Soldier Arrested on Suspicion of Sex Offenses Against Minors; Rabbi Sentenced

A 20-year-old conscripted soldier from Bat Yam, suspected of committing sex offenses against minors, had his arrest extended until Thursday, September 10th. Authorities allege the soldier used social media to contact underage girls, sometimes impersonating a minor, before committing the alleged offenses. The Bat Yam police are continuing their investigation.

In a separate case, Rabbi Moshe Yazdi was sentenced by the Jerusalem District Court to 18 years in prison, plus a suspended sentence and compensation for the complainants. Yazdi was convicted of a prolonged series of sex and financial offenses, which he committed by exploiting his position as a rabbi, his religious authority, and the trust and dependency he fostered with his female students. He was found guilty, fully or partially, on four out of nine charges.

The Jerusalem District Prosecutor's office had sought a sentence of at least 20 years, along with a suspended sentence, significant compensation for the victims, a fine, and forfeiture of property and funds. Prosecutors argued that Yazdi systematically exploited his religious and social standing, the trust and dependency he cultivated with his students, and their personal and religious vulnerabilities over many years to commit the sex offenses.