Israel Police Launch Criminal Probe into Hadassah Finances

Israel Police have opened a criminal investigation into the "Money Trail" affair concerning the activities of the workers' union at Hadassah Hospital and its head for the past 20 years, Amnon Brokian. The investigation was initiated following reports that Brokian, who has served as chairman of the union for two decades with little opposition, and his associates allegedly engaged in a practice of "give and take" related to the union's operations. Evidence has been transferred to the police suggesting that Brokian and his associates demanded and received benefits for the union, including sponsorships and funding for various activities, from commission fees paid by employees over the years for "collective health insurance."

Initial investigative actions have begun, with individuals summoned for questioning. The Movement for Quality of Government had previously petitioned the Legal Advisor to the Government, the State Prosecutor, and the Inspector General of the Israel Police, demanding a criminal investigation into Brokian and some union members. The movement cited evidence presented in the reports as raising "prima facie suspicion of the commission of a series of criminal offenses."

The investigation centers on the union's relationship with Ofer Inbar, the insurance agent for the hospital workers' collective health insurance. Reports indicate that Inbar, in his capacity, was allegedly pressured by Brokian and his associates to pay for union activities using funds from employee insurance commissions. These findings suggest a "money trail" through the union, partly originating from funds collected by Inbar.

Inbar, in a lawsuit filed against the hospital years ago, claimed he was forced to transfer funds to the union under threats that his work would be jeopardized. He stated that when he refused to continue providing sponsorships due to declining income, his position was undermined, and he was eventually dismissed. Inbar alleges that these actions were taken despite agreements and commitments, and that the employees' insurance coverage was negatively impacted.

The Movement for Quality of Government has drawn parallels between this case and the "handshake" affair within the General, where an insurance agent allegedly provided benefits to union officials in exchange for lucrative insurance contracts. The movement noted similarities in the alleged financial dealings between an insurance agent seeking to profit from union-controlled employee insurance and the union itself, in return for benefits.