Israeli Woman Facing Lawsuit by Alleged Rapist Launches Crowdfunding for Legal Defense

Shelag Ben Shitrit, who has been fighting a legal battle alone for 22 years against the man she accuses of raping her, is now representing herself in a lawsuit he filed against her after she published his photo. She has launched a crowdfunding campaign to secure legal representation, explaining that the funds will also support other women who have come forward as additional victims. "More victims have come forward, and the legal representation I seek is not only for me but also for other women who will file complaints," she said.

Ben Shitrit described the difficult situation that led her to self-representation, including a challenging conversation with a legal aid attorney she never met, who ultimately could not represent her. During the court hearing, the judge repeatedly stated that the lawsuit should be dismissed, and Ben Shitrit argued in good faith and truth. She agreed to a settlement proposed by the judge to drop the lawsuit and refrain from further publications, but the plaintiff did not agree and requested extensions, prolonging the ordeal.

Throughout this period, Ben Shitrit managed the case alone, submitting court motions and responding to the opposing lawyer, while her post-traumatic stress worsened to the point she could no longer function normally. Eventually, the judge scheduled a preliminary hearing, and Ben Shitrit realized she could no longer continue self-representation and urgently needed a lawyer to mediate and guide her.

She is now raising funds to cover legal fees for herself and the nearly 15 other women who have joined her in accusing the same man. Roni Aloni Sadovnik, who previously represented her successfully at the district court level, has been advising her pro bono and supporting her in court. Ben Shitrit emphasized that every additional she raises will be allocated to help these other women who came forward after she published the photo that triggered the lawsuit.