Day one in the Jerusalem District Court for the 75-year-old Moshe Talansky was intense, lasting some seven hours. Yes there were breaks, but Talansky began telling the story that many believe will be recorded in history books – since his words will possibly result in a criminal indictment against a ruling prime minister, an first in Israel.

At one point, State Prosecutor Moshe Lador suggested the court recess for a brief period to permit Talansky to rest. He then turned to the three-judge panel and broke down in tears, explaining the ongoing events are most trying and taking a toll on him, adding all he wants to do is to testify and complete his mission as quickly as possible, to then return home to the United States to his infirmed wife.

At the onset of the proceeding, attorney Eli Zohar, representing the prime minister, asked in what capacity is Talansky providing testimony, as a witness or a suspect. Lador responded that Talansky is also a suspect but a decision has yet to be made regarding his case and other suspects. Lador added however regarding Talansky, he received assurances that the information he provides towards incriminating the prime minister [and others] will not be used against him.

Zohar then changed his tone, telling the court that Talansky was granted immunity and he was not informed of this in advance. He added that the prosecutor admits Talansky is also a suspect, seeking to diminish the legitimacy of his statements.

Talansky went on to explain that he generally visits Israel three to four times a year, and he first met Olmert during the first Gulf War while visiting Shaare Zedek Hospital, an institution that he is affiliated with. He was the “Likud prince” and “I always admired him,” he stated.

“I viewed him as a true leader, one who could unite the different factions, a true leader. He was a true leader, the way he related to the Orthodox. I felt he was a genuine Israeli leader.”

Talansky explained he has 125 relatives in Israel but basically he comes for Rosh Hashanah and Pesach, although sometimes, he does make five trips a year.

In addition to detailing payments to Olmert, Talansky paid for much else, including a vacation for Olmert in Italy, to the tune of 25,000 – $30,000.

Olmert was serving as Jerusalem mayor and he explained to Talansky that he wishes to vacation in Italy. “I remember thinking to myself, how can this be, how can he leave the city, but he asked me for a loan for $25,000 or $30,000.”

There were other loans detailed by Talansky, as well as payment for family events. During one trip to NYC, Olmert asked for a $15,000 loan. It was in Citibank and the money was handed over to him in a bank envelope. Olmert received $150,000 in cash for campaign needs in addition to other payments, hotel rooms, and much more.

Talansky stated that to date, $300,000 in money from companies was transferred to Uri Messer.

He added that to date, he never received a penny of the loan money in return, detailing in one case, when visiting Jerusalem, he asked for the money and Olmert told him to see his son back in New York.

Upon his return to New York Talansky paid a visit to Olmert’s son, who told him to see his father. In short, not a penny of the loan funds has been returned to date.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)