Litzman to face court
Israeli media has confirmed that Israel’s Attorney General, Mr Avichai Mandelblit, officially notified former Israeli Health Minister, Rabbi Yaakov Litzman, that he will be indicted for interfering in the Malka Leifer case by trying to prevent Leifer from being extradited to Australia to face justice.
Rabbi Yaakov Litzman
Rabbi Litzman will be indicted for breach of public trust and allegedly interfering with court proceedings.
He is accused of using his powerful position to thwart legal proceeding in the extradition of Malka Leifer.
Leifer was eventually extradited and she is now in jail in Victoria facing 74 charges of child sexual abuse at Beth Rivkah College in Melbourne while she was principal of the school.
AIJAC Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein said, “The allegations against Yaakov Litzman are very serious, so we are pleased that the Attorney-General has indicated his intention to proceed with the case. The alleged conduct could have denied justice to victims of an alleged very serious and debilitating crime, so it’s important that, at the very least, it is thoroughly scrutinised through the Israeli court system, so justice is done and is seen to be done.”
In 2019, the Zionist Federation of Australia expressed deep concern about allegations that Litzman, who at the time was Deputy Health Minister, had obstructed legal proceedings by working to obtain false medical reports to prevent the extradition of Malka Leifer.
Of the latest development ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “Notwithstanding the unacceptable delays in having Leifer returned to face justice in Australia, this announcement gives us confidence that Israel’s justice system remains willing and able to hold to account anyone who has broken the law, regardless of their position.”
Mr Leibler concluded, “The road to justice for Dassi, Elly, Nicole and other survivors of Leifer’s alleged abuse has been long. Leifer is finally back in Australia. And now, one of the people who allegedly criminally delayed her return has been indicted.”
Child sexual abuse advocate Manny Waks commented: “I’m pleased that Israel is taking this issue seriously and prosecuting Litzman for his alleged involvement in the Malka Leifer scandal.
Having sat through most of the 70 plus court hearings in Israel, it was clear to me, and to many others, that something was amiss. When it was announced that Israel Police was investigating Litzman for interfering in this prolonged case, and ultimately recommended that he be indicted, it all made sense.
We hope and expect that all those who interfered in this case – whether in Israel or in Australia – will be held to full account, and may justice ultimately prevail.”
Very good that Litzman is at last being held to account. Now how about those members of the school board who hurriedly spirited Leifer out the country to avoid Australian justice? They might also be complicit?