Ahead of the release of Ezra Sheinberg from Maasiyahu prison, tens of women and men protested Saturday evening outside of the prison.
Sheinberg, who was nicknamed “the Rabbi from the North” and lead the Ari community in Safed, was convicted of committing sexual crimes against eight women and is to be released after serving a sentence of seven and a half years. Sheinberg intends on living with his family in the Golan Heights town of Katzrin.
Leading the protest movement is Michal Hakohen, one of Sheinberg’s victims, who joined tens of women to protest his move to Katzrin: “Tomorrow the Katzrin community is expected to receive the sex offender who managed to trick women and harm them while using manipulation and charisma.
Sheinberg never expressed true regret for his actions and it is truly possible that he will establish a new community in the city and put additional women in danger of falling into his trap. We all need to protest against Sheinberg’s move and point out the danger that this man poses, so we can prevent the next assault. The state of Israel must take responsibility and prevent the sex offender from returning to a community where he may return to his ways, as happens with the majority of sex offenders who end up offending again.”
The protest on Saturday was part of the growing protest movement against Shienberg’s move to Katzrin, on Sunday at 8:00 PM a rally will be held outside of Sheinberg’s home.
