Former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger, who is in the midst of his fraud/money laundering trial, is seeking the release of his assets, valued at NIS 20 million, which the state locked down as a result of the criminal charges against him. The rav’s assets include apartments, insurance policies and bank accounts.

Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet reports attorneys for Rabbi Metzger are calling on state officials to at least release a portion, NIS 7 million. It is reported the rabbi wishes to sell one of his apartments, on King David Street in Tel Aviv, which is valued over NIS 5 million.

The rabbi explains that while he is facing a NIS 7 million fine for accepting bribes, there is no reason to freeze the remainder of his assets.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)