A special parliamentary hearing has exposed a hidden world of systematic sexual crimes against children, teenagers, and women, allegedly perpetrated under the cover of Jewish mystical rituals. Survivors and authorities describe a long-ignored reality, with victims criticizing judicial inaction.
Following a special session in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, shocking new dimensions of organized, ritualistic sexual abuse within Israeli society have been revealed. According to witnesses and some officials, this phenomenon has been overlooked or minimized for years. The hearing, convened by the Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women and Gender Equality and the Special Committee on Youth Affairs, featured harrowing anonymous testimonies from survivors.
Harrowing Victim Testimonies: From Ritual Assault to Sex Trafficking
Based on the testimonies read aloud, victims—ranging from children to teenagers—were subjected to group sexual abuse within the framework of ceremonies involving Kabbalistic verses, prayers, or symbols. Survivors described the use of drugs, threats, intimidation, and systematic “training” to coerce victims into compliance.
One anonymous testimony detailed being taken to a specific location weekly from adolescence for “training,” which was nothing but preparation for prostitution and sexual exploitation. Another victim stressed that even seeking psychotherapy did not stop the abuse, with the perpetrators lying in wait after therapy sessions.
A recurring theme was the alleged involvement of influential figures. One survivor told the committee, “I was forced to perform horrific acts, all in the presence of very important people, physicians and rabbis”. The testimonies also pointed to organized sex trafficking, links to powerful networks, and rituals attended by well-known media and political figures.
Institutional Failure: Victims Criticize Police and Judicial Systems
Multiple survivors and activists criticized the police and state prosecution for their ineffective handling of these cases. They claim that despite providing verifiable details, many files have been closed without proper investigation. This aligns with broader research on barriers to reporting in Israel, which include shame, fear, lack of faith in the system, and the assumption that authorities would not believe the victim.
One woman, identified only as “Ayin,” reported that police failed to investigate her case even after she submitted an audio recording of an alleged abuser admitting to the assault. In response to mounting allegations, police have stated that all relevant files are being reviewed by the elite Lahav 433 serious crimes unit.
A Rabbi’s Concession and a Call to Action
The wave of attention following the hearing forced a public acknowledgment from a prominent religious figure. Rabbi Yaakov Medan, a significant religious leader and head of the “Eretz Zion” yeshiva, was compelled to confirm the existence of such ceremonies and distance himself from the perpetrators.
He stated, “Ritual sexual violence in Israel’s religious society is a reality, and in my opinion, these acts are no less a crime than murder and bloodshed.” He warned that justifying such actions in the name of religion while maintaining a pious facade within a social movement constitutes complicity in the crime.
This case echoes other recent investigations in Israel, including the arrest of a prominent ultra-Orthodox figure in Bnei Brak accused of raping boys over 25 years and the arrest of soldiers for alleged sexual abuse within military units. It highlights a pressing national crisis of sexual abuse, cover-ups, and institutional failure that transcends specific communities.
From: haaretz