After Israel Police recommended filing a criminal indictment against Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, a number of chareidi politicians came to his defense.

Deputy Minister Meir Porush, a member of Litzman’s Yahadut Hatorah party and the Agudas Yisrael faction said, “My friend, Deputy Minister Rabbi Litzman, is busy with chessed and assisting those who seek his assistance and I am confident that the outcome will be as unblemished as snow and he will continue his welcomed activities”.

Similar statements were released to the media by party MKs Uri Maklev and Yisrael Eichler, as well as Degel Hatorah faction chairman, MK Moshe Gafne.

Litzman is suspected of preventing the extradition of a woman wanted for 74 serious offenses in Australia. Police questioned Litzman in the case in February 2019, as reported by YWN-Israel. In his statement to the media, he explained his office assists countless people who turn to him and he is not aware of the details in her case and has no personal connection to her.

Police add the evidence also shows he abused the position of his office to advance matters, including this case, where he allegedly persuaded psychiatrists to write letters attesting to the woman’s mental state and inability to be extradited.

He is also facing charges of bribery and breach of trust in assisting to prevent the closure of restaurant owned by a family member, despite major health violations against it. This refers to Goldy’s Restaurant in Jerusalem. One woman’s miscarriage was attributed to the restaurant’s food as well as others who were infected with salmonella, some hospitalized.

In response to the report, Goldy’s reports the restaurant is now under new management and has no connection to the former owners, and currently, the eatery conforms with the highest standards of cleanliness.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)