Jerusalem Rabbi Sentenced to 18 Years for Abuses and Financial Crimes

A Jerusalem court has sentenced Rabbi Moshe Yizdi, a community leader, to 18 years in prison for severe offenses against his female students and financial crimes, including money laundering. Yizdi, who founded and led the "Amudei Shalom" association in the Bucharim neighborhood of Jerusalem, was convicted after a trial.

Prosecutors accused Yizdi, who led the community and its associated charity from 1997, of preaching a doctrine of intellectual subservience and claiming divine inspiration and communication with deceased rabbis and "hidden righteous ones" to manipulate his followers. He allegedly presented himself as one of the "36 hidden righteous ones" to ensure obedience.

According to the indictment, Yizdi claimed divine inspiration to justify his actions, telling followers that he "descended to places of impurity" to "sanctify sparks of impurity." This led some female followers to believe in his spiritual powers and submit to his will. He was convicted of offenses against two complainants spanning over a decade and money laundering.

The judges stated that Yizdi "never took responsibility for the offenses he committed and the damage caused to the complainants," even in his final statements, where he attributed responsibility to the victims. The court noted that his actions were "exceptional in scope," involving "dozens, perhaps hundreds, of offenses against each of the complainants."

While acknowledging Yizdi's charitable work, including operating a soup kitchen and assisting the needy, the court ruled this was insignificant compared to the harm inflicted. He was ordered to pay 150,000 shekels in compensation to each victim. Yizdi was acquitted of several other serious charges.

In addition to the prison sentence, Yizdi received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay compensation to the victims in the counts where he was convicted. The court also noted his "manipulative" management of the trial proceedings.