‘Sex pest’ rabbi has right to practice his religion
It would be “unfair” for a fugitive rabbi, who is wanted for sex crimes in Israel, to be denied the right to practice his religion during the Passover period, a court has heard.
|||Johannesburg - Rabbi Abraham Michael Katz told the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday that it would be “unfair” for Israeli fugitive Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who is wanted for sex crimes in his home country, to be denied the right to practice his religion during the Passover period.
Katz was giving evidence in support of the Berland’s bail application. The 78-year-old fugitive, who was arrested earlier this month, is resisting extradition to Israel.
Seventy eight-year-old Berland, who is the leader of the Shuvu Bonim Hassidic sect in Jerusalem, fled Israel in 2012 after allegations of sex crimes were made against him by some of his female followers there.
Katz told the court it would be difficult to provide the necessary food and spiritual needs especially because the eight-day festival was beginning.
Katz added that Jewish laws stated that they had to have a number of prayers during that period with family and their community.
There are strict food requirements, which would mean that an individual can’t eat food that is leavened and all products need to be different from the usual kosha food for the duration of the festival, Katz explained.
Katz is a Chaplin of Correctional Services. He said he didn’t know Berland personally, but came to court after he read about his story in newspapers.
“I am appointed by the Jewish community as well as correctional services to minister to Jewish inmates. It is my job to see that their spiritual needs are taken care of.”
Katz said that Berland could possibly get the prescribed Passover bread and kosha food from outside his jail, but it would need to be delivered on a daily bases. However, he said this would be impossible because Jews aren’t allowed to use their cars on some days during the festival.
“We would be greatly restricted as well as correctional services restrictions. I am not allowed to take food to an inmate on a daily bases.”
Earlier defence attorney Themba Langa asked Katz what he would do if he was in Berland’s position.
“I would starve rather than eat anything that’s not permitted especially during this period,” Katz said.
Naidoo said that the State had proposed that Berland would have privileges of having his special dietary needs on days when they are allowed to travel if he was to be denied bail.
The bail application continues.
African News Agency