Beit Shemesh Man Indicted for Abusing Minors During Prayers and at Ritual Bath

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed a serious indictment against Yechiel Yehoshua Brand, a 33-year-old resident of Beit Shemesh, accusing him of committing prohibited acts against four minors aged 13 to 16. The alleged offenses occurred on multiple occasions between 2024 and 2026 in various locations including synagogues, a ritual bath (mikveh), and a public place within the city.

According to the indictment, filed by attorney Bracha Ben Adret-Zerachia, Brand exploited opportunities when the minors were present in synagogues and mikvahs to assault them. One particularly disturbing incident described in the indictment took place during prayer services in a synagogue. Brand allegedly approached a minor and committed prohibited acts, continuing his assault for an extended period even as the victim attempted to push him away and move to a different spot within the synagogue. The indictment states Brand followed the minor and resumed his actions.

Further allegations detail incidents at a local mikveh. In one instance, Brand is accused of assaulting a minor as they exited the immersion pool, and in another, of committing prohibited acts in the changing area. The indictment also includes accusations of abuse against another minor, occurring both at a mikveh and a supermarket in Beit Shemesh.

In total, Brand faces multiple severe charges, including offenses against minors under the age of 14 and an attempted prohibited act. The investigation was conducted by officers from the Beit Shemesh police station, leading to the evidence that formed the basis of the indictment.