Malka Leifer

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

By Jacob Magid

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

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

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

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

Australian sisters Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer who were allegedly sexually abused by former headteacher Malka Leifer arrive for a court hearing at the District Court in Jerusalem, March 6, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

September 21, 2020, 1:01 pm

Leifer accusers express relief at long-awaited extradition ruling

‘We can’t believe we finally got here,’ says one of three Australian sisters who accuse ex-principal of sexual assault; others also praise decision, after 71 hearings

By TOI staff and Jacob Magid

September 21, 2020, 10:17 am

Court rules accused sex abuser Leifer to be extradited to Australia

In possibly final ruling after 6 years of hearings, judge says ex-principal must face child sex abuse charges in Melbourne, pending expected appeal

By Jacob Magid

A private investigator tagged Malka Leifer as she spoke on the phone, while sitting on a bench in Bnei Brak, on December 14, 2017. (Screen capture/YouTube)

September 21, 2020, 9:59 am

Court set to hand down long-awaited decision on Leifer extradition to Australia

Judge expected to rule in favor of sending former principal to Australia to face 74 charges of child sex abuse, but defense can still try to appeal

By Jacob Magid

September 2, 2020, 2:35 pm

Supreme Court rejects Malka Leifer’s appeal, paving way toward her extradition

After years of hearings, judges unanimously say alleged serial pedophile is mentally fit to stand trial in Australia; decision on extradition to be made on September 21

By Michael Bachner and Jacob Magid

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

July 28, 2020, 11:47 pm

Australian Jews’ Israel ties sorely tested by saga of alleged sex abuser Leifer

Community leaders freely express their discontent over lengthy extradition proceedings of accused abuser Malka Leifer, but say their Zionist roots have helped in weathering storm

By Jacob Magid

Malka Leifer (C) refuses to raise her head while appearing over Skype during an extradition hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)

July 20, 2020, 5:02 pm

Defense at extradition hearing: Leifer’s students effectively consented to abuse

Prosecution lambastes claims, arguing former principal wanted by Australia had total control over alleged victims; defense says media has turned client ‘into a monster’

By Jacob Magid

July 20, 2020, 6:27 am

After 6 years and 68 court dates, Malka Leifer extradition proceedings begin

Even though judge concluded that alleged child sex abuser wanted in Australia was feigning mental illness, proceedings could still face further delay

By Jacob Magid

July 10, 2020, 10:21 am

Supreme Court nixes request from Leifer defense to halt proceedings amid appeal

Top court yet to schedule hearing to discuss appeal, but July 20 extradition hearing for alleged pedophile wanted in Australia will now be able to move forward as planned

By Jacob Magid

July 8, 2020, 1:57 pm

Leifer’s lawyers file Supreme Court appeal against ruling she can be extradited

Defense relying on refuted 2016 decision to release alleged Australian pedophile, seeking to present new testimony and asking for proceedings to halt in interim

By Jacob Magid

President Reuven Rivlin (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, Australia, February 26, 2020. (Koby Gideon/GPO)

May 27, 2020, 2:14 pm

Rivlin assures Australian premier alleged sex abuser Leifer won’t escape justice

Scott Morrison tells Israeli president that Malka Leifer being found fit for extradition has brought Australians relief; issue had been major sticking point in visit this year

By TOI staff and Jacob Magid