30 oct 2016
The Haaretz and Channel 10 journalist, accused by multiple women of sexual harassment and assault, quits his jobs in the two prominent Israeli media organizations.
Veteran Israeli journalist Ari Shavit resigned his positions in the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 10 News on Sunday, after a second woman came forth accusing him of sexual harassment.
"I am ashamed for the severe mistakes I made in my treatment of people in general, and women in particular. I am ashamed that I did not treat my wife and children correctly. I am ashamed of the actions I took," Shavit said.
Last week, Jewish Journal reporter Danielle Berrin published a story titled "My sexual assault, and yours: Every woman’s story," in which she detailed a sexual assault she experienced at the hands of an unnamed Israeli journalist in February 2014.
Shortly thereafter, Ari Shavit outed himself as the journalist in question, explaining that he believes he "misconstrued the interaction between us during that meeting." He added that, "Prior to reading Berrin's article, I thought that we had had a friendly conversation that included some flirtation." The two met for an interview while Shavit was in the United States to promote a book he had written.
Berrin responded to Shavit's apology with another Jewish Journal post, in which she stated, "His claim is absurd. The only thing I wanted from Ari Shavit was an interview about his book. No person of sound judgment would have interpreted his advances on me as anything other than unwanted, aggressive sexual contact."
"None of this was flirtation; this was an assault on my dignity and professionalism that frightened and disturbed me," she added.
Shavit further stated on Sunday, "In the past few days I've understood that I was stricken with blindness. For years, I hadn't understood what people were talking about when they spoke of privileged men who don't see the damage they cause others. Now I am starting to understand."
"I take full moral responsibility for my actions and am concluding my employment at the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 10," he continued, "I intend to dedicate more time to being with my family—which is precious to me above all else—and to making a personal correction. I understand that this is not a process that can be done overnight, and I am committed to going through it sincerely. I will do all I can so that I never have to be ashamed of my actions again."
Shavit's resignations and second apology came after another woman, who at the time was employed by US lobbying group J Street, on Sunday accused him, in a story published by Jewish-American news site Forward, of sexually harassing her during a visit to Baltimore in April 2014.
Veteran Israeli journalist Ari Shavit resigned his positions in the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 10 News on Sunday, after a second woman came forth accusing him of sexual harassment.
"I am ashamed for the severe mistakes I made in my treatment of people in general, and women in particular. I am ashamed that I did not treat my wife and children correctly. I am ashamed of the actions I took," Shavit said.
Last week, Jewish Journal reporter Danielle Berrin published a story titled "My sexual assault, and yours: Every woman’s story," in which she detailed a sexual assault she experienced at the hands of an unnamed Israeli journalist in February 2014.
Shortly thereafter, Ari Shavit outed himself as the journalist in question, explaining that he believes he "misconstrued the interaction between us during that meeting." He added that, "Prior to reading Berrin's article, I thought that we had had a friendly conversation that included some flirtation." The two met for an interview while Shavit was in the United States to promote a book he had written.
Berrin responded to Shavit's apology with another Jewish Journal post, in which she stated, "His claim is absurd. The only thing I wanted from Ari Shavit was an interview about his book. No person of sound judgment would have interpreted his advances on me as anything other than unwanted, aggressive sexual contact."
"None of this was flirtation; this was an assault on my dignity and professionalism that frightened and disturbed me," she added.
Shavit further stated on Sunday, "In the past few days I've understood that I was stricken with blindness. For years, I hadn't understood what people were talking about when they spoke of privileged men who don't see the damage they cause others. Now I am starting to understand."
"I take full moral responsibility for my actions and am concluding my employment at the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 10," he continued, "I intend to dedicate more time to being with my family—which is precious to me above all else—and to making a personal correction. I understand that this is not a process that can be done overnight, and I am committed to going through it sincerely. I will do all I can so that I never have to be ashamed of my actions again."
Shavit's resignations and second apology came after another woman, who at the time was employed by US lobbying group J Street, on Sunday accused him, in a story published by Jewish-American news site Forward, of sexually harassing her during a visit to Baltimore in April 2014.
29 oct 2016
Davidi Perl, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, resigned Friday amid allegations of sexual harassment and impropriety following reports that he paid hush money to a woman who alleges Perl harassed her.
Davidi Perl, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, announced Friday that he will resign amid reports that he paid "hush money" to a young woman who claimed he sexually harassed her.
Perl's announcement comes a day after Ynet published a petition drafted by religious-Zionist rabbis and educators calling for Perl to resign.
"After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to end my term as head of the council," Perl announced. "This decision is not easy in light of the commitment I undertook to serve you faithfully as well as the broad support I received recently.
"Despite all of this, there is no reason to continue my tenure as head of the council for various reasons and mainly for the good of my family I have decided to resign following the completion and approval of the council's budget for the coming year, which will allow significant action and development in Gush Etzion."
The petition for Perl's resignation was signed by Rabbi Ohad Taharlev, the head of the Lindenbaum Seminary in Jerusalem, Rabbi Rachel Keren, head of the Ein Hanatziv Seminary, Shmuel Shetach, Director of Ne'emanei Torah VaAvodah and many other rabbis and educators from Jewish academic institutions in Israel.
"It is inappropriate for an elected official accused of sexual abuse to keep his job," explained signatories. Furthermore, in contrast to a private person, "any elected official must meet strict criteria of integrity."
Three months ago, Perl signed an agreement whereby a woman accusing him of sexual harassment would be awarded damages. In the days following the filing of the complaint, the council asked to clarify the matter with Perl, who refused and instead agreed to pay the woman hundreds of thousands of shekels and pledged not to run in the next round of elections.
Davidi Perl, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, announced Friday that he will resign amid reports that he paid "hush money" to a young woman who claimed he sexually harassed her.
Perl's announcement comes a day after Ynet published a petition drafted by religious-Zionist rabbis and educators calling for Perl to resign.
"After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to end my term as head of the council," Perl announced. "This decision is not easy in light of the commitment I undertook to serve you faithfully as well as the broad support I received recently.
"Despite all of this, there is no reason to continue my tenure as head of the council for various reasons and mainly for the good of my family I have decided to resign following the completion and approval of the council's budget for the coming year, which will allow significant action and development in Gush Etzion."
The petition for Perl's resignation was signed by Rabbi Ohad Taharlev, the head of the Lindenbaum Seminary in Jerusalem, Rabbi Rachel Keren, head of the Ein Hanatziv Seminary, Shmuel Shetach, Director of Ne'emanei Torah VaAvodah and many other rabbis and educators from Jewish academic institutions in Israel.
"It is inappropriate for an elected official accused of sexual abuse to keep his job," explained signatories. Furthermore, in contrast to a private person, "any elected official must meet strict criteria of integrity."
Three months ago, Perl signed an agreement whereby a woman accusing him of sexual harassment would be awarded damages. In the days following the filing of the complaint, the council asked to clarify the matter with Perl, who refused and instead agreed to pay the woman hundreds of thousands of shekels and pledged not to run in the next round of elections.
26 oct 2016
Groom Yakir Ashbal
Groom Yakir Ashbal and right-wing activist Daniel Pinner among 13 indicted after dancing with firearms and mocking the murder of Palestinian baby Ali Dawabsheh.
Thirteen suspects were indicted on Wednesday for incitement and possession of firearms during what has been dubbed as the "wedding of hate," which saw guests mocking the murder of Palestinian baby Ali Dawabsheh.
Among the defendants are five minors aged 14-17, as well as groom Yakir Ashbal from Yad Binyamin. Another defendant is the wedding singer, Sinai Tor from Ramat HaSharon, who sang a song about building the Third Temple, adding lyrics like "The mosque will burn, burn" and "The mosque will explode, explode" and is accused of inciting and spurring the guests on with his songs.
According to the indictment, right-wing activist Daniel Tzvi Moshe Pinner from Kfar Tapuach danced at the wedding with a rifle, while wearing a shirt of Rabbi Meir Kahane's Kach party that says "No Arabs, no terror attacks." Pinner is also facing charges of incitement to racism and support of a terror organization.
Videos from the Jerusalem wedding of Yakir and Ronny Ashbal in December 2015 also show guests dancing while brandishing IDF-issued M4 and M16 automatic rifles, guns, knives and bottles made to look like Molotov cocktails to the song "And let me take one vengeance for my two eyes on the Philistines" (changed to "Palestinians"). Some of the guests were dancing with their faces covered, while several of the guests brandishing weapons cocked them.
Participants also stabbed, tore, and set fire to photos of Ali Dawabsheh, an 18-month-old baby who was murdered in an arson attack on their home in the village of Duma, and of his two parents, who were also murdered in the attack. The photos had the word "Revenge" written on them.
Two Jewish suspects—Amiram Ben-Uliel, 21, from Jerusalem, and a 17-year-old youth from the Samaria region--were indicted for the murder and involvement in the murder of the Dawabsheh family.
According to the indictment, "with their actions, defendants jointly called for an act of violence or terrorism; praise, sympathy or encouragement of an act of violence or terrorism; and support or identification with such an act. Based on the contents of the inciting actions and the circumstances in which they occurred, there is a real possibility that it will lead an act of violence and terrorism."
The Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District's Nationalistic Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the wedding following the publication of the videos, arresting and questioning several suspects. Among the suspects questioned were Ashbal himself and other right-wing activists, some of them minors. All suspects were released after a few days.
In addition to suspicions of incitement and possession of firearms, some of the guests at the wedding were "Hilltop Youth" who are suspected of violating a court order barring them of meeting other youth who were at the wedding.
Attorney Itamar Ben Gvir, who is representing Daniel Pinner and was a guest at the wedding himself, said in response to the indictments: "This is a populist move by the State Attorney's Office. I propose that before the State Attorney's Office files an indictment concerning this wedding, they file incitements against guests at weddings in Umm al-Fahm, who actually fire their weapons and not just dance with them."
Groom Yakir Ashbal and right-wing activist Daniel Pinner among 13 indicted after dancing with firearms and mocking the murder of Palestinian baby Ali Dawabsheh.
Thirteen suspects were indicted on Wednesday for incitement and possession of firearms during what has been dubbed as the "wedding of hate," which saw guests mocking the murder of Palestinian baby Ali Dawabsheh.
Among the defendants are five minors aged 14-17, as well as groom Yakir Ashbal from Yad Binyamin. Another defendant is the wedding singer, Sinai Tor from Ramat HaSharon, who sang a song about building the Third Temple, adding lyrics like "The mosque will burn, burn" and "The mosque will explode, explode" and is accused of inciting and spurring the guests on with his songs.
According to the indictment, right-wing activist Daniel Tzvi Moshe Pinner from Kfar Tapuach danced at the wedding with a rifle, while wearing a shirt of Rabbi Meir Kahane's Kach party that says "No Arabs, no terror attacks." Pinner is also facing charges of incitement to racism and support of a terror organization.
Videos from the Jerusalem wedding of Yakir and Ronny Ashbal in December 2015 also show guests dancing while brandishing IDF-issued M4 and M16 automatic rifles, guns, knives and bottles made to look like Molotov cocktails to the song "And let me take one vengeance for my two eyes on the Philistines" (changed to "Palestinians"). Some of the guests were dancing with their faces covered, while several of the guests brandishing weapons cocked them.
Participants also stabbed, tore, and set fire to photos of Ali Dawabsheh, an 18-month-old baby who was murdered in an arson attack on their home in the village of Duma, and of his two parents, who were also murdered in the attack. The photos had the word "Revenge" written on them.
Two Jewish suspects—Amiram Ben-Uliel, 21, from Jerusalem, and a 17-year-old youth from the Samaria region--were indicted for the murder and involvement in the murder of the Dawabsheh family.
According to the indictment, "with their actions, defendants jointly called for an act of violence or terrorism; praise, sympathy or encouragement of an act of violence or terrorism; and support or identification with such an act. Based on the contents of the inciting actions and the circumstances in which they occurred, there is a real possibility that it will lead an act of violence and terrorism."
The Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District's Nationalistic Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the wedding following the publication of the videos, arresting and questioning several suspects. Among the suspects questioned were Ashbal himself and other right-wing activists, some of them minors. All suspects were released after a few days.
In addition to suspicions of incitement and possession of firearms, some of the guests at the wedding were "Hilltop Youth" who are suspected of violating a court order barring them of meeting other youth who were at the wedding.
Attorney Itamar Ben Gvir, who is representing Daniel Pinner and was a guest at the wedding himself, said in response to the indictments: "This is a populist move by the State Attorney's Office. I propose that before the State Attorney's Office files an indictment concerning this wedding, they file incitements against guests at weddings in Umm al-Fahm, who actually fire their weapons and not just dance with them."
One of the suspects, Dr. Michael Zis
The Israel Police arrests three individuals suspected of running a network that would mediate the selling and buying of organs for transplant purposes; the doctor suspected of being involved was also investigated for similar actions in the past.
Three suspects were arrested Tuesday by the Israel Police for allegedly running a network for buying and selling organs for transplantation purposes. The three would allegedly find people who needed money, find financially stable people in need of a new organ—a kidney, for instance—and mediate the deal between them.
One of the suspects is Dr. Michael Zis, who had already been suspected of taking part in a similar enterprise in 2007. In that case, he was suspected of performing surgery on patients who had agreed to donate their kidneys in return for payment.
Zis fled Israel, staying in Ukraine for two years, but was extradited back to Israel in 2009. About a year ago, his license to practice medicine in Israel was suspended by the Ministry of Health.
The Israel Police arrests three individuals suspected of running a network that would mediate the selling and buying of organs for transplant purposes; the doctor suspected of being involved was also investigated for similar actions in the past.
Three suspects were arrested Tuesday by the Israel Police for allegedly running a network for buying and selling organs for transplantation purposes. The three would allegedly find people who needed money, find financially stable people in need of a new organ—a kidney, for instance—and mediate the deal between them.
One of the suspects is Dr. Michael Zis, who had already been suspected of taking part in a similar enterprise in 2007. In that case, he was suspected of performing surgery on patients who had agreed to donate their kidneys in return for payment.
Zis fled Israel, staying in Ukraine for two years, but was extradited back to Israel in 2009. About a year ago, his license to practice medicine in Israel was suspended by the Ministry of Health.
17 oct 2016
GCA Director Uri Yogev. Denies all accusations of wrongdoing
Alleged problematic actions by GCA director Uri Yogev have moved from the Attorney General's Office and the State Comptroller's Office's hands into those of the Israel Police. He is suspected of attempting to use his influence as a senior government employee to facilitate his private business dealings.
The Israel Police's special fraud investigation unit is these days in the midst of examining complaints received against Director of the Government Companies Authority Uri Yogev (the Government Companies Authority, or GCA, is a government body within the Ministry of Finance whose purpose is to manage the Israeli government's activities in relation to companies in which it holds an ownership stake. These include large and important companies such as the Israel Electric Corporation and Israel Military Industries. -ed).
The investigation has not been made public by the authorities, but police officials tell newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet's official newspaper partner. -ed) that an internal discussion within the police force will be held after the Sukkot holiday concludes, in which they will make a decision on whether to officially state that these proceedings are happenning.
On Friday Yadioth Ahronoth revealed that Mekorot (the Israeli national water services company) CEO Shimon Ben Hamo had presented the state comptroller and attorney general with a very severe report against Yogev. In addition, he told personnel at the SC and AG offices that Yogev had threatened him, and that, "Yogev asked for assistance from Mekorot in selling the Whitewater company, which he owned, and which had fallen into debt."
The SC recommended that the AG open an investigation into the matter a few months ago. The Ministry of Justice denied on Saturday that there was any dragging of feet on the matter, saying, "The comptroller's inquiries were sent to the State Attorney's Office and are being examined by the police."
When he started his role as GCA director, Yogev specifically signed an agreement according to which he would not interfere with Mekorot, due to the fact that he owned Whitewater Holdings.
However, Ben Hamo claims Yogev attempted to convince Mekorot officials to recommend the purchase of Whitewater to an American firm. In the end, the sale fell through.
Yogev also allegedly spoke with Ben Hamo about Tzinorot, a pipe-making company on whose board of directors the former had previously served. This supposedly occurred during Yogev's professional cool-down period (a period separating one's leaving of one position and filling another, mandated so that one will not be able to move quickly from one influential job to the next and use this position-hopping to peddle influence. -ed).
According to Mekorot officials, "Yogev asked us to sign a long-term contract with the company, which would guarantee it millions of shekels, a moment before they moved their factories to the south of Israel." They claimed that Yogev threatened to publish smears about them if they did not meet his demands.
According to the report, things reached a boiling point when Yogev asked Ben Hamo to resign his position so that another CEO could be appointed. "He threatened that if I didn't, he's disseminate the critical reports about the company," Ben Hamo told the State Comptroller's Office.
Uri Yogev's representatives say that he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Ben Hamo, calling his claims, "A series of lies and insults." They say Yogev denies all accusations of wrongdoing.
Alleged problematic actions by GCA director Uri Yogev have moved from the Attorney General's Office and the State Comptroller's Office's hands into those of the Israel Police. He is suspected of attempting to use his influence as a senior government employee to facilitate his private business dealings.
The Israel Police's special fraud investigation unit is these days in the midst of examining complaints received against Director of the Government Companies Authority Uri Yogev (the Government Companies Authority, or GCA, is a government body within the Ministry of Finance whose purpose is to manage the Israeli government's activities in relation to companies in which it holds an ownership stake. These include large and important companies such as the Israel Electric Corporation and Israel Military Industries. -ed).
The investigation has not been made public by the authorities, but police officials tell newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet's official newspaper partner. -ed) that an internal discussion within the police force will be held after the Sukkot holiday concludes, in which they will make a decision on whether to officially state that these proceedings are happenning.
On Friday Yadioth Ahronoth revealed that Mekorot (the Israeli national water services company) CEO Shimon Ben Hamo had presented the state comptroller and attorney general with a very severe report against Yogev. In addition, he told personnel at the SC and AG offices that Yogev had threatened him, and that, "Yogev asked for assistance from Mekorot in selling the Whitewater company, which he owned, and which had fallen into debt."
The SC recommended that the AG open an investigation into the matter a few months ago. The Ministry of Justice denied on Saturday that there was any dragging of feet on the matter, saying, "The comptroller's inquiries were sent to the State Attorney's Office and are being examined by the police."
When he started his role as GCA director, Yogev specifically signed an agreement according to which he would not interfere with Mekorot, due to the fact that he owned Whitewater Holdings.
However, Ben Hamo claims Yogev attempted to convince Mekorot officials to recommend the purchase of Whitewater to an American firm. In the end, the sale fell through.
Yogev also allegedly spoke with Ben Hamo about Tzinorot, a pipe-making company on whose board of directors the former had previously served. This supposedly occurred during Yogev's professional cool-down period (a period separating one's leaving of one position and filling another, mandated so that one will not be able to move quickly from one influential job to the next and use this position-hopping to peddle influence. -ed).
According to Mekorot officials, "Yogev asked us to sign a long-term contract with the company, which would guarantee it millions of shekels, a moment before they moved their factories to the south of Israel." They claimed that Yogev threatened to publish smears about them if they did not meet his demands.
According to the report, things reached a boiling point when Yogev asked Ben Hamo to resign his position so that another CEO could be appointed. "He threatened that if I didn't, he's disseminate the critical reports about the company," Ben Hamo told the State Comptroller's Office.
Uri Yogev's representatives say that he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Ben Hamo, calling his claims, "A series of lies and insults." They say Yogev denies all accusations of wrongdoing.
2 oct 2016
Amar in court, Sunday
Salman Amar is accused of firing 7 shots from close range at Munir Nabuani, who attacked him with a stick. He is also accused of obstruction of justice for allegedly disposing of the handgun he used.
The Haifa District branch of the State Attorney’s Office on Sunday presented the city’s district court with an indictment of Salman Amar, head of the Julis Local Council (Julis is a Druze village in Israel’s Northern District. -ed). Amar is accused of firing seven shots at Munir Nabuani, a 45-year-old Julis resident, after Nabuani attacked Amar with a stick. Amar is accused of continuing to fire even after Nabuani was lying on the ground, his back to Amar.
The incident took place on September 5, near the local council building. Nabuani, a gardening contractor, had previous disagreements with Amar. He approached Amar’s car and struck its windshield with a stick. Amar then exited the vehicle, and shot Nabuani several times.
Magen Davis Adom (MDA) paramedics attempted to reviv Nabuani, but could not. Amar left the scene, and turned himself in to the police several hours later, accompanied by his lawyer.
Salman Amar is accused of firing 7 shots from close range at Munir Nabuani, who attacked him with a stick. He is also accused of obstruction of justice for allegedly disposing of the handgun he used.
The Haifa District branch of the State Attorney’s Office on Sunday presented the city’s district court with an indictment of Salman Amar, head of the Julis Local Council (Julis is a Druze village in Israel’s Northern District. -ed). Amar is accused of firing seven shots at Munir Nabuani, a 45-year-old Julis resident, after Nabuani attacked Amar with a stick. Amar is accused of continuing to fire even after Nabuani was lying on the ground, his back to Amar.
The incident took place on September 5, near the local council building. Nabuani, a gardening contractor, had previous disagreements with Amar. He approached Amar’s car and struck its windshield with a stick. Amar then exited the vehicle, and shot Nabuani several times.
Magen Davis Adom (MDA) paramedics attempted to reviv Nabuani, but could not. Amar left the scene, and turned himself in to the police several hours later, accompanied by his lawyer.
