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 under the pretense of receiving treatment. She claims she was intimidated into taking psychiatric medication and threatened with forced injections if she refused. Sarah describes the place as housing women with mental health challenges and families unable to manage them, but rejects the official welfare system's involvement.

Sarah recounts that the man who took her falsely claimed to be from social services and threatened her to leave her home, warning he might remove her siblings if she did not comply. Upon arrival, she found about a dozen other women there and was told she would have a psychiatric consultation via Zoom. She recalls being pressured to take medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder and feeling physically affected by the drugs. Sarah also witnessed other women being forcibly medicated and closely monitored by the house mother, Chavi Aptergot.

After escaping, Sarah sought help from acquaintances who had left the community and was taken in by Dr. R., a neurosurgeon from central Israel. Dr. R. described Sarah as a frightened young woman and criticized the medication prescribed at the Betar Illit home, noting the drugs were high-dose and typically reserved for severe psychotic episodes involving violence. Dr. R. emphasized that while the home does not physically lock residents in, chemically suppressing their will through medication effectively restricts their freedom.

Chavi Aptergot, the house mother, denied the allegations, stating Sarah came voluntarily with her father's consent, underwent a psychiatric evaluation remotely, and took medication with approval. Aptergot suggested Sarah's confusion stemmed from influence by a former social worker who had left the faith and possibly encouraged her to involve the police. She asserted she never administers medication without proper authorization.

The Israeli police investigated following Sarah's complaint and the welfare department's report. After collecting testimonies and documents, the Jerusalem District Attorney closed the case due to lack of criminal evidence. The house mother was questioned, and statements were taken from staff members, but no charges were filed.

This case highlights tensions between closed religious communities and state welfare authorities, raising concerns about autonomy, mental health treatment, and the use of psychiatric drugs in such settings.