shame' in which they were commanded to empty the content's of their bags. The commanders even went as far as conducting interrogations, questioning the recruits supposedly in a bid to find the crook, however, no one was found. In light of the fact that similar thefts had occurred in the past, the commanders assumed that the thief was someone with unfettered access to the base – which is barred to civilians.
Officers from Jerusalem police's Internal Affair Unit began an undercover investigation during which they discovered that one of the stolen phones was currently being used by another Border Guard officer who was serving as a commander at the Beit Horon base. The officer from Beit Horon was questioned under advisement and professed his innocence, claiming he did not steal the phone but rather purchased it for NIS 600 from another officer serving at the Ma'ale Mikhmas base.
He then assisted the police in reaching the officer who sold him the phone and it turned out that the he was none other than the drill sergeant whose recruits had first complained about the thefts. The drill sergeant was then arrested and taken into interrogation, where he eventually admitted to stealing two iPhones and hundreds of shekels in cash while rummaging through his recruits' rucksacks. He claimed to have given the second phone to a relative.
Shalom Amar, head of the Jerusalem District Police Internal Affairs Unit, confirmed the officer was arrested on suspicion of theft and noted that the he was released after his interrogation and suspended from the police for 15 days. The Border Patrol's spokesperson said in response that "the Border Patrol views the incident with the utmost severity and condemns any behavior by its officers which go against the values the force is meant to preserve. It is important to note that the event is unrepresentative… and if the allegations will be proved accurate, then the officer will be dismissed effective immediately from the force."
Related stories:
Undercover Internal Affairs investigation leads police to arrest Border Guard drill sergeant for stealing iPhones, cash from recruits while they were in the field training. Border Patrol promise: If officer is guilt, he will be dismissed 'effective immediately'
A Border Guard officer serving as a drill sergeant in a training base in Ma'ale Mikhmas is suspected of stealing mobile phones and cash from his recruits.
The officer was arrested by the police's Internal Affairs Unit after one of the phones that were allegedly stolen was found in the possession of another Border Guard officer who claimed the drill sergeant sold him the phone.
About two months ago, recruits at the Ma'ale Mikhmas training base filed complaints to the police that money and phones have been taken from their private rucksacks.
According to the recruits, the thefts occurred while they were out in the field during a two-day exercise. The trainees further complained that as a result of the alleged thefts their commanders forced them to hold a 'line-up of shame' in which they were commanded to empty the content's of their bags. The commanders even went as far as conducting interrogations, questioning the recruits supposedly in a bid to find the crook, however, no one was found. In light of the fact that similar thefts had occurred in the past, the commanders assumed that the thief was someone with unfettered access to the base – which is barred to civilians.
Officers from Jerusalem police's Internal Affair Unit began an undercover investigation during which they discovered that one of the stolen phones was currently being used by another Border Guard officer who was serving as a commander at the Beit Horon base. The officer from Beit Horon was questioned under advisement and professed his innocence, claiming he did not steal the phone but rather purchased it for NIS 600 from another officer serving at the Ma'ale Mikhmas base.
He then assisted the police in reaching the officer who sold him the phone and it turned out that the he was none other than the drill sergeant whose recruits had first complained about the thefts. The drill sergeant was then arrested and taken into interrogation, where he eventually admitted to stealing two iPhones and hundreds of shekels in cash while rummaging through his recruits' rucksacks. He claimed to have given the second phone to a relative.
Shalom Amar, head of the Jerusalem District Police Internal Affairs Unit, confirmed the officer was arrested on suspicion of theft and noted that the he was released after his interrogation and suspended from the police for 15 days. The Border Patrol's spokesperson said in response that "the Border Patrol views the incident with the utmost severity and condemns any behavior by its officers which go against the values the force is meant to preserve. It is important to note that the event is unrepresentative… and if the allegations will be proved accurate, then the officer will be dismissed effective immediately from the force."
Related stories:
Police arrests 29 haredim for disorderly conduct in Beit Shemesh
Jerusalem District Police arrested 29 haredim suspected of disorderly conduct in response to construction work in a disputed site in Beit Shemesh. The suspects claimed the site rests on ancient tombs. Earlier Monday, haredim rioted in Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem, set trash bins on fire and blocked streets to traffic.
Jerusalem District Police arrested 29 haredim suspected of disorderly conduct in response to construction work in a disputed site in Beit Shemesh. The suspects claimed the site rests on ancient tombs. Earlier Monday, haredim rioted in Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem, set trash bins on fire and blocked streets to traffic.
7 haredim arrested in J'lem on suspicion of fraud, money laundering
Jerusalem police arrested seven haredim on suspicion of fraud and money laundering at a business in the city. Six of them live in Beitar Illit and the seventh in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. One of the suspects is the son of a salesman. The Central Unit of the Jerusalem Police said that more arrests are expected.
Jerusalem police arrested seven haredim on suspicion of fraud and money laundering at a business in the city. Six of them live in Beitar Illit and the seventh in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. One of the suspects is the son of a salesman. The Central Unit of the Jerusalem Police said that more arrests are expected.
Bat Yam mayor petitions High Court to postpone hearing
Bat Yam Mayor Shlomi Lahiani petitioned the High Court to postpone the hearing set for it, and to hold it after the holiday season. In the petition, Lahiani claimed that holding the hearing by the end of the month would not allow him to study the full material of the investigation.
He said the investigation team worked a long time collecting material against him, so it makes sense that his lawyers be afforded the same. Lahiani is suspected of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and tax evasion.
Bat Yam Mayor Shlomi Lahiani petitioned the High Court to postpone the hearing set for it, and to hold it after the holiday season. In the petition, Lahiani claimed that holding the hearing by the end of the month would not allow him to study the full material of the investigation.
He said the investigation team worked a long time collecting material against him, so it makes sense that his lawyers be afforded the same. Lahiani is suspected of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and tax evasion.
Beit Shemesh: Haredim protest construction over tombs
Some 100 haredim protested in a Beit Shemesh construction site which they claim rests on top of tombs. Fourteen protesters were detained for questioning for disrupting work. One of them is suspected of assaulting a police officer and another of rioting. Construction has resumed.
Some 100 haredim protested in a Beit Shemesh construction site which they claim rests on top of tombs. Fourteen protesters were detained for questioning for disrupting work. One of them is suspected of assaulting a police officer and another of rioting. Construction has resumed.
Israeli living in US kills son, self, during visitation
A New Hampshire man used a handgun to shoot his 9-year-old son to death before taking his own life during supervised visitation at a YWCA office in Manchester, officials said Sunday. An adult supervisor was present when Muni Savyon, 54, produced a handgun and shot 9-year-old Joshua Savyon of Amherst before shooting himself, the attorney general's office said.
The father, who was depressed after returning from his brother's funeral in Israel, sent an email to a friend suggesting he was suicidal before the shootings, said Rabbi Levi Krinsky of Chabad Lubavitch in Manchester.
A New Hampshire man used a handgun to shoot his 9-year-old son to death before taking his own life during supervised visitation at a YWCA office in Manchester, officials said Sunday. An adult supervisor was present when Muni Savyon, 54, produced a handgun and shot 9-year-old Joshua Savyon of Amherst before shooting himself, the attorney general's office said.
The father, who was depressed after returning from his brother's funeral in Israel, sent an email to a friend suggesting he was suicidal before the shootings, said Rabbi Levi Krinsky of Chabad Lubavitch in Manchester.
11 aug 2013
Niv Borsuk
Suspect used post-dated checks to swindle his friends out of hundreds of thousands of shekels; caught after three years of pursuit
After three years of intense searching, Niv Borsuk, a Tel Aviv man who is accused of stealing NIS 20 millions (roughly $5.7 million) from his peers was arrested Sunday and his remand was extended by five days.
The man allegedly earned the trust of his friends and then escaped with their money to settle in the Philippines. Among his victims are actor and comedian Zion Baruch and media personality Ron Kaufman.
An investigation launched by Israel police in 2010 revealed that the man lived an ostentatious lifestyle, and came in contact with Tel Aviv's elite. For a long period of time, he mingled with celebrities, spending tens of thousands of shekels a day.
The man is suspected of defrauding his friends by taking post-dated checks from them. The suspect would get checks—usually from his close circle—take them to a check discount company and bring them back to the client as a sort of loan until the cashing of the check.
Actively, however, the man convinced his friends to let him keep the check—with an interest. After he became involved in gambling he took the money and fled to the Philippines. Ron Kaufman said Sunday about the arrest: "I'm so glad he was caught, he swindled me by hundreds of thousands of dollars. I hope they give him a happy welcome in jail. He's a bad man."
Ronen Rosenblum, the suspect's laywyer, said: "There is an ongoing investigation on the matter of my client, and I am assured that its results will be different than the complains aimed at my client so far." The suspect has been remanded in custody at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court.
Suspect used post-dated checks to swindle his friends out of hundreds of thousands of shekels; caught after three years of pursuit
After three years of intense searching, Niv Borsuk, a Tel Aviv man who is accused of stealing NIS 20 millions (roughly $5.7 million) from his peers was arrested Sunday and his remand was extended by five days.
The man allegedly earned the trust of his friends and then escaped with their money to settle in the Philippines. Among his victims are actor and comedian Zion Baruch and media personality Ron Kaufman.
An investigation launched by Israel police in 2010 revealed that the man lived an ostentatious lifestyle, and came in contact with Tel Aviv's elite. For a long period of time, he mingled with celebrities, spending tens of thousands of shekels a day.
The man is suspected of defrauding his friends by taking post-dated checks from them. The suspect would get checks—usually from his close circle—take them to a check discount company and bring them back to the client as a sort of loan until the cashing of the check.
Actively, however, the man convinced his friends to let him keep the check—with an interest. After he became involved in gambling he took the money and fled to the Philippines. Ron Kaufman said Sunday about the arrest: "I'm so glad he was caught, he swindled me by hundreds of thousands of dollars. I hope they give him a happy welcome in jail. He's a bad man."
Ronen Rosenblum, the suspect's laywyer, said: "There is an ongoing investigation on the matter of my client, and I am assured that its results will be different than the complains aimed at my client so far." The suspect has been remanded in custody at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court.
Kfar Qassem man indicted for beating, raping girlfriend
An indictment and a motion for remand pending conclusion of legal proceedings have been filed with the Lod District Court against a 37-year-old Kfar Qassem man, charged with rape, assault, and imprisonment of his girlfriend. The indictment states that the man would beat his girlfriend for refusing to have sex with him. It also states that the defendant brutally raped her and left her with serious contusions.
An indictment and a motion for remand pending conclusion of legal proceedings have been filed with the Lod District Court against a 37-year-old Kfar Qassem man, charged with rape, assault, and imprisonment of his girlfriend. The indictment states that the man would beat his girlfriend for refusing to have sex with him. It also states that the defendant brutally raped her and left her with serious contusions.
Israeli suspected of defrauding celebrities extradited to Israel
An Israeli citizen suspected of fraud involving millions of shekels has been extradited to Israel after fleeing to the Philippines three years ago. He is suspected of a line of fraud charges, some of them against celebrities. Tel Aviv Police have re-launched the investigation in his case. The suspect will be brought for a remand hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court later on Sunday.
An Israeli citizen suspected of fraud involving millions of shekels has been extradited to Israel after fleeing to the Philippines three years ago. He is suspected of a line of fraud charges, some of them against celebrities. Tel Aviv Police have re-launched the investigation in his case. The suspect will be brought for a remand hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court later on Sunday.
10 aug 2013
38-year-old suspected of attacking daughter, breaking her legs
A 38-year-old from the Tiberias region was arrested for allegedly attacking his 15-year-old daughter. The girl was taken to the hospital suffering from bruises on her face and broken legs.
During his interrogation, the father claimed the girl fell from the window.
A 38-year-old from the Tiberias region was arrested for allegedly attacking his 15-year-old daughter. The girl was taken to the hospital suffering from bruises on her face and broken legs.
During his interrogation, the father claimed the girl fell from the window.
9 aug 2013
5 arrested for alleged involvement in Beersheba hit-and-run
Five members of a Beersheba family were arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a hit-and-run accident that killed 85-year-old Lola Amdor nearly two months ago. The main suspect confessed to the charges and the four others admitted their involvement. A Beersheba Magistrates' Court judge will consider remanding them later on Friday.
Five members of a Beersheba family were arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a hit-and-run accident that killed 85-year-old Lola Amdor nearly two months ago. The main suspect confessed to the charges and the four others admitted their involvement. A Beersheba Magistrates' Court judge will consider remanding them later on Friday.
Ganon after shooting
Former gay youth center manager who signed immunity deal with police, reveals relative of main suspect accused him of rape after sexual encounter they had less than two months before shooting. 'You should have stopped when I told you to. You'll pay for this,' teen wrote in message
Newly released transcripts of the interrogation of Shaul Ganon, 49, the former manager of a gay youth center who signed an immunity deal with the police, shed light on the motive for the shooting rampage that killed two people in 2009. They also expose the difference between the versions he gave the police immediately after the shooting and following his arrest earlier this year.
Under a deal struck with the police, Ganon will testify on behalf of the prosecution against the suspects and admit to having sexual contact with the main suspect's relative, who was underage at the time, but will not be charged for any criminal offence. In August 2009, during initial questioning in the aftermath of the shooting, Ganon failed to mention the incident which would later be revealed as the motive for the murder. It was not until June 2013, four years later, that he divulged details about the encounter, only after signing the immunity deal.
According to Ganon, he met the underage teen, a relative of Hagai Felician, in an online dating website about a month and a half before the shooting and had sex with him at the Barnoar, a gay youth center. The chat was made from a computer at the youth center
"It started off in an online chat, then we moved to messenger, then phone calls – two or three that night, and then another phone call until he showed up at the Barnoar," Ganon recounted.
"The meeting included a sexual encounter which ended in a blow-up, he ran away from the Barnoar," he told investigators. "After the sexual act he yelled at me 'you son of a b**h and ran off to the street. I was surprised and embarrassed, so I didn't run after him. I opened the door and he disappeared."
The two later had an online chat in which the teen verbally attacked Ganon.
The teen: "You disgusting fat 'f**k."
Ganon: ?
The teen: "You raped me."
Ganon: "Let’s cool it with that word 'raped'. I may be many things but I'm not a rapist."
The teen: "You should have stopped when I told you to. You don't know who I am, you'll see who I am."
Ganon: "I'm sorry that you feel that way and I even apologize if that's how you feel."
The teen: "I'm not as old as I told you. I'm under 18 and you'll pay for this."
Ganon: "You came here and did everything on your own free will and I must have made a mistake and I want you to know that to accuse someone is tantamount to libel."
Ganon stressed during the interrogation that the sex was consensual and that the teen said he was 20 in his website profile. "From my perspective there was no rape," he told the investigators. "At no point from his arrival at the place until the very act itself and throughout it did he show any resistance, and there was even cooperation.
"When I got to the stage of adding curses or derogatory words, that's when he demanded that we stop. It took a few seconds for me to realize what was going on and I stopped. Unfortunately the complainant must have experienced that last bit in our sexual intercourse as a traumatic experience."
Former gay youth center manager who signed immunity deal with police, reveals relative of main suspect accused him of rape after sexual encounter they had less than two months before shooting. 'You should have stopped when I told you to. You'll pay for this,' teen wrote in message
Newly released transcripts of the interrogation of Shaul Ganon, 49, the former manager of a gay youth center who signed an immunity deal with the police, shed light on the motive for the shooting rampage that killed two people in 2009. They also expose the difference between the versions he gave the police immediately after the shooting and following his arrest earlier this year.
Under a deal struck with the police, Ganon will testify on behalf of the prosecution against the suspects and admit to having sexual contact with the main suspect's relative, who was underage at the time, but will not be charged for any criminal offence. In August 2009, during initial questioning in the aftermath of the shooting, Ganon failed to mention the incident which would later be revealed as the motive for the murder. It was not until June 2013, four years later, that he divulged details about the encounter, only after signing the immunity deal.
According to Ganon, he met the underage teen, a relative of Hagai Felician, in an online dating website about a month and a half before the shooting and had sex with him at the Barnoar, a gay youth center. The chat was made from a computer at the youth center
"It started off in an online chat, then we moved to messenger, then phone calls – two or three that night, and then another phone call until he showed up at the Barnoar," Ganon recounted.
"The meeting included a sexual encounter which ended in a blow-up, he ran away from the Barnoar," he told investigators. "After the sexual act he yelled at me 'you son of a b**h and ran off to the street. I was surprised and embarrassed, so I didn't run after him. I opened the door and he disappeared."
The two later had an online chat in which the teen verbally attacked Ganon.
The teen: "You disgusting fat 'f**k."
Ganon: ?
The teen: "You raped me."
Ganon: "Let’s cool it with that word 'raped'. I may be many things but I'm not a rapist."
The teen: "You should have stopped when I told you to. You don't know who I am, you'll see who I am."
Ganon: "I'm sorry that you feel that way and I even apologize if that's how you feel."
The teen: "I'm not as old as I told you. I'm under 18 and you'll pay for this."
Ganon: "You came here and did everything on your own free will and I must have made a mistake and I want you to know that to accuse someone is tantamount to libel."
Ganon stressed during the interrogation that the sex was consensual and that the teen said he was 20 in his website profile. "From my perspective there was no rape," he told the investigators. "At no point from his arrival at the place until the very act itself and throughout it did he show any resistance, and there was even cooperation.
"When I got to the stage of adding curses or derogatory words, that's when he demanded that we stop. It took a few seconds for me to realize what was going on and I stopped. Unfortunately the complainant must have experienced that last bit in our sexual intercourse as a traumatic experience."
Main suspect in shooting Hagai Felician
He further stated that he did not think the threat the teen made in the subsequent chat would materialize. "It was a misunderstanding and not an event with potential for a shooting like the one in the Barnoar," he told police. Ganon claims he "suppressed" the incident and therefore did not mention it during the initial interrogation.
The interrogation also included a detailed account of Ganon's sex life which he said involved intimate relations with 1,200 men and 40 women. Asked about his relations with minors, he said: "I had sex with minors over the age of consent (16) in the past. There were only four cases, and in at least two of them, they introduced themselves as adults." Ganon also described his relations with the state witness during the interrogation. He said he took him on as a "personal project." "He came to the Barnoar in 2007 or 2008. He had a temper and would always get into fights. I didn't want him to get himself in trouble. I saw his good side, he had the potential to be a businessman."
Ganon noted he was in touch with the state witness through Facebook the entire time he was in prison and even met with him several times after the witness was released. "We talked about his time in prison, about his plans for the future. "
Ganon, 49, is considered one of the prominent members of the Israeli National LGBT Task Force and founder and former manager of the Barnoar gay youth center where the shooting took place.
In the past 20 years he has worked with gay youths who struggled with their sexual identity, were abused, rejected by their families or were at risk of turning to crime. He has worked with both Jewish and Palestinian teens.
In 2005, Ganon founded the Barnoar center in Tel Aviv's Nachmani street as a place where gay youths could find support and protection. In 2009 he was awarded the mayor's prize for outstanding volunteer.
Ganon was not at the center at the time of the shooting but rushed to the scene after learning of the murder.
He further stated that he did not think the threat the teen made in the subsequent chat would materialize. "It was a misunderstanding and not an event with potential for a shooting like the one in the Barnoar," he told police. Ganon claims he "suppressed" the incident and therefore did not mention it during the initial interrogation.
The interrogation also included a detailed account of Ganon's sex life which he said involved intimate relations with 1,200 men and 40 women. Asked about his relations with minors, he said: "I had sex with minors over the age of consent (16) in the past. There were only four cases, and in at least two of them, they introduced themselves as adults." Ganon also described his relations with the state witness during the interrogation. He said he took him on as a "personal project." "He came to the Barnoar in 2007 or 2008. He had a temper and would always get into fights. I didn't want him to get himself in trouble. I saw his good side, he had the potential to be a businessman."
Ganon noted he was in touch with the state witness through Facebook the entire time he was in prison and even met with him several times after the witness was released. "We talked about his time in prison, about his plans for the future. "
Ganon, 49, is considered one of the prominent members of the Israeli National LGBT Task Force and founder and former manager of the Barnoar gay youth center where the shooting took place.
In the past 20 years he has worked with gay youths who struggled with their sexual identity, were abused, rejected by their families or were at risk of turning to crime. He has worked with both Jewish and Palestinian teens.
In 2005, Ganon founded the Barnoar center in Tel Aviv's Nachmani street as a place where gay youths could find support and protection. In 2009 he was awarded the mayor's prize for outstanding volunteer.
Ganon was not at the center at the time of the shooting but rushed to the scene after learning of the murder.
Two suspects arrested on suspicion of soliciting children as young as 12 to have sex with adults
A man and a woman were arrested Friday on suspicion they solicited teenage children as young as 12 to have sexual relations with adults for money. Several of the sexual encounters were part of mass orgies.
The two are also suspected of soliciting the teens to consume heavy drugs and alcohol.
Rosh HaAyin police launched an investigation after receiving information that an underage boy had fallen victim to sexual exploitation.
During the investigation it was discovered that a 21-year-old resident of the city and a 54-year-old woman from a nearby moshav joined forces to supply adults with sex services involving minors.
It is suspected the pair connected children between the ages 12 and 15 with adults seeking sexual intercourse. The sexual encounters, including mass orgies, took places in various locations.
The encounters included the consumption of heavy drugs and alcohol. A search in the woman's house revealed narcotics.
The suspects collected fees from the adults which they kept for themselves. "The suspects exploited the minors and traded them for sexual encounters," a police source said. "These are serious offences. It is still early days in the investigation and there are many other people involved who have yet to be questioned."
A man and a woman were arrested Friday on suspicion they solicited teenage children as young as 12 to have sexual relations with adults for money. Several of the sexual encounters were part of mass orgies.
The two are also suspected of soliciting the teens to consume heavy drugs and alcohol.
Rosh HaAyin police launched an investigation after receiving information that an underage boy had fallen victim to sexual exploitation.
During the investigation it was discovered that a 21-year-old resident of the city and a 54-year-old woman from a nearby moshav joined forces to supply adults with sex services involving minors.
It is suspected the pair connected children between the ages 12 and 15 with adults seeking sexual intercourse. The sexual encounters, including mass orgies, took places in various locations.
The encounters included the consumption of heavy drugs and alcohol. A search in the woman's house revealed narcotics.
The suspects collected fees from the adults which they kept for themselves. "The suspects exploited the minors and traded them for sexual encounters," a police source said. "These are serious offences. It is still early days in the investigation and there are many other people involved who have yet to be questioned."
8 aug 2013
J'lem: Haredi demands woman move to back of bus, punched in face
A secular woman boarded a bus in a Jerusalem street and sat at the front. A haredi man approached her, and demanded she move to the back of the bus.
A secular man on the bus punched the haredi and escaped. The haredi did not require medical attention, and the bus continued.
A secular woman boarded a bus in a Jerusalem street and sat at the front. A haredi man approached her, and demanded she move to the back of the bus.
A secular man on the bus punched the haredi and escaped. The haredi did not require medical attention, and the bus continued.
Man admits to molesting daughter because 'wife didn't want sex'
An indictment has been filed with Petah Tikva's Magistrate's Court against a 49-year-old man from Elad accused of allegedly performing indecent acts against his 8-year-old daughter on two separate occasions.
The accused admitted to the acts in his interrogation and claimed he "was overcome with desire," since his wife does not have intercourse with him and "keeps saying she's tired."
An indictment has been filed with Petah Tikva's Magistrate's Court against a 49-year-old man from Elad accused of allegedly performing indecent acts against his 8-year-old daughter on two separate occasions.
The accused admitted to the acts in his interrogation and claimed he "was overcome with desire," since his wife does not have intercourse with him and "keeps saying she's tired."
Man accused of premeditated murder of J'lem attorney, daughter
An indictment has been filed with the Jerusalem District Court against Getagon Tadesse, a Ma'aleh Adumim resident aged 50, for the alleged murder of Attorney Natan Gorno and his daughter Yamit about two weeks ago.
According to the indictment, Tadesse, a security guard, knew the victim after the latter represented him in a divorce case. Tadesse previously allegedly threatened him and demanded his money back claiming he was misrepresented in the case. Tadesse allegedly arrived at Gorno's office and allegedly shot and killed the attorney and his daughter. He is accused of the two's premeditated murder.
An indictment has been filed with the Jerusalem District Court against Getagon Tadesse, a Ma'aleh Adumim resident aged 50, for the alleged murder of Attorney Natan Gorno and his daughter Yamit about two weeks ago.
According to the indictment, Tadesse, a security guard, knew the victim after the latter represented him in a divorce case. Tadesse previously allegedly threatened him and demanded his money back claiming he was misrepresented in the case. Tadesse allegedly arrived at Gorno's office and allegedly shot and killed the attorney and his daughter. He is accused of the two's premeditated murder.
Man charged with breaking infant girl's leg
Indictment says Kiryat Gat man physically assaulted his spouse's baby girl on at least two occasions
A 32-year-old resident of Kiryat Gat was charged on Thursday with the assault of his spouse's baby girl. According to the indictment, filed with the Beersheba District Court, the man bruised the infant's head, and in another incident he caused fractures to both of her legs.
The prosecution has asked to keep the defendant in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The indictment states that in May, when the defendant and the baby were alone in the apartment, he bruised her head and caused her face to swell. The baby was hospitalized for four days at Ashkelon's Barzilai Medical Center.
In July, according to the indictment, the defendant attacked the girl during a stroll in Kiryat Gat, causing two fractures to her left leg. The baby's lip was cut and she also bled from her ear. Her leg was put in a cast and she was hospitalized for a week, the indictment said. The man was charged with the aggravated assault of a minor.
The request to keep the man in custody stated that he had prior convictions for offenses involving violence, sex and property, for which he served time. He was convicted in the past for a series of severe acts of violence against his wife, the prosecution said.
Indictment says Kiryat Gat man physically assaulted his spouse's baby girl on at least two occasions
A 32-year-old resident of Kiryat Gat was charged on Thursday with the assault of his spouse's baby girl. According to the indictment, filed with the Beersheba District Court, the man bruised the infant's head, and in another incident he caused fractures to both of her legs.
The prosecution has asked to keep the defendant in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The indictment states that in May, when the defendant and the baby were alone in the apartment, he bruised her head and caused her face to swell. The baby was hospitalized for four days at Ashkelon's Barzilai Medical Center.
In July, according to the indictment, the defendant attacked the girl during a stroll in Kiryat Gat, causing two fractures to her left leg. The baby's lip was cut and she also bled from her ear. Her leg was put in a cast and she was hospitalized for a week, the indictment said. The man was charged with the aggravated assault of a minor.
The request to keep the man in custody stated that he had prior convictions for offenses involving violence, sex and property, for which he served time. He was convicted in the past for a series of severe acts of violence against his wife, the prosecution said.
Kiryat Gat man accused of severely injuring spouse's baby
An indictment has been filed with the Beersheba District Court against a 32-year-old man from Kiryat Gat, accused of attacking his spouse's baby on several incidents.
He is accused of causing the baby, less than a year old, severe injury leading to her hospitalization for four days in Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. On a different incident he took the baby for a stroll, during which he allegedly attacked her, breaking her foot in two places among other injuries. The Southern District Attorney's Office asked for his remand pending the completion of legal proceedings.
An indictment has been filed with the Beersheba District Court against a 32-year-old man from Kiryat Gat, accused of attacking his spouse's baby on several incidents.
He is accused of causing the baby, less than a year old, severe injury leading to her hospitalization for four days in Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. On a different incident he took the baby for a stroll, during which he allegedly attacked her, breaking her foot in two places among other injuries. The Southern District Attorney's Office asked for his remand pending the completion of legal proceedings.
J'lem: Man bounds grandma, granddaughter with duct-tape, escapes
Police reported that a young man entered an apartment in the Ramot neighborhood in Jerusalem and used duct-tape to bound an 80-year-old woman and her 10-year-old granddaughter while threatening them with a weapon. The two cried for help, and the man escaped the premises.
Police arrived and released the two, and have began canvassing the area for the suspect. According to the police, the incident is most likely part of a family conflict.
Police reported that a young man entered an apartment in the Ramot neighborhood in Jerusalem and used duct-tape to bound an 80-year-old woman and her 10-year-old granddaughter while threatening them with a weapon. The two cried for help, and the man escaped the premises.
Police arrived and released the two, and have began canvassing the area for the suspect. According to the police, the incident is most likely part of a family conflict.
Netanya resident suspected of setting fire to synagogue
An indictment was filed against a 24-year-old Netanya resident, suspected of setting fire to a synagogue in the city. According to the indictment, the suspect broke into the synagogue in July in an attempt to steal objects in the synagogue, and set fire to the structure in an attempt to cover his tracks.
An indictment was filed against a 24-year-old Netanya resident, suspected of setting fire to a synagogue in the city. According to the indictment, the suspect broke into the synagogue in July in an attempt to steal objects in the synagogue, and set fire to the structure in an attempt to cover his tracks.
7-year-old girl dies after being critically wounded by car
A 7-year-old girl died after being seriously wounded by a car near Beit Jan, an Arab community in northern Israel.
The car's driver, a 58-year-old man, was arrested and taken in for questioning.
A 7-year-old girl died after being seriously wounded by a car near Beit Jan, an Arab community in northern Israel.
The car's driver, a 58-year-old man, was arrested and taken in for questioning.
7 aug 2013
Citizen employed by IDF charged with attempting to poison soldier
An indictment was filed with the Jaffa Military Court against an IDF employed citizen for attempting to poison a soldier who he claims humiliated him. According to the indictment, he poured a few drops of a dangerous material into the soldier's beverage.
He admitted to the allegations and claimed he had not really intended to harm his friend. His lawyer's said: "The army advocates understood that this is not an extreme incident but rather a momentary lapse in judgment."
An indictment was filed with the Jaffa Military Court against an IDF employed citizen for attempting to poison a soldier who he claims humiliated him. According to the indictment, he poured a few drops of a dangerous material into the soldier's beverage.
He admitted to the allegations and claimed he had not really intended to harm his friend. His lawyer's said: "The army advocates understood that this is not an extreme incident but rather a momentary lapse in judgment."
IDF driver indicted for negligent homicide of combat soldier
An indictment has been filed with the Haifa Military Court against a military driver from the Golan Regional Brigade for negligent homicide for his involvement in car crash a year ago in which Private Dor Jan, a combat soldier in the Artillery Corp, was killed.
According to the indictment, the driver was speeding with an IDF jeep despite the harsh terrain along the Syrian border, and despite being explicitly asked to drive slower by the commander. The jeep then flipped over, resulting in Jan's death.
An indictment has been filed with the Haifa Military Court against a military driver from the Golan Regional Brigade for negligent homicide for his involvement in car crash a year ago in which Private Dor Jan, a combat soldier in the Artillery Corp, was killed.
According to the indictment, the driver was speeding with an IDF jeep despite the harsh terrain along the Syrian border, and despite being explicitly asked to drive slower by the commander. The jeep then flipped over, resulting in Jan's death.
Pechnik (R) argues with Elon supporters
Rabbi Elon heckled during Torah lesson: 'Admit you sinned'
Sex offender Rabbi Elon holds first Torah lesson since conviction, but confronted by man who claims was sexually assaulted in past by another esteemed rabbi, beseeches Elon to 'admit he sinned,' says If he wasn't such a great man I wouldn’t have bothered'
Rabbi Moti Elon conducted his weekly Torah lesson in the Midgal Yeshiva Wednesday evening, just hours after being convicted for performing indecent sexual acts on a minor. During the lesson, Rabbi Elon was confronted by Nahum Pechnik, a man attending the lesson, who stood up and yelled: "I want to tell you that you are a great man, but you need to find the courage to say 'I have sinned'. You are a great man, admit that you've sinned."
Pechnik, 40, a resident of Jerusalem, is a married father of four. According to him, in 1993 he himself was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of another famous rabbi which he refused to name.
"I came in the name of all those who were hurt. The rabbi that hurt me is an old man today. At the time I was a soldier and as a result of what happened I dropped out of my elite IDF service track. I couldn’t go on; I didn't have the mental strength for it.
"I was subjected to what the court called 'indecent acts,' and I was in trauma like anyone who has been subjected to sexual assault. I hope (Elon) will have enough courage to admit he sinned. If he wasn't such a great man I wouldn’t have bothered. I just hope he gets out of his denial, and admit that great men also fall.
"The fact that he is a big rabbi does not mean he cannot harm people," he said.
According to him he is currently on vacation with his family and left them in Lake Kinneret to come to the event: "Of course I came because there is press here. I came here to voice my anger, to say that it is inconceivable that a convicted man will claim he is the victim. When I came I knew there is a chance they would pulverize me, but I cannot accept this celebration." While Pechnik was attempting to confront Elon, the rabbi's disciples began singing loudly in a bid to drown his comments out, and afterwards the lights were shut off and the young man was aggressively chaperoned out of the hall.
Rabbi Elon heckled during Torah lesson: 'Admit you sinned'
Sex offender Rabbi Elon holds first Torah lesson since conviction, but confronted by man who claims was sexually assaulted in past by another esteemed rabbi, beseeches Elon to 'admit he sinned,' says If he wasn't such a great man I wouldn’t have bothered'
Rabbi Moti Elon conducted his weekly Torah lesson in the Midgal Yeshiva Wednesday evening, just hours after being convicted for performing indecent sexual acts on a minor. During the lesson, Rabbi Elon was confronted by Nahum Pechnik, a man attending the lesson, who stood up and yelled: "I want to tell you that you are a great man, but you need to find the courage to say 'I have sinned'. You are a great man, admit that you've sinned."
Pechnik, 40, a resident of Jerusalem, is a married father of four. According to him, in 1993 he himself was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of another famous rabbi which he refused to name.
"I came in the name of all those who were hurt. The rabbi that hurt me is an old man today. At the time I was a soldier and as a result of what happened I dropped out of my elite IDF service track. I couldn’t go on; I didn't have the mental strength for it.
"I was subjected to what the court called 'indecent acts,' and I was in trauma like anyone who has been subjected to sexual assault. I hope (Elon) will have enough courage to admit he sinned. If he wasn't such a great man I wouldn’t have bothered. I just hope he gets out of his denial, and admit that great men also fall.
"The fact that he is a big rabbi does not mean he cannot harm people," he said.
According to him he is currently on vacation with his family and left them in Lake Kinneret to come to the event: "Of course I came because there is press here. I came here to voice my anger, to say that it is inconceivable that a convicted man will claim he is the victim. When I came I knew there is a chance they would pulverize me, but I cannot accept this celebration." While Pechnik was attempting to confront Elon, the rabbi's disciples began singing loudly in a bid to drown his comments out, and afterwards the lights were shut off and the young man was aggressively chaperoned out of the hall.
Elon at ruling
In response, Rabbi Elon said: "This is the month of Elul, the month of forgiveness, I forgive him and forget it. I do not know him."
Mission from the Lord
During his lesson, Elon commented on his conviction, telling those present: "What happened (in the court room) is a mission that the Lord wants us to take on. If the mission is hard, we must take it on with a smile."
Elon further noted that he happily accepted the court's decision, which he views as a test presented to him by God: "Only if you do not suspect God it doesn't bother you how something will look on screen or camera."
"I want to tell you that when you say a hillel (praise or blessing) it is not just a group of happy (biblical) verses waived together, but the opposite. It is the ability to understand that this is a lesson from God. It is a lesson to wonder if you can praise the bad things that occur along the way in the same way you praise the good, and if you are truly able to add and mend."
Immediately after the conviction, Elon said: "Today is not just the beginning of a (Jewish) month, but the beginning of the month of Elul, this is the month of forgiveness and mercy."
The sexual assault was first exposed by the Takana Forum which is dedicated to the prevention of sexual harassment within the religious community. Ayelet Vider-Cohen, one of the founders of the Takana forum and the Kolech organization, welcomed the verdict. "This is certainly a triumph, primarily for the victims," she said.
Earlier on Wednesday, before the verdict was handed, the forum said that Rabbi Elon must refrain from all public activity and personal counseling, regardless of the trial's outcome. (Video on the link)
In response, Rabbi Elon said: "This is the month of Elul, the month of forgiveness, I forgive him and forget it. I do not know him."
Mission from the Lord
During his lesson, Elon commented on his conviction, telling those present: "What happened (in the court room) is a mission that the Lord wants us to take on. If the mission is hard, we must take it on with a smile."
Elon further noted that he happily accepted the court's decision, which he views as a test presented to him by God: "Only if you do not suspect God it doesn't bother you how something will look on screen or camera."
"I want to tell you that when you say a hillel (praise or blessing) it is not just a group of happy (biblical) verses waived together, but the opposite. It is the ability to understand that this is a lesson from God. It is a lesson to wonder if you can praise the bad things that occur along the way in the same way you praise the good, and if you are truly able to add and mend."
Immediately after the conviction, Elon said: "Today is not just the beginning of a (Jewish) month, but the beginning of the month of Elul, this is the month of forgiveness and mercy."
The sexual assault was first exposed by the Takana Forum which is dedicated to the prevention of sexual harassment within the religious community. Ayelet Vider-Cohen, one of the founders of the Takana forum and the Kolech organization, welcomed the verdict. "This is certainly a triumph, primarily for the victims," she said.
Earlier on Wednesday, before the verdict was handed, the forum said that Rabbi Elon must refrain from all public activity and personal counseling, regardless of the trial's outcome. (Video on the link)
Suspected: Officer knew of transfer of military weapons to criminals
Ynet has learned that IDF officer was arrested on suspicion that she knew about a soldier who stole explosives from the army and gave them to criminals, yet she did not report it or try to stop him.
She was arrested during the investigation of the bomb found in a Tel Aviv branch of the Tiv Taam supermarkets. On Tuesday, a soldier was arrested on suspicion that he supplied the explosives used to make the bomb.
Ynet has learned that IDF officer was arrested on suspicion that she knew about a soldier who stole explosives from the army and gave them to criminals, yet she did not report it or try to stop him.
She was arrested during the investigation of the bomb found in a Tel Aviv branch of the Tiv Taam supermarkets. On Tuesday, a soldier was arrested on suspicion that he supplied the explosives used to make the bomb.
Security facility employee suspected of sexually assaulting teen
A 40-year-old employee of a sensitive security facility has been arrested on suspicion he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl from central Israel. The two met online and at one point met in the girl's house where the suspect committed the acts. Police are checking whether he assaulted other girls.
A 40-year-old employee of a sensitive security facility has been arrested on suspicion he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl from central Israel. The two met online and at one point met in the girl's house where the suspect committed the acts. Police are checking whether he assaulted other girls.
An Israeli rabbi was on Wednesday found guilty of sexually abusing a minor, public radio said.
A Jerusalem court ruled that influential Zionist rabbi Mordechai Elon had "inappropriately" touched a young boy on two separate occasions in 2005, the radio quoted a lawyer as saying.
Elon, 53, had repeatedly professed his innocence and pleaded not guilty, saying the charges amounted to "defamation". It was unclear when he will be sentenced.
Elon is a leading Zionist rabbi and belongs to a branch of Judaism popular among Israeli settlers that distinguishes itself from the country's ultra-Orthodox establishment.
The rabbi has hosted a weekly television show discussing the Torah and takes an openly anti-homosexual stance.
He was head of the Yeshiva HaKotel, a religious seminary located next to the Western Wall in the heart of occupied East Jerusalem's Old City, but left in 2006.
Rabbi Moti Elon found guilty of indecent acts
Esteemed rabbi convicted of sexually assaulting minor in 2005 in affair that rocked Israel's Religious Zionism movement. Acts first exposed by online community dedicated to preventing sexual harassment within religious sector
The Jerusalem Magistrates' Court convicted prominent Religious Zionism leader Rabbi Moti Elon of sexually assaulting a minor on Wednesday. He was found guilty of performing indecent acts against a minor. The Israeli Institute for behavioral Risk Assessment has been asked to give an opinion on the threat posed by Elon ahead of sentencing.
Asked how he felt about the conviction the rabbi chose to recite a verse of Psalms.
Upon leaving the court, Elon said, "Anything brought down on us by God Almighty we accept with pleasure and kindness."
Elon was indicted in late 2011 for offenses perpetrated in 2005. The prosecution claimed he abused his position as an educator and molested two teenagers on various occasions in 2003 and 2005.
The indictment covered five counts of forceful indecent act and abuse of authority.
However, last February one of the charges was dropped after one of the complainants refused to testify in court.
According to the indictment, Elon made unwelcome advances at the teenagers, touched them inappropriately and fondled them, all the while claiming it would help their emotional problems.
The rabbi has repeatedly denied the charges claiming he has no memory of the encounters.
The prosecution offered Elon a plea bargain, under which he would have had to enter a guilty plea but would have been spared jail time, but he reportedly refused it.
Friends and family came to support the rabbi in court, among them Lior Katsav, brother of the former president currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape.
Elon's attorney Asher Ohayon said he was surprised by the verdict and intends to appeal,
The sexual assault was first exposed by the Takana Forum which is dedicated to the prevention of sexual harassment within the religious community.
Related stories:
A Jerusalem court ruled that influential Zionist rabbi Mordechai Elon had "inappropriately" touched a young boy on two separate occasions in 2005, the radio quoted a lawyer as saying.
Elon, 53, had repeatedly professed his innocence and pleaded not guilty, saying the charges amounted to "defamation". It was unclear when he will be sentenced.
Elon is a leading Zionist rabbi and belongs to a branch of Judaism popular among Israeli settlers that distinguishes itself from the country's ultra-Orthodox establishment.
The rabbi has hosted a weekly television show discussing the Torah and takes an openly anti-homosexual stance.
He was head of the Yeshiva HaKotel, a religious seminary located next to the Western Wall in the heart of occupied East Jerusalem's Old City, but left in 2006.
Rabbi Moti Elon found guilty of indecent acts
Esteemed rabbi convicted of sexually assaulting minor in 2005 in affair that rocked Israel's Religious Zionism movement. Acts first exposed by online community dedicated to preventing sexual harassment within religious sector
The Jerusalem Magistrates' Court convicted prominent Religious Zionism leader Rabbi Moti Elon of sexually assaulting a minor on Wednesday. He was found guilty of performing indecent acts against a minor. The Israeli Institute for behavioral Risk Assessment has been asked to give an opinion on the threat posed by Elon ahead of sentencing.
Asked how he felt about the conviction the rabbi chose to recite a verse of Psalms.
Upon leaving the court, Elon said, "Anything brought down on us by God Almighty we accept with pleasure and kindness."
Elon was indicted in late 2011 for offenses perpetrated in 2005. The prosecution claimed he abused his position as an educator and molested two teenagers on various occasions in 2003 and 2005.
The indictment covered five counts of forceful indecent act and abuse of authority.
However, last February one of the charges was dropped after one of the complainants refused to testify in court.
According to the indictment, Elon made unwelcome advances at the teenagers, touched them inappropriately and fondled them, all the while claiming it would help their emotional problems.
The rabbi has repeatedly denied the charges claiming he has no memory of the encounters.
The prosecution offered Elon a plea bargain, under which he would have had to enter a guilty plea but would have been spared jail time, but he reportedly refused it.
Friends and family came to support the rabbi in court, among them Lior Katsav, brother of the former president currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape.
Elon's attorney Asher Ohayon said he was surprised by the verdict and intends to appeal,
The sexual assault was first exposed by the Takana Forum which is dedicated to the prevention of sexual harassment within the religious community.
Related stories:
6 aug 2013
On Sunday afternoon, 14 July 2013, ‘Omar Hushiyeh, a 28-year-old Palestinian from the village of Khirbet al-Markez in the South Hebron Hills, was grazing sheep on his family’s land. The illegal settlement outpost of Mitzpe Yair lies about a kilometer to the west of this land. In his testimony, given the next day to B’Tselem researcher Musa Abu Hashhash at the ‘Alia governmental hospital in Hebron, Hushiyeh related how he had received a hard blow from behind that knocked him down as he was making his way back home with his flock:
At around 6:30 P.M., I was walking behind the sheep, not paying attention to anything in particular. Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind and I fell down. When I tried to get up, I saw three masked men. I could see that one of them had payot (sidecurls worn by Orthodox Jewish men). One of them stepped on my back. He pinned me down hard and wouldn’t let me get up. Then he started punching me in my head and face. Another guy picked up a stone that was lying there and hit me with it in the back of my head, a few times. I tried to resist and to protect my head with my hands, but they were too strong. The third one didn’t do anything. He stood nearby and looked around to make sure that no one could see what was happening.
Hushiyeh related that, after a few moments, the two men beating him noticed three soldiers approaching, at which point they let him go and ran off towards Mitzpe Yair. He said that the soldiers made no attempt to pursue the assailants or detain them, although they were no more than fifty meters away.
In his testimony, Hushiyeh said that his face and other parts of his head were bleeding from the blows he had received. He added and that the soldiers came over to him but did not offer him first aid. He continued his account:
The soldiers stood next to me. One of them was talking to someone on a two-way radio. I understood that they were waiting for a medic to come and treat me. In the meantime, my father called my cell phone. I told him that settlers had attacked me. He said he was phoning because the sheep had come back to the village without me and he was worried that something might have happened to me.
At approximately 7:30 P.M., Hushiyeh’s parents arrived on the scene. According to Hushiyeh, his father rebuked the soldiers for not administering first aid to his son. They replied that they were waiting for a medic to arrive and asked him to wait patiently. Hushiyeh’s parents decided not to wait any longer. They helped their son walk back to the village, a kilometer away. When they got there, one of the villagers drove Hushiyeh and his father to the nearest paved road, where an ambulance summoned by the family was already waiting.
The ambulance transported Hushiyeh to the ‘Alia governmental hospital in Hebron, where he passed out. He was examined, received five stitches in his head, and was diagnosed with bruises and scratches on his face.
Three days later, Hushiyeh filed a complaint about the assault at the Israel Police station in the settlement of Kiryat Arba. In response to an inquiry by B’Tselem, the police stated that the investigation had been closed on grounds of “unknown assailant” just two weeks later. It is highly doubtful that, in an investigation closed so quickly, all the necessary action was taken in order to locate the assailants.
B’Tselem wrote to the police again, requesting that the file be reopened so that all possible avenues of investigation be exhausted, including locating and questioning the soldiers who witnessed the serious attack, checking security camera footage in the area, and following up on Hushiyeh’s statement that the assailants ran off to the Mitzpe Yair outpost. B’Tselem also demanded that, should the police decide not to reopen the file, it be sent all the material pertaining to the investigation so that it could decide whether to appeal the decision.
In addition, B’Tselem applied to OC Hebron Brigade, demanding that the soldiers who witnessed the incident be located so that they could testify before the police. B’Tselem also demanded that all soldiers be briefed on their legal duties, which include immediately reporting to the police any assault of Palestinians by settlers, attempting to capture the assailants, detaining them until police forces arrive, and supplying their own eyewitness accounts to the police.
At around 6:30 P.M., I was walking behind the sheep, not paying attention to anything in particular. Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind and I fell down. When I tried to get up, I saw three masked men. I could see that one of them had payot (sidecurls worn by Orthodox Jewish men). One of them stepped on my back. He pinned me down hard and wouldn’t let me get up. Then he started punching me in my head and face. Another guy picked up a stone that was lying there and hit me with it in the back of my head, a few times. I tried to resist and to protect my head with my hands, but they were too strong. The third one didn’t do anything. He stood nearby and looked around to make sure that no one could see what was happening.
Hushiyeh related that, after a few moments, the two men beating him noticed three soldiers approaching, at which point they let him go and ran off towards Mitzpe Yair. He said that the soldiers made no attempt to pursue the assailants or detain them, although they were no more than fifty meters away.
In his testimony, Hushiyeh said that his face and other parts of his head were bleeding from the blows he had received. He added and that the soldiers came over to him but did not offer him first aid. He continued his account:
The soldiers stood next to me. One of them was talking to someone on a two-way radio. I understood that they were waiting for a medic to come and treat me. In the meantime, my father called my cell phone. I told him that settlers had attacked me. He said he was phoning because the sheep had come back to the village without me and he was worried that something might have happened to me.
At approximately 7:30 P.M., Hushiyeh’s parents arrived on the scene. According to Hushiyeh, his father rebuked the soldiers for not administering first aid to his son. They replied that they were waiting for a medic to arrive and asked him to wait patiently. Hushiyeh’s parents decided not to wait any longer. They helped their son walk back to the village, a kilometer away. When they got there, one of the villagers drove Hushiyeh and his father to the nearest paved road, where an ambulance summoned by the family was already waiting.
The ambulance transported Hushiyeh to the ‘Alia governmental hospital in Hebron, where he passed out. He was examined, received five stitches in his head, and was diagnosed with bruises and scratches on his face.
Three days later, Hushiyeh filed a complaint about the assault at the Israel Police station in the settlement of Kiryat Arba. In response to an inquiry by B’Tselem, the police stated that the investigation had been closed on grounds of “unknown assailant” just two weeks later. It is highly doubtful that, in an investigation closed so quickly, all the necessary action was taken in order to locate the assailants.
B’Tselem wrote to the police again, requesting that the file be reopened so that all possible avenues of investigation be exhausted, including locating and questioning the soldiers who witnessed the serious attack, checking security camera footage in the area, and following up on Hushiyeh’s statement that the assailants ran off to the Mitzpe Yair outpost. B’Tselem also demanded that, should the police decide not to reopen the file, it be sent all the material pertaining to the investigation so that it could decide whether to appeal the decision.
In addition, B’Tselem applied to OC Hebron Brigade, demanding that the soldiers who witnessed the incident be located so that they could testify before the police. B’Tselem also demanded that all soldiers be briefed on their legal duties, which include immediately reporting to the police any assault of Palestinians by settlers, attempting to capture the assailants, detaining them until police forces arrive, and supplying their own eyewitness accounts to the police.
Hadera man suspected of breaking, entering, stealing cash
A 44-year-old Hadera man was arrested for allegedly breaking and entering into his neighbor's house and stealing cash. He is also suspected of breaking into the same house last week, also stealing cash and property. Upon searching his house, a drug-like substance was found.
During his interrogation the man tied himself to the events and also claimed the substance was the semi-legal synthetic marijuana sold in kiosks. He was detained for further questioning.
A 44-year-old Hadera man was arrested for allegedly breaking and entering into his neighbor's house and stealing cash. He is also suspected of breaking into the same house last week, also stealing cash and property. Upon searching his house, a drug-like substance was found.
During his interrogation the man tied himself to the events and also claimed the substance was the semi-legal synthetic marijuana sold in kiosks. He was detained for further questioning.
Remand of man suspected of molesting daughter extended
The Petah Tikva Magistrate Court has extended the remand of a 49-year-old man from settlement of Elad by three days; the man was arrested for allegedly performing indecent acts on his 9-year-old daughter. Durring his interrogation, the man admitted to the charges, and claimed that his wife had refused to have sexual relations with him and as a result he could not control his urges. "She let a man reach his edge," the man said in his defense.
The Petah Tikva Magistrate Court has extended the remand of a 49-year-old man from settlement of Elad by three days; the man was arrested for allegedly performing indecent acts on his 9-year-old daughter. Durring his interrogation, the man admitted to the charges, and claimed that his wife had refused to have sexual relations with him and as a result he could not control his urges. "She let a man reach his edge," the man said in his defense.
Tom Alkalai arrives in court
Son of central district judge arrested for allegedly importing DMT – LSD like drug – from Holland. In bid to prevent father, son from meeting, son processed in different court. Lawyer claims: Not drugs, basis for natural coloring materials
Tom Alkalai, the son of Tel Aviv Magistrates Court Judge Ezeria Alkalai, was arrested Monday in Tel Aviv on suspicion of importing two kilograms of the hallucinogenic drug DMT (Dimethyltryptamine). The substance is similar to LSD. In light of his father's position, and in an attempt to prevent the father and son from meeting in a courthouse, the son was brought before the Rishon Lezion Magistrate Court for the extension of his remand. The suspect denies the allegations against him and claims he did not know the substance was on the list of illegal drugs.
The police requested his remand be extended by an additional eight days, but the judge suggested they make do with only one day. The police's representative was surprised by the suggestion, but agreed to keep the suspect in custody only until noon Wednesday.
Together with additional suspects, the judge's son allegedly contacted Dutch distributers who sent the substance to Israel in the form of dried plant peels. After the substance was received, it still required an additional chemical process to turn into a psychedelic drug. The first batch, weighing one kilogram, arrived a year ago, and afterwards the Central Police's Drug Unit succeeded in gathering intelligence on the group's activity.
Monday, the suspect was supposed to receive the second batch, but instead of postmen he was greeted by police detectives. He was arrested together with his girlfriend who was with him in his apartment, but she apparently does not have any connection too her boyfriend's business. Only after his arrest was the identity of his father – a central district judge – revealed.
The suspect's lawyer, Shmuel Saff, said: "He imported dry plant peels which can be used, among other things, for the creation of natural colors. He admitted that he had imported the peels last year as well, and even presented the police with the shirts (he colored with them). He had no idea that it was a drug. Fact of the matter is that it was all done online and in the open."
During the court hearing, the Central District Police's representative listed the alleged offences, which include dealing in marijuana.
Son of central district judge arrested for allegedly importing DMT – LSD like drug – from Holland. In bid to prevent father, son from meeting, son processed in different court. Lawyer claims: Not drugs, basis for natural coloring materials
Tom Alkalai, the son of Tel Aviv Magistrates Court Judge Ezeria Alkalai, was arrested Monday in Tel Aviv on suspicion of importing two kilograms of the hallucinogenic drug DMT (Dimethyltryptamine). The substance is similar to LSD. In light of his father's position, and in an attempt to prevent the father and son from meeting in a courthouse, the son was brought before the Rishon Lezion Magistrate Court for the extension of his remand. The suspect denies the allegations against him and claims he did not know the substance was on the list of illegal drugs.
The police requested his remand be extended by an additional eight days, but the judge suggested they make do with only one day. The police's representative was surprised by the suggestion, but agreed to keep the suspect in custody only until noon Wednesday.
Together with additional suspects, the judge's son allegedly contacted Dutch distributers who sent the substance to Israel in the form of dried plant peels. After the substance was received, it still required an additional chemical process to turn into a psychedelic drug. The first batch, weighing one kilogram, arrived a year ago, and afterwards the Central Police's Drug Unit succeeded in gathering intelligence on the group's activity.
Monday, the suspect was supposed to receive the second batch, but instead of postmen he was greeted by police detectives. He was arrested together with his girlfriend who was with him in his apartment, but she apparently does not have any connection too her boyfriend's business. Only after his arrest was the identity of his father – a central district judge – revealed.
The suspect's lawyer, Shmuel Saff, said: "He imported dry plant peels which can be used, among other things, for the creation of natural colors. He admitted that he had imported the peels last year as well, and even presented the police with the shirts (he colored with them). He had no idea that it was a drug. Fact of the matter is that it was all done online and in the open."
During the court hearing, the Central District Police's representative listed the alleged offences, which include dealing in marijuana.
Investigation into sexual harassment in one of Israel's South American embassies opens up Pandora box of offenses including: Partying with local women, sexual escapades, drunken security officer. Foreign Ministry: Grave offenses committed
An investigation into a sexual harassment claim in one of Israel's South American embassies opened up a can of worms of ethical misconduct claims and vengeful accusations. Among the offenses reported from the embassy were additional cases of improper behavior, drunken sexual escapades with local women and drinking binges resulting in the hospitalization of the embassy's head security officer.
The initial investigation began in the wake of a sexual harassment complaint lodged by the spouse of the embassy's security officer against the husband of one of the mission's diplomats. In line with protocol, the complaint was passed onto the Civil Service Commission which immediately launched its investigation.
Despite the fact that the woman withdrew her complaint, Assaf Rosenberg, head of the commission's disciplinary unit, together with two Foreign Ministry representatives, took off for South America in a bid to conduct their investigation into the matter. The investigation soon unearthed a slew of additional behavioral offenses which were revealed as prevalent in the diplomatic mission. Among others, the investigators heard a list of reciprocal complaints by couples within the mission about improper behavior, numerous accounts of sexual debauchery by embassy staff members with local women, and even an incident in which the embassy's security officer became so intoxicated he had to be admitted to a hospital.
Revenge
As revenge for the security officer's wife initial complaint against him, the diplomat's husband (accused of sexual harassment) dished the dirt on the security officer himself; recalling for investigators numerous incidents in which he and the officer had gone out partying and drinking. As part of the investigation, it was revealed that the security officer had conducted a year-long affair with a local woman, during which they would hold clandestine meetings in his deputy's official residence, in breach of diplomatic directives.
It was additionally revealed that the diplomat married to the man suspected of sexual harassment had failed to report the security officer's drunken hospitalization, fearing it would be perceived as vengeance for his wife's sexual harassment complaint against her husband. The investigation team demanded that the officer be suspended from the embassy pending the investigation's completion, and sensing where things were going, the security officer decided to cut his diplomatic tour short and promptly return to Israel.
The security officer's deputy was also summoned for a hearing in the Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Jerusalem, where he was questioned and reprimanded for lending his apartment to the security officer's affair. At the end of the hearing, the deputy was relocated to another South American embassy. It was also decided that an additional Israeli, a private security employee of the embassy, was to be removed from his position in the embassy's security's staff. The embassy's diplomats are also expected to undergo hearings, in which their fate will be decided. In the meantime, the diplomat's husband – the man suspected of sexual harassment – was suspended from the embassy and barred from entering its premises.
Soap opera
A source within the ministry said the event has embarrassed the Foreign Service: "This is a relatively small embassy, and the workers there were living like a family until the relations between them turned into a soap opera. They seemed to have forgotten they're diplomats."
The Civil Service Commission said in response that "an investigation regarding sexual harassment – as well as into additional reports of improper behavior – was conducted in one of Israel's South American embassies. "At the end of the investigation, the findings were passed on to the commission's director general's officer and they included a number of recommendations, including the termination of the employment of a number of workers and the implementation of disciplinary action against others."
In response, the Foreign Ministry said: "The (ministry) received a complaint about allegedly improper conduct (within the embassy), and in its wake a representative from the Civil Service Commission was sent to investigate. "The investigation revealed serious incidents of ethical misconduct, prompting drastic disciplinary action by the Foreign Ministry, which included the termination of employment. In line with protocol, a report summarizing the investigation was passed on to the commission. Despite the fact that those involved are not diplomats themselves, (the ministry) is barred from revealing additional details because of right to privacy of those involved."
An investigation into a sexual harassment claim in one of Israel's South American embassies opened up a can of worms of ethical misconduct claims and vengeful accusations. Among the offenses reported from the embassy were additional cases of improper behavior, drunken sexual escapades with local women and drinking binges resulting in the hospitalization of the embassy's head security officer.
The initial investigation began in the wake of a sexual harassment complaint lodged by the spouse of the embassy's security officer against the husband of one of the mission's diplomats. In line with protocol, the complaint was passed onto the Civil Service Commission which immediately launched its investigation.
Despite the fact that the woman withdrew her complaint, Assaf Rosenberg, head of the commission's disciplinary unit, together with two Foreign Ministry representatives, took off for South America in a bid to conduct their investigation into the matter. The investigation soon unearthed a slew of additional behavioral offenses which were revealed as prevalent in the diplomatic mission. Among others, the investigators heard a list of reciprocal complaints by couples within the mission about improper behavior, numerous accounts of sexual debauchery by embassy staff members with local women, and even an incident in which the embassy's security officer became so intoxicated he had to be admitted to a hospital.
Revenge
As revenge for the security officer's wife initial complaint against him, the diplomat's husband (accused of sexual harassment) dished the dirt on the security officer himself; recalling for investigators numerous incidents in which he and the officer had gone out partying and drinking. As part of the investigation, it was revealed that the security officer had conducted a year-long affair with a local woman, during which they would hold clandestine meetings in his deputy's official residence, in breach of diplomatic directives.
It was additionally revealed that the diplomat married to the man suspected of sexual harassment had failed to report the security officer's drunken hospitalization, fearing it would be perceived as vengeance for his wife's sexual harassment complaint against her husband. The investigation team demanded that the officer be suspended from the embassy pending the investigation's completion, and sensing where things were going, the security officer decided to cut his diplomatic tour short and promptly return to Israel.
The security officer's deputy was also summoned for a hearing in the Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Jerusalem, where he was questioned and reprimanded for lending his apartment to the security officer's affair. At the end of the hearing, the deputy was relocated to another South American embassy. It was also decided that an additional Israeli, a private security employee of the embassy, was to be removed from his position in the embassy's security's staff. The embassy's diplomats are also expected to undergo hearings, in which their fate will be decided. In the meantime, the diplomat's husband – the man suspected of sexual harassment – was suspended from the embassy and barred from entering its premises.
Soap opera
A source within the ministry said the event has embarrassed the Foreign Service: "This is a relatively small embassy, and the workers there were living like a family until the relations between them turned into a soap opera. They seemed to have forgotten they're diplomats."
The Civil Service Commission said in response that "an investigation regarding sexual harassment – as well as into additional reports of improper behavior – was conducted in one of Israel's South American embassies. "At the end of the investigation, the findings were passed on to the commission's director general's officer and they included a number of recommendations, including the termination of the employment of a number of workers and the implementation of disciplinary action against others."
In response, the Foreign Ministry said: "The (ministry) received a complaint about allegedly improper conduct (within the embassy), and in its wake a representative from the Civil Service Commission was sent to investigate. "The investigation revealed serious incidents of ethical misconduct, prompting drastic disciplinary action by the Foreign Ministry, which included the termination of employment. In line with protocol, a report summarizing the investigation was passed on to the commission. Despite the fact that those involved are not diplomats themselves, (the ministry) is barred from revealing additional details because of right to privacy of those involved."
A video released by B’Tselem shows a clash between Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank last week, Yedioth Ahranoth Israeli newspaper reported Tuesday.
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights watch organization, caught the conflict on video, but the cause is still unknown. The video shows at least two settlers with drawn weapons.
The Palestinians indicated the conflict began when Jewish settlers entered a reservoir and were asked to step out by the local residents. The locals said the settlers refused and began throwing stones toward a nearby house. That was how the clash began.
The settlers, on the other hand, said Palestinians were throwing stones at them as they traveled through, and that they called for help. When the help arrived warning shots were fired because, they said, the Palestinians were throwing stones. The settlers said that was how the clash began.
B’Tselem’s video does not show what happened before the start of the clashes, but it does show the settlers’ weapons being aimed at Palestinians.
IOF troops arrived shortly thereafter and detained six settlers, according to Yedioth Ahranoth. Although the police motioned for the remand to be extended, the court decided to release the settlers.
LINK TO VIDEO
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights watch organization, caught the conflict on video, but the cause is still unknown. The video shows at least two settlers with drawn weapons.
The Palestinians indicated the conflict began when Jewish settlers entered a reservoir and were asked to step out by the local residents. The locals said the settlers refused and began throwing stones toward a nearby house. That was how the clash began.
The settlers, on the other hand, said Palestinians were throwing stones at them as they traveled through, and that they called for help. When the help arrived warning shots were fired because, they said, the Palestinians were throwing stones. The settlers said that was how the clash began.
B’Tselem’s video does not show what happened before the start of the clashes, but it does show the settlers’ weapons being aimed at Palestinians.
IOF troops arrived shortly thereafter and detained six settlers, according to Yedioth Ahranoth. Although the police motioned for the remand to be extended, the court decided to release the settlers.
LINK TO VIDEO
5 aug 2013
Officer ousted after uses car for private travel
Tel Aviv District Police Commander Benzi Sau ousted the deputy commander of the Mesubim station, Superintendent Eli Cohen, from his position, after he had used a station vehicle for private travel against regulations. Cohen was put up before a disciplinary hearing and reprimanded.
Tel Aviv District Police Commander Benzi Sau ousted the deputy commander of the Mesubim station, Superintendent Eli Cohen, from his position, after he had used a station vehicle for private travel against regulations. Cohen was put up before a disciplinary hearing and reprimanded.
4 aug 2013
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Suitcase with decapitated head taken from scene
Hours after decapitated woman's body was found in suitcase, southern Tel Aviv goes back to neglected, indifferent reality. Locals say 'people eat each other around here.' Municipality source says effort to improve area are 'bandage for cancer patient' Emaciated drug addicts with a blank looks and arm extended forward are the permanent landscape of the area surrounding south Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station, the same area where a woman's dismembered body was found over the weekend. They are always there, in daylight and dead of night. They cannot be missed or avoided. |
They walk slowly back and forth on the sidewalk and sometimes step into the road to try and get a few coins from random vehicles unluckily stopping at a nearby traffic light. Their drug trafficking stations are more or less visible for all in dark alleys and stairwells, but do not face shut down by the authorities; it is doubtful if anyone can shut them down. That is the reality of the backyard of Tel Aviv's backyard.
The suitcase with a dismembered body was found in the same area in south Tel Aviv. Hours later, a blood-stained piece of cloth and a pile of police tape were still at the scene. It was the only remnant of the criminal event; the rest is routine and life on track.
"Well, for several years now it's been the wild west around here," said Shlomo, a resident of the area. He volunteered to guide a short tour of the "interesting" corners of the area, as he defined it. While pointing at a junkies-concentrated area he said: "From there they go to (the drugs) stations, or to (the city of) Lod, or to their pimps, who knows." He stalled at a small street alcove and watched the drugs station. "There are two more: one under the bridge and another on Levinsky Street."
And the police, what do they do?
"The police are actually around quite often."
Meaning they shut down the drug stations?
"Oh, of course not. They just patrol the area."
The murder investigation is focused on the immediate need to identify the victim. The detectives are on site, security footage is being checked and investigators have also turned to cab drivers, in search of an unknown passenger who came to the area with a suitcase. "It's hard to believe whoever brought the suitcase here was not seen by anyone or by a camera," police said.
A nearby supermarket opened Saturday night around 8 pm. One of the workers was arranging the popsicles fridge, and responded quite indifferently to the events: "So they found a dismembered body in a suitcase. Dude, people eat each other around here."
Do you see a lot of violence here?
"It's not really visible violence. Maybe sometimes some Sudanese men fight at night. But what's happening with the drug dealers and the prostitutes is a whole other thing. It's really dangerous."
Business owners and drug-addicts are almost the only white people in an area that populates tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants from Eritrea and Sudan.
A few steps from where the bloody suitcase was found, there is a café owned by several Eritreans. However Titi, the café shift manager who worked in the hours after the suitcase was found, did not hear of the event at all. "We have no relation to the junkies around here," she said in English. "They pass by the entrance to the pub but never enter or disturb us or the customers. We're not looking for trouble." A very similar approach is shared by Musia, an Eritrean citizen who runs an internet café nearby, and shares a wall with a big drugs station. "Oh, the junkies," he said in Hebrew, "They don't bother us. Occasionally someone walks in to ask for money but we refuse and they leave. We never had problems with them. It's just not a pleasant sight to see."
The Jewish business owners, however, are much less understanding, and have been trying to join forces and pressure the police and the municipality for years. Their actions resulted in a new police station in the area and the reinforcement of forces; however reality is virtually unchanged. "The police and Border Guard are here for 15 minutes a day, say hello to the junkies and disappear," said a business owner in the central bus station. "I don't understand how they allow this to continue. This is a central place, kids go to school, people run errands, people walk from here to the train. How do they let it carry on? We are not afraid of the junkies, because they're not in a physical state to cause damage, but of their dealers. It's the crime world. They're serious criminals."
The Tel Aviv Municipality has been trying to handle the situation for years while calling for government aid. Tel Aviv's Deputy City Manager Ruby Zelof met with the residents and business owners union, the street lighting was enhanced and parts of the neighborhood were reinforced with surveillance cameras. But a municipality source admitted that "it is a bandage for a cancer patient. The problems in this area are far greater than the municipality's capabilities. We have no real way of dealing with them. Is there any chance for the situation to change for the better soon? Unfortunately, no."
The suitcase with a dismembered body was found in the same area in south Tel Aviv. Hours later, a blood-stained piece of cloth and a pile of police tape were still at the scene. It was the only remnant of the criminal event; the rest is routine and life on track.
"Well, for several years now it's been the wild west around here," said Shlomo, a resident of the area. He volunteered to guide a short tour of the "interesting" corners of the area, as he defined it. While pointing at a junkies-concentrated area he said: "From there they go to (the drugs) stations, or to (the city of) Lod, or to their pimps, who knows." He stalled at a small street alcove and watched the drugs station. "There are two more: one under the bridge and another on Levinsky Street."
And the police, what do they do?
"The police are actually around quite often."
Meaning they shut down the drug stations?
"Oh, of course not. They just patrol the area."
The murder investigation is focused on the immediate need to identify the victim. The detectives are on site, security footage is being checked and investigators have also turned to cab drivers, in search of an unknown passenger who came to the area with a suitcase. "It's hard to believe whoever brought the suitcase here was not seen by anyone or by a camera," police said.
A nearby supermarket opened Saturday night around 8 pm. One of the workers was arranging the popsicles fridge, and responded quite indifferently to the events: "So they found a dismembered body in a suitcase. Dude, people eat each other around here."
Do you see a lot of violence here?
"It's not really visible violence. Maybe sometimes some Sudanese men fight at night. But what's happening with the drug dealers and the prostitutes is a whole other thing. It's really dangerous."
Business owners and drug-addicts are almost the only white people in an area that populates tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants from Eritrea and Sudan.
A few steps from where the bloody suitcase was found, there is a café owned by several Eritreans. However Titi, the café shift manager who worked in the hours after the suitcase was found, did not hear of the event at all. "We have no relation to the junkies around here," she said in English. "They pass by the entrance to the pub but never enter or disturb us or the customers. We're not looking for trouble." A very similar approach is shared by Musia, an Eritrean citizen who runs an internet café nearby, and shares a wall with a big drugs station. "Oh, the junkies," he said in Hebrew, "They don't bother us. Occasionally someone walks in to ask for money but we refuse and they leave. We never had problems with them. It's just not a pleasant sight to see."
The Jewish business owners, however, are much less understanding, and have been trying to join forces and pressure the police and the municipality for years. Their actions resulted in a new police station in the area and the reinforcement of forces; however reality is virtually unchanged. "The police and Border Guard are here for 15 minutes a day, say hello to the junkies and disappear," said a business owner in the central bus station. "I don't understand how they allow this to continue. This is a central place, kids go to school, people run errands, people walk from here to the train. How do they let it carry on? We are not afraid of the junkies, because they're not in a physical state to cause damage, but of their dealers. It's the crime world. They're serious criminals."
The Tel Aviv Municipality has been trying to handle the situation for years while calling for government aid. Tel Aviv's Deputy City Manager Ruby Zelof met with the residents and business owners union, the street lighting was enhanced and parts of the neighborhood were reinforced with surveillance cameras. But a municipality source admitted that "it is a bandage for a cancer patient. The problems in this area are far greater than the municipality's capabilities. We have no real way of dealing with them. Is there any chance for the situation to change for the better soon? Unfortunately, no."
3 aug 2013
The withdrawal of a second nominee in a week for the Bank of Israel's top job filled newspapers with speculation on Saturday over the cause, ranging from astrology to sexual harassment.
Leo Leiderman, an academic and adviser within Israel's largest bank Hapoalim, was the choice of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yair Lapid.
His nomination was to have been confirmed on Sunday by a commission tasked with reviewing senior official postings.
But Leiderman announced on Friday he would not be taking up the post, without giving a reason.
On Monday, first choice Jacob Frenkel also withdrew after allegations resurfaced that he had tried to shoplift duty-free perfume at Hong Kong airport in 2006.
Israeli media said Leiderman's decision could be linked to his penchant for regularly consulting an astrologer, although he was quoted on the radio as saying family reasons were behind his withdrawal and that it had "nothing to do with astrology, which is just a hobby".
Haaretz newspaper came out with another explanation.
Leiderman had pulled out to avoid a scandal over his past employment at the Frankfurt headquarters of Deutsche Bank, it said, alleging a sexual harassment case.
It said letters of protest over the allegation had gone out to the postings commission when Leiderman's name emerged to head the Bank of Israel.
Netanyahu and Lapid now still have to find a successor to Stanley Fischer, formerly of the International Monetary Fund, who stood down in June after a successful eight years in the job.
Leo Leiderman, an academic and adviser within Israel's largest bank Hapoalim, was the choice of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yair Lapid.
His nomination was to have been confirmed on Sunday by a commission tasked with reviewing senior official postings.
But Leiderman announced on Friday he would not be taking up the post, without giving a reason.
On Monday, first choice Jacob Frenkel also withdrew after allegations resurfaced that he had tried to shoplift duty-free perfume at Hong Kong airport in 2006.
Israeli media said Leiderman's decision could be linked to his penchant for regularly consulting an astrologer, although he was quoted on the radio as saying family reasons were behind his withdrawal and that it had "nothing to do with astrology, which is just a hobby".
Haaretz newspaper came out with another explanation.
Leiderman had pulled out to avoid a scandal over his past employment at the Frankfurt headquarters of Deutsche Bank, it said, alleging a sexual harassment case.
It said letters of protest over the allegation had gone out to the postings commission when Leiderman's name emerged to head the Bank of Israel.
Netanyahu and Lapid now still have to find a successor to Stanley Fischer, formerly of the International Monetary Fund, who stood down in June after a successful eight years in the job.
2 aug 2013
terrorist Natan-Zada
Haifa court acquits seven Israeli Arabs of attempted murder in the lynching of Natan-Zada.
The State Prosecutor’s Office refused to call Eden Natan-Zada, who killed four people in a shooting spree in Shfaram in August 2005, a terrorist. The prosecution said it did not want to “defame the dead,” reveals a document relating to the exchange between prosecutors and defense attorneys of seven people accused of attempted murder for attacking Natan-Zada, who was lynched by a crowd after he opened fire in the bus.
A Haifa court on Monday acquitted seven Israeli Arabs of attempted murder in the lynching of Natan-Zada, but convicted four of them of attempted homicide and two more of aggravated assault. The court convicted all seven defendants of aggravated assault of police officers, obstruction of justice, and property damage due to rioting.
Natan-Zada, a deserter from the IDF, was believed to have committed the murders in protest against Israel’s disengagement from Gaza, which was taking place at the time. He opened fire on passengers en route to Shfaram from Haifa using his army-issued rifle. He killed the bus driver, Michel Bahus, and three passengers, Nader Hayek and two sisters, Hazar Turki and Dina Turki, and wounded 20 others.
After the indictments were filed against the seven defendants four years ago, the judges in the case recommended to both sides that they reach a plea bargain. The case was passed over to a mediator, but in August 2010 when the defense attorneys met with prosecutors, the negotiations blew up - even before the two sides discussed a deal. Instead they argued about changes the defense attorneys wanted made in the statement of facts in the indictment.
Defense attorneys wanted to add the description “terrorist” to Natan-Zada’s name in the indictment in a number of places, and have it say he acted out of “nationalistic motives.”
The prosecution refused to have Natan-Zada refeerred to as a terrorist, and the defense attorneys documented the meeting and kept a record for themselves. Nonetheless, the two sides ended up reaching a plea bargain, though it was never completed.
Despite the prosecution’s refusal, at the time of the shooting, then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called Natan-Zada’s actions an “act of terror,” and the victim’s families were recognized as being the victims of hostile acts. The judge in the case also described Natan-Zada’s actions as terror in every way.
Haifa court acquits seven Israeli Arabs of attempted murder in the lynching of Natan-Zada.
The State Prosecutor’s Office refused to call Eden Natan-Zada, who killed four people in a shooting spree in Shfaram in August 2005, a terrorist. The prosecution said it did not want to “defame the dead,” reveals a document relating to the exchange between prosecutors and defense attorneys of seven people accused of attempted murder for attacking Natan-Zada, who was lynched by a crowd after he opened fire in the bus.
A Haifa court on Monday acquitted seven Israeli Arabs of attempted murder in the lynching of Natan-Zada, but convicted four of them of attempted homicide and two more of aggravated assault. The court convicted all seven defendants of aggravated assault of police officers, obstruction of justice, and property damage due to rioting.
Natan-Zada, a deserter from the IDF, was believed to have committed the murders in protest against Israel’s disengagement from Gaza, which was taking place at the time. He opened fire on passengers en route to Shfaram from Haifa using his army-issued rifle. He killed the bus driver, Michel Bahus, and three passengers, Nader Hayek and two sisters, Hazar Turki and Dina Turki, and wounded 20 others.
After the indictments were filed against the seven defendants four years ago, the judges in the case recommended to both sides that they reach a plea bargain. The case was passed over to a mediator, but in August 2010 when the defense attorneys met with prosecutors, the negotiations blew up - even before the two sides discussed a deal. Instead they argued about changes the defense attorneys wanted made in the statement of facts in the indictment.
Defense attorneys wanted to add the description “terrorist” to Natan-Zada’s name in the indictment in a number of places, and have it say he acted out of “nationalistic motives.”
The prosecution refused to have Natan-Zada refeerred to as a terrorist, and the defense attorneys documented the meeting and kept a record for themselves. Nonetheless, the two sides ended up reaching a plea bargain, though it was never completed.
Despite the prosecution’s refusal, at the time of the shooting, then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called Natan-Zada’s actions an “act of terror,” and the victim’s families were recognized as being the victims of hostile acts. The judge in the case also described Natan-Zada’s actions as terror in every way.
