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 committed against two of his female students. He also received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay each victim NIS 150,000 in compensation. Yizdi, a resident of Jerusalem and leader of the "Amudei Shlomo" community in the Bucharim neighborhood, was convicted in March of exploiting his religious and social standing, age, and the admiration his students held for him. The judges stated that Yizdi engaged in sexual relationships with women who were his students or members of his community, often preying on their difficult family, financial, or emotional backgrounds.

Prosecutors argued that Yizdi systematically and continuously exploited the personal and religious distress of his students over many years, using religious manipulation to present his actions as "spiritual corrections." The indictment, filed in 2022, detailed numerous sex offenses against community members who attended his lessons. He was convicted of sex offenses and money laundering related to two of the eight women who accused him.

In addition to the sex crimes, Yizdi was convicted of money laundering. Prosecutors stated that while undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, he used his students' bank accounts to hide funds from his creditors. The prosecution emphasized that Yizdi has not taken responsibility for his actions, prolonging the legal process for the victims.

Yizdi founded and led the "Amudei Shlomo" association, where he served as rabbi and community leader. The court's decision highlighted the significant and ongoing damage these offenses have inflicted on the victims.