Lawyer Sues Ex-Clients for $20,000 After Facebook Accusations
Attorney Yigal Goldstein has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking 75,000 shekels (approximately $20,000 USD) against a former client, Elinor Boaron Ben Hamo, and her partner, Aviram Kobovitch. Goldstein alleges that after a dispute over his fees, the couple posted warnings on Facebook calling him a "scammer" and "fraudulent person."
According to the lawsuit filed in the Ashdod Magistrate's Court, Boaron hired Goldstein on May 12, 2026, for legal representation in alimony and other proceedings. The agreed-upon fee was 15,000 shekels plus VAT, totaling 17,700 shekels. Goldstein claims his office provided extensive services, including case review, consultations, and drafting legal documents.
In early July, Boaron requested to terminate the representation. By August 19, she contacted her credit card company to dispute the charge, claiming a failure of consideration. Goldstein asserts that after he provided documentation supporting his position to the credit card company, Boaron posted a Facebook comment advising others to "be careful." Kobovitch subsequently posted, "To all the people who think about getting close to him, a fraudulent person," and in another post, "Be careful taking this lawyer, whoever wants more details can contact me via Messenger."
Goldstein contends these public posts damaged his reputation, professional credibility, client base, and livelihood. He sent a warning letter on August 22 demanding the removal of the posts, but claims Kobovitch responded by vowing to continue calling him a "scammer" relentlessly. Goldstein also filed a police complaint and obtained a temporary restraining order from the court, prohibiting the couple from harassing or threatening him.
In their response, Kobovitch stated that Goldstein demanded full payment upfront and then yelled at his partner, failing to provide the agreed-upon legal services. He claims the credit card transaction was canceled due to the lack of service, and his Facebook posts were truthful and intended to warn others. Goldstein's office did not respond to requests for comment.
