Prominent Pediatric Gastroenterologist Jailed for Six Years for Sexual Assaults

A prominent pediatric gastroenterologist and former department head at Wolfson Medical Center, Professor Arieh Levin, was sentenced on Thursday to six years in prison for raping the mother of a patient and committing sexual offenses against two other female patients. Levin, who had previously pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty as part of a revised indictment and plea agreement.

As part of the agreement, Levin paid NIS 750,000 in compensation to the victims and had his medical license permanently revoked. The prosecution had sought a 13-year sentence, emphasizing the severe abuse of trust Levin committed by exploiting his respected position as a doctor and department head. The victims viewed him as a savior, which allowed him to re-victimize them.

The court heard that Levin forced himself on women in treatment rooms, places where they were most vulnerable, inflicting severe harm. The prosecution argued that Levin's lack of compassion and exploitation of the victims at their lowest points demonstrated his lack of empathy and his deliberate targeting of the most helpless individuals for his sexual gratification.

Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted the unique severity of the case, stemming from the inherent power imbalance and dependency in the doctor-patient relationship, particularly when a patient is fighting for their life. They contended that this warranted a significant and severe punishment. The prosecution stated they would review the court's sentencing decision and consider their next steps.