Details are scarce but there appears to be a development in the case of Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who remains incarcerated in South Africa and is expected to be turned over to Israel. Israel has filed an extradition request, seeking to place the rabbi under arrest to face charges involving alleged assaults against women in Israel.

However, Migdal HaEmek Chief Rabbi Harav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman took off on Sunday night the eve of 15 Iyar for a second trip to Johannesburg in recent weeks, reportedly because there may be a chance for the rabbi to be released instead of handing him over to Israel Police. Rabbi Grossman is reportedly going to participate in a meeting with government officials pertaining to the case. Rabbi Grossman is accompanied by a grandson of Rabbi Berland, Chaim Reicher.

Rabbi Grossman has been active over the years in assisting Rabbi Berland, and following his recent return from S. Africa, he described Rabbi Berland’s conditions as extremely difficult,explaining the rav is inside a pit and has a minimal food since he will not compromise his kashrus standards.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)