Jerusalem Prosecutors Demand Minimum 20-Year Sentence for Rabbi Convicted of Sexual Offenses
The Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office has requested that the district court impose at least 20 years of actual imprisonment on Rabbi Moshe Yazdi, who was convicted in March of multiple sexual offenses and money laundering charges. Prosecutors also seek a suspended sentence, substantial compensation for the victims, fines, and confiscation of property and funds. Yazdi was found guilty on four of nine charges, which included exploiting his religious and social status and the trust and dependency of his female students to commit sexual offenses over several years.
The prosecution, represented by attorneys Aviad Dweik and Eyal Lidani, emphasized the severity and systematic nature of Yazdi's actions. They highlighted his manipulation of religious teachings, presenting abusive acts as "spiritual corrections," and noted the lasting harm inflicted on the victims. Regarding the money laundering charges, prosecutors stated that Yazdi, amid bankruptcy proceedings, used his students' bank accounts to hide money from creditors.
The prosecution urged the court to consider the gravity of the offenses, the ongoing pattern of abuse, the cynical exploitation of religious authority, the extensive harm to victims, and Yazdi's refusal to accept responsibility or spare the complainants from the legal process. Four years ago, a Channel 13 investigation exposed a cult-like environment around Yazdi, where he allegedly used spiritual threats and manipulation to control and harm women. One victim described the psychological control as "total and cruel."
Throughout the trial, prosecutors maintained that Yazdi's conduct was a prolonged, manipulative pattern. They also called for his immediate detention due to the seriousness of the crimes and the danger he poses. In contrast, Yazdi's defense attorney, Yehuda Shoshan, claimed his client denies the allegations and described the case as a conspiracy against someone engaged in "acts of kindness."
