Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu on Haim Rotter scandal: 'He's like a murderer'

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411514

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Chief Rabbi of Tzfat, and head of the Sexual Assault Court, on Friday published a letter of support for the victims of Haim Rotter, Chairman of the "Shomrim" organization, who was recently arrested following testimonies of serious sexual offenses he committed over many years.

In light of inquiries received by the special court for sexual offenses and the pressures being exerted on some of the victims not to testify, Rabbi Eliyahu unequivocally urged: "It is a mitzvah (Torah commandment) and obligation to report Haim Rotter to the police - this is not a sin, but the fulfillment of a Torah commandment."

In his letter, Rabbi Eliyahu expressed deep shock at the testimonies: "I was horrified to hear about the great cruelty of Haim Rotter. These are acts that the Torah compares to bloodshed."

Rabbi Eliyahu clarified that silence in the face of further harm falls under the prohibition, "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor," and that it is the religious community's duty to protect the victims and prevent further harm to the children of Israel.