Former Hospital Unit Head Sentenced to 6 Years for Rape

A children's gastroenterologist and former head of a unit at Wolfson Medical Center, Professor Arieh Levin, was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday after admitting to raping the mother of one of his patients and committing sexual offenses against two other patients. Levin had initially denied the charges but later changed his plea as part of a plea agreement that did not include a sentencing recommendation.

As part of the agreement, Levin paid NIS 750,000 in compensation to the victims, and his medical license was permanently revoked. The prosecution had sought a 13-year prison sentence, emphasizing the severe abuse of his position as a respected specialist and department head. They argued he exploited the trust of his patients, who viewed him as a "savior," to re-victimize them in the most vulnerable setting, the treatment room.

The prosecution highlighted Levin's lack of empathy and his deliberate targeting of the most helpless and weak individuals for his sexual gratification. They stressed that the power imbalance inherent in the doctor-patient relationship, especially with patients fighting for their lives, warrants a significant punishment.

The Association of Centers for the Victims of Sexual Assault issued a statement criticizing the sentence, deeming it insufficient given the severity of Levin's actions and his "despicable exploitation" of his role. They stated that Levin, in his senior position at Wolfson, "deeply betrayed" the medical profession, his patients, and public trust in the healthcare system. The association added that this case demonstrates how the abuse of power and status is prevalent across all societal strata, with men exploiting their professional standing in various fields.