Malka Leifer

UTJ MK Yaakov Litzman seen in the assembly hall of the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem, on July 1, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

December 26, 2021, 6:41 pm

Haredi MK Yaakov Litzman says he will not run for Knesset again

UTJ’s former health minister, 73, says his announcement has nothing to do with looming charges against him for obstruction of justice and breach of trust

By TOI staff

Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem, on February 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, File)

September 23, 2021, 11:24 am

Melbourne court: Malka Leifer must face trial on 70 charges of child sex abuse

Trial of ex-school principal, extradited this year from Israel to Australia after 6-year fight, will start October 21 as judges deem evidence sufficient; she pleads not guilty

By Agencies

Former principal Malka Leifer, wanted in Australia for child sex abuse crimes, seen at the Jerusalem District Court, on February 14, 2018. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

September 20, 2021, 2:45 pm

In court, ex-school counselor claims Malka Leifer’s accusers motivated by money

Chana Rabinowitz testifies that she suspects two sisters alleged sex crimes by their former principal in an attempt to get financial compensation

By AP

September 13, 2021, 6:31 am

Malka Leifer appears in Australia court for hearing on child sex abuse charges

Alleged victims to testify to determine if former principal should face trial on 74 charges, including rape; Leifer excused from appearing in court on Yom Kippur

By AP

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman at a press conference on January 17, 2020. (Flash90)

May 27, 2021, 7:42 pm

AG to indict Litzman for obstruction of justice, breach of trust in Leifer case

Pending charges against Haredi minister tied to allegations he sought to block extradition of accused pedophile Malka Leifer, prevent closure of a deli cited for health violations

By TOI staff

Then-Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman at the ceremony for the opening of a new branch of his Agudath Israel party, ahead of upcoming elections, in the northern city of Safed, July 4, 2019. (David Cohen/Flash90)

April 23, 2021, 12:16 am

AG said set to charge Litzman for meddling in Leifer case, pending a hearing

Mandelblit expected to indict minister on fraud, breach of trust, for pressuring staffers to alter conclusions of psychiatric evaluations, block extradition of alleged pedophile

By Jacob Magid

April 9, 2021, 8:18 am

Malka Leifer appears in Australia court for hearing on child sex abuse charges

Haredi ex-principal, 54, remains in custody until September pre-trial proceedings where she faces 74 counts of abuse dating to her time working at Melbourne’s Adass Israel School

By AFP

United Torah Judaism party chairman and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman (L) and party member Moshe Gafni attend the party headquarters on election night in Giv'at Shmuel, March 2, 2020. (Roy Alima/ Flash90)

February 1, 2021, 10:17 pm

After 18 years, Litzman to give up leadership of United Torah Judaism

Moshe Gafni to take over at helm of ultra-Orthodox party, with Litzman in second spot; Shas No. 2 Yitzhak Cohen to retire from politics

By Raoul Wootliff

January 28, 2021, 5:14 am

Extradited by Israel, Malka Leifer in Australia court on child sex abuse charges

Former school principal, 54, has first hearing after 6-year battle against transfer from Israel; lawyer requests special conditions to facilitate her religious observance

By Agencies

In this February 27, 2018, photo, Malka Leifer, center, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

January 27, 2021, 1:57 pm

Malka Leifer lands in Australia ahead of child sex abuse trial hearing Thursday

Former school principal’s extradition is completed, more than 12 years after she fled justice; Canberra officials hail development, thank Israeli government

By AFP and TOI staff

January 25, 2021, 9:16 am

13 years after bolting, 6 since arrest, Malka Leifer extradited to Australia

Former Haredi school principal on her way back to Melbourne, where she faces 74 charges of child sex abuse

By Jacob Magid

December 16, 2020, 7:33 pm

Justice minister signs off on extradition of accused pedophile Malka Leifer

Israel now has 60 days to put former principal on a plane to face trial for 74 counts of abuse; her lawyers say they will not make a final appeal to stop it

By Jacob Magid

Malka Leifer, a teacher wanted in Australia for child sex abuse, seen on a screen via a video link during a court hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

December 15, 2020, 12:03 pm

Supreme Court rules Malka Leifer can be extradited to Australia

Justice minister says he won’t delay signing order releasing former school principal to Victorian authorities to face charges of sexually abusing students

By Stuart Winer and Jacob Magid

Malka Leifer seen on a screen, left, via a video link during a court hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

December 2, 2020, 11:11 pm

Leifer case comes before Supreme Court for what could be final time

Top legal body hears appeal of lower court ruling to extradite former principal wanted in Australia on 74 charges of child sex abuse; decision expected in coming days

By Jacob Magid

(From L-R) Malka Leifer's attorneys Tal Gabay and Yehuda Fried speak to reporters at the Jerusalem District Court on September 23, 2019. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)

November 21, 2020, 4:32 am

Malka Leifer’s lawyers step down weeks before latest long-shot appeal

Attorney Tal Gabay stands by argument accused child rapist is mentally unfit for trial; Supreme Court set to hear attempt to prevent her extradition to Australia in December

By Jacob Magid