Israeli Pediatric Gastroenterologist Sentenced to Six Years for Sexual Assault

A Tel Aviv District Court sentenced Professor Aryeh Levin, a pediatric gastroenterologist, to six years in prison on Thursday, September 17, after he was found guilty of raping a patient's mother and committing indecent acts against two other female patients. The sentencing was part of a plea deal.

Levin, formerly the head of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at Wolfson Hospital, paid 750,000 shekels in compensation to the victims prior to the hearing and agreed to permanently surrender his medical license. The prosecution had initially sought a 13-year sentence.

Under the plea agreement, Levin admitted guilt to all charges in the amended indictment. While the parties agreed on guilt, they did not agree on the sentence. The revised indictment detailed Levin's indecent acts against two patients, including inappropriate touching, sometimes immediately after appointments while they were vulnerable on examination tables. These offenses occurred between 2013 and 2021.

The most serious charge involved the mother of a young patient. Approximately 14 years ago, she visited Levin's office to collect her son's documents. The prosecution alleged that Levin locked the door, forced her onto an examination table, and raped her. In another instance, Levin performed invasive examinations on a patient without her consent, exploiting his position.

One victim, identified as Meital, 40, spoke to Ynet in October 2021, when the investigation became public. She recounted seeking medical help from Levin multiple times over the years. During one visit when she was ill, Levin insisted on an examination of her lower body, which she felt was unnecessary. Afterward, he kissed and hugged her, and she pushed him away. She later realized his repeated attempts to contact her and promises to "take care" of her constituted harassment.