Malka Leifer

Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman speaks during a press conference at the Health Ministry in Jerusalem on January 3, 2019. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)

Breaking silence on Leifer allegations, Litzman says ‘everything was legal’

Deputy health minister insists his conduct in case of accused sex offender was ‘exactly as I act with every request from the public’

February 20, 2019, 6:06 pm

Breaking silence on Leifer allegations, Litzman says ‘everything was legal’

Deputy health minister insists his conduct in case of accused sex offender was ‘exactly as I act with every request from the public’

By TOI staff

February 18, 2019, 8:11 pm

Ashdod rabbi appeals to residents for aid with Leifer legal defense

Synagogues throughout city distribute letter from Yosef Direnfeld requesting help to prevent extradition of ‘prominent woman’

By Jacob Magid

A bail hearing for Malka Leifer at the Jerusalem District Court chambers of Judge Ram Vinograd on February 18, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

February 18, 2019, 4:04 pm

Malka Leifer denied bail during remainder of extradition process

Both sides reject judge’s offer for new psych evaluation to gauge whether sex abuse suspect is too sick to stay behind bars

By Jacob Magid

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

February 17, 2019, 6:52 pm

Australian Jewish group protests over handling of Malka Leifer case

Zionist Federation of Australia expresses frustration over allegations that Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman attempted to block extradition of alleged sexual predator

By Jacob Magid

Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman attends a Finance Committee meeting at the Knesset, on August 8, 2018. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

February 16, 2019, 11:09 pm

Police suspect Litzman met with top psychiatrist to sway him on Leifer case

Deputy health minister’s alleged meeting with Jacob Charnes, a key witness in the sex offense extradition proceedings, could constitute obstruction of justice

By TOI staff and Jacob Magid

Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is seen leaving a meeting in Jerusalem on February 14, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

February 16, 2019, 12:54 am

Litzman threatened state psychiatrists into helping alleged pedophile — report

Deputy health minister said to have told Health Ministry professionals they could be fired if they didn’t fake diagnosis to help Malka Leifer avoid extradition to Australia

By TOI staff and Jacob Magid

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

February 15, 2019, 6:00 pm

Alleged sex abuser’s former PR guru now working for Benny Gantz

Israel Resilience party spokeswoman points out Ronen Tzur no longer works on Malka Leifer’s behalf; woman’s accusers ‘shocked’ to learn of prominent new position

By Jacob Magid

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) receives the news that Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman was questioned by police investigators over suspicions he sought to help a former school principal avoid extradition over allegations she molested students in Australia, February 14, 2019 (Screen grab via Kan)

February 15, 2019, 2:47 pm

PM caught on camera learning of Litzman probe: ‘You’re killing me’

Video shows Netanyahu speaking on phone as he’s told of suspicions UTJ leader tried to help alleged sex abuser avoid extradition. ‘It’s unbelievable,’ he says

By TOI staff

February 14, 2019, 8:15 pm

UTJ’s Litzman suspected of trying to prevent extradition of alleged sex abuser

Police question deputy health minister on suspicion he sought to obtain false legal opinion claiming Malka Leifer not mentally fit to be sent to Australia to face charges

By Jacob Magid

Ilan Levy Neumand speaks during a radio interview on October 31, 2017 (screen capture: YouTube)

February 5, 2019, 2:38 pm

Israel arrests alleged sexual predator after France demands extradition

Ilan Levy-Neumand wanted for abusing 8 girls at his equestrian center in 1987-2001; after fleeing to Israel, he employed minors at stable he built in West Bank

By Jacob Magid

(L-R) Ellie Sapper, Nicole Meyer and Dassi Erlich in Jerusalem on November 29, 2018. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)

December 6, 2018, 6:19 am

Australian sisters trace accused abuser’s steps to West Bank town where she fled

Residents of Haredi settlement of Emmanuel only vaguely familiar with, and not particularly disturbed by, allegations against former Melbourne girls’ school principal Malka Leifer

By Jacob Magid

November 28, 2018, 2:40 pm

PR firm plans smear of minister to block extradition of alleged sex abuser

Campaign attacks Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and presents Malka Leifer, accused of molesting children at Australian school, as ’51-year-old grandmother’

By Jacob Magid

August 14, 2018, 4:31 pm

State deems sex abuse suspect fit for hearing on extradition to Australia

But Jerusalem District Court judge allows attorney for Malka Leifer, accused of abusing children at girls’ school, to conduct own evaluation, delaying process by 3 months

By Jacob Magid

July 1, 2018, 6:22 pm

Court denies bail for Malka Leifer, alleged child molester wanted in Australia

Decision made despite defense claims that ultra-Orthodox former principal unfit to stand trial; extradition hearing scheduled for July 15

By Jacob Magid

July 1, 2018, 10:22 am

Woman wanted for abuse in Australia accused of molesting Israeli girl

Resident of Emmanuel, where ultra-Orthodox former school principal Malka Leifer resided, claims she behaved inappropriately with his daughter

By TOI staff