Rabbi Sentenced to 18 Years for Rape and Sexual Offenses

A Jerusalem court has sentenced Rabbi Moshe Yizdi to 18 years in prison for defrauding and sexually assaulting two women. Yizdi, who led the "Amudei HaShalom" community and taught Torah to returnees to Judaism, was convicted of exploiting his religious and social standing, as well as the trust placed in him, to engage in sexual relations with the women. According to the indictment, he told them they had to submit to his sexual desires to correct "sparks of impurity."

The Jerusalem District Court had found Yizdi guilty in March. The judges noted that Yizdi also defrauded another woman financially, demanding large sums for unclear purposes, and was convicted of money laundering. Some charges were dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

The court rejected Yizdi's testimony and denials as unreliable, describing his behavior as manipulative. The judges also dismissed his claim of mental illness, stating it was entirely unfounded. Yizdi was acquitted of some charges.

This sentencing follows a previous conviction in March by the Jerusalem District Court. The ruling highlighted the exploitation of the women not only sexually but also financially, with Yizdi demanding significant sums for unspecified reasons.