New harassment claims against Rabbi Elon
Since original case exposed, other young people turn to Takana forum, saying they were also victims of sexual harassment. Forum to hold emergency meeting. Deputy attorney general threatens to launch investigation into complaints
Kobi Nahshoni
Since the case of Rabbi Mordechai (Motty) Elon was published, Ynet has learned that other young people and parents have turned to the Takana forum claiming that they too were victims of Elon's sexual harassment.
Sources connected with the case confirmed that there had been further claims, though they have not yet been submitted formally to the Takana forum, the Religious Zionist organization charged with handling cases of sexual harassment among the movement's leaders.
However, forum staff is already beginning to investigate, and members are due to hold an emergency meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening to discuss developments.
Attorney Ran Nizri, the attorney general's senior assistant, sent a letter to the Takana forum saying complaints filed against Rabbi Mordechai Elon for sexual harassment must be turned over to the police. He added that the police may launch an investigation into the complaints.
On Tuesday morning in the northern town of Migdal, Rabbi Elon had spoken to supporters, focusing on disproving and rejecting the allegations.
Rabbi Elon with supporters. (Photo: Gili Eliyahu)
Following the rabbi's sweeping denial and his claim that they were blood libels, forum members will also discuss whether to make details of the case public along with various documents.
In the light of the relatively moderate nature of the rabbi's speech, no dramatic decision is likely to be taken during Tuesday's meeting.
"We always knew that the real enemy who may cause Haman to win is jealousy and hate," Rabbi Elon had said. "We won't get swept up in this. I won't attack – we'll build. I refuse to take part in the mudslinging. And I ask everyone to refrain from this."
The rabbi had also spoken about the "exile" that had been imposed on him in Migdal and that for years he had tried to avoid blasphemy, which led him to do illogical things – against the advice of others.
Efrat Weiss contributed to this report
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Rabbi suspected of 'conning' NY Jews
Brooklyn DA investigating whether Elazar Abuchatzeira of Beersheba offered divine promises for thousands of dollars in cash
Ynet
The Brooklyn DA is looking into suspicions that Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira defrauded Jews from New York City and its surroundings out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, the New York Post reported Tuesday.
According to the report, the rabbi offered divine promises for cash.
A stream of alleged victims from Borough Park, Brooklyn, to Englewood, NJ, said the rabbi, of Beersheba, demanded money from them during annual visits to Orthodox Jewish communities in the tri-state area.
He ruined my life. He ruined my finances by making these promises," the man said.
Brooklyn Assistant DA Eileen Ayvazian said the authorities were aware of the complaints. "It's an active investigation," she added.
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