Rabbi to Pay Victim NIS 830,000 in Exploitation Settlement
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Nehama Gabai will receive NIS 830,000 in a settlement approved by the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, ending a lawsuit against Rabbi Shaul Elkariv. Elkariv allegedly exploited Gabai's vulnerability, convincing her to transfer NIS 745,000 from her home sale and disability pension. The case revealed a pattern of exploitation, fraud, and intimidation, with Elkariv admitting to receiving funds unlawfully. Attorneys Oshir Rubinger and Dov Vinter represented Gabai in the proceedings.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Nehama Gabai will receive NIS 830,000 in a settlement with Rabbi Shaul Elkariv.
- Elkariv allegedly exploited Gabai's emotional and financial vulnerability for personal gain.
- Gabai transferred approximately NIS 745,000 to Elkariv and his wife, Tova.
- The funds were primarily from the sale of Gabai's home and her disability pension.
- Elkariv reportedly admitted to receiving the funds unlawfully in recorded conversations.
- Attorneys Oshir Rubinger and Dov Vinter represented Gabai in the legal proceedings.
A settlement agreement, approved as a court ruling by the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, will see Nehama Gabai compensated with NIS 830,000. The settlement follows a civil lawsuit filed for approximately NIS 1.17 million against Rabbi Shaul Elkariv, who allegedly engaged in a severe, systematic, and ongoing pattern of exploitation, fraud, and intimidation.
Elkariv presented himself as a rabbi with spiritual powers capable of miracles. He identified Gabai's severe emotional and financial vulnerability, noting she was undergoing complex divorce proceedings and had a history of psychiatric hospitalization. Exploiting her trust and mental dependence, Elkariv allegedly convinced Gabai to transfer a total of about NIS 745,000 to him and his wife, Tova. The funds were largely derived from the sale of her shared residence, with the remainder coming from her disability pension, her sole source of income.
The lawsuit detailed how Elkariv manipulated Gabai's actions, accompanied her to bank branches, claimed to be acting in her best interest, and issued severe threats against her family if they intervened. Gabai concealed the situation for years due to fear and a perceived respect for his powers. The case came to light in late 2025 when she faced acute distress, leading her to confront Elkariv. In recorded conversations, he reportedly admitted to receiving the funds unlawfully and committed to returning them.
During the legal proceedings, attorneys Oshir Rubinger and Dov Vinter, from the law firm Dr. Y. Weinroth & Co., secured temporary asset freezes to protect Gabai's rights. The legal team's decisive actions were instrumental in reaching the settlement.