Pediatric Gastroenterologist Sentenced to Six Years for Sexual Assaults

A Tel Aviv court has sentenced Professor Arieh Levin, a former head of a department at Wolfson Medical Center and a pediatric gastroenterologist, to six years in prison for sexually assaulting the mother of a patient and two minor patients. The prosecution expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, deeming it "meager" given the severity of the crimes. Prosecutors stated that Levin "forced himself on women in the treatment room, a place where they are most exposed and vulnerable, and harmed them severely and terribly."

Levin confessed and was convicted based on a revised indictment as part of a plea deal that did not include an agreement on the sentence. Under the terms of the deal, Levin paid NIS 750,000 in compensation to the victims, and his medical license was permanently revoked. The prosecution had sought a 13-year sentence, emphasizing Levin's "despicable and base exploitation" of his respected position as a specialist and department head, and the trust placed in him by his patients who saw him as a "savior."

During sentencing arguments, the prosecution highlighted Levin's "lack of compassion" and exploitation of victims at their "lowest points of weakness," characterizing him as an "empathy-lacking defendant who chose the most helpless and weakest to exploit for his sexual needs." They argued that the power imbalance inherent in the doctor-patient relationship, especially with patients fighting for their lives, warrants a severe punishment.

Orit Solitziano, CEO of the Union of Centers for the Support of Victims of Sexual Assault, also criticized the sentence, stating it "does not fully reflect the severity of his terrible actions and the despicable exploitation of his role and status." She added that Levin "profoundly betrayed the medical profession, his patients, and trust in the healthcare system." The union urged all hospitals to take patient complaints against doctors seriously and examine them thoroughly to ensure patient safety.