MK Hili Tropper Recounts Painful Talk With Children Over False Pedophilia Allegations
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Member of Knesset Hili Tropper discussed the emotional impact of false pedophilia accusations, including a difficult talk with his children. The rumors, spread by Likud activists Avraham Talmis and Miri Barbi in early 2023, led Tropper to sue for defamation. A court awarded Tropper 1 million shekels from Talmis and 160,000 shekels from Barbi, who was found to have acted with malice.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Hili Tropper described the painful experience of telling his children that false pedophilia accusations against him were lies.
- The false accusations were initially spread on TikTok by Likud activist Avraham Talmis in March-April 2023.
- Likud activist Miri Barbi amplified the false video, leading Tropper to file defamation lawsuits.
- Tropper sued Talmis and Barbi for 1 million shekels, calling the claims a "vicious blood libel."
- A court ruled in Tropper's favor, ordering Talmis to pay 1 million shekels and Barbi 160,000 shekels.
Member of Knesset Hili Tropper described the personal toll of false pedophilia accusations leveled against him, particularly the difficult conversation he had to have with his children. In an upcoming interview on the program "Meeting with Roni Kovan," Tropper revealed that the spread of these lies, which he called "poison," reached a point where he felt compelled to address it directly with his family. He stated that while the accusations themselves didn't personally affect him because they came from people he didn't know, the potential impact on his children was deeply distressing.
Tropper explained that initially, he and his staff chose to ignore the rumors, believing it was pointless to engage with baseless claims. However, when it became clear the allegations could reach his children, he changed his approach. He described the conversation with his children as "not a simple experience," where he had to directly tell them, "They will publish about Dad that he is a pedophile, it is clear to you that this is a complete lie." Although his children believed him and supported him, Tropper expressed that such a conversation was unnecessary and painful.
The false accusations originated in March-April 2023, when Likud activist Avraham Talmis posted a video on TikTok making baseless claims against Tropper. Likud activist Miri Barbi later shared the video on X, amplifying its reach. In response, Tropper filed defamation lawsuits against both individuals for 1 million shekels, calling the allegations a "vicious blood libel" intended to harm his reputation and family.
The court ruled in Tropper's favor. Avraham Talmis, who did not file a defense, was ordered to pay Tropper 1 million shekels plus 60,000 shekels in legal costs. Miri Barbi, who shared the video, was ordered to pay 160,000 shekels in damages and 12,000 shekels in legal costs, with the court finding she acted with malice.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Other 1
