Attorneys representing former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yona Metzger are playing down the case against their client. Attorneys Tal Gabbai and Yehuda Fried on Wednesday evening responded to the media regarding the indictment filed against Rabbi Metzger, stating there was a great deal of noise surrounding the case and talk of alleged major crimes but at the end, Rabbi Metzger did not accept bribes, did not breach the trust of his position and did abuse the authority of his office as was alleged. In fact, they say the rabbi’s actions “do not constitute a criminal offense in practice, even if they [the allegations] were true”.

As an example, they explain it is alleged Rabbi Metzger recommended to philanthropists regarding where to donate their money. They explain “directing foreign residents is under the auspices of professional judgment by the Chief Rabbi of Israel and in the worst case scenario, one might say he took advantage of his position. Therefore, there is no fear of using his influence or his senior post as rav improperly”.

The legal team expressed criticism over the decision not to probe the tycoons who gave the alleged bribes to the rabbi to get their version of the events that led to the alleged transfer of funds. Instead, they point out that the prosecutor was quick to sign an agreement with a state witness against the rabbi.

Persons close to the rabbi explain the international investigation has been ongoing for two years, including eavesdropping and utilizing other methods and to date, there is no concrete evidence against the rabbi despite the media reports against him. They add that there is not a single case in which the rabbi advanced any project to promote projects of persons close to him or other interested parties.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)