Woman Claims She Was Threatened, Drugged in Betar Illit Home for Women with Mental Health Issues

A woman identified as Sarah (a pseudonym) alleges she was forcibly taken from her home by a stranger to a residence in Betar Illit, where she was coerced into psychiatric treatment and medicated against her will. The incident occurred early in the year after a man, claiming to be from social services, came to her home under her father's invitation but then threatened her to leave with him. Sarah was taken to a house housing about a dozen women with mental health challenges or family difficulties, where she was pressured to take psychiatric medication and threatened with forced injections if she refused.

Sarah describes the environment as one where nonconformity is equated with insanity, and residents are subdued through medication. She recounts witnessing violent restraint of another woman and constant surveillance by the house mother, Chavi Aptergot. After several days, Sarah escaped and was taken in by a neurosurgeon who helped her recover and questioned the necessity and dosage of the medications prescribed, which were intended for severe psychotic episodes and violent behavior. The doctor noted Sarah showed no symptoms warranting such treatment.

Chavi Aptergot, the house mother, denies the allegations, stating Sarah came voluntarily with her father's consent, underwent a psychiatric evaluation via Zoom, and took medication with approval. Aptergot attributes Sarah's confusion to influence from a social worker who left the religious community and possibly encouraged her to involve the police. She insists she has never administered medication without proper authorization.

The Israeli police investigated the complaint, collected testimonies, and reviewed documents but closed the case due to lack of criminal evidence. The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office also closed the case citing insufficient proof. The welfare ministry filed a complaint, and the house mother was questioned along with staff members.

This case highlights tensions between closed religious communities and state welfare authorities regarding mental health care and individual rights.