Jerusalem Rabbi Sentenced to 18 Years for Sex Crimes Against Students

The Jerusalem District Court has sentenced Rabbi Moshe Yizdi, 63, to 18 years in prison for sex offenses and financial crimes against two of his students. He also received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay each victim NIS 150,000 in compensation.

In its ruling, the court found that Yizdi, who led the "Amudei Shlomo" community in Jerusalem's Bucharim neighborhood, engaged in sexual relationships with women who were his students or members of the community. The judges stated that Yizdi exploited his religious and social standing, his age advantage, and the admiration his followers held for him. He also preyed on women with difficult family, financial, or emotional backgrounds.

Yizdi, who founded and managed the "Amudei Shlomo" association, was indicted in 2022 on numerous sex offenses. The indictment alleged he preached that followers should subordinate their own opinions and feelings to "the opinion of the Torah" and scholars. While eight women initially came forward, Yizdi was convicted of sex offenses and money laundering concerning two of them.

Prosecutors argued that Yizdi systematically exploited the personal and religious vulnerabilities of his students, using manipulation and religious justifications to frame his actions as "spiritual corrections." The state contended that these offenses, including rape and indecent acts, caused significant and lasting harm to the victims. Regarding the financial crimes, prosecutors stated Yizdi, who was undergoing bankruptcy proceedings at the time, used his students' bank accounts to hide money from his creditors. The prosecution also highlighted Yizdi's lack of remorse and his failure to take responsibility for his actions.