Jerusalem: Rabbi Moshe Yazdi Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for S*x Offenses

A Jerusalem court has sentenced Rabbi Moshe Yazdi to 18 years in prison for repeated s*x offenses against two women who sought his religious guidance, after finding that he exploited his religious authority and deceived them into believing the acts were part of divinely sanctioned spiritual practices, according to a report.

The Jerusalem District Court handed down the sentence on Sunday, months after convicting Yazdi of multiple counts of rape and indecent acts by deception, as well as financial offenses. The case involved offenses that continued over several years, with one series lasting about 12 years, according to court findings. Israel Shooting: 15 Injured After 2 Gunmen Open Fire at Ramot Junction in Jerusalem (See Pic and Videos).

Court Finds Abuse of Religious Authority

The court found that Yazdi falsely presented the s*xual acts as religiously required "spiritual corrections" and convinced the women that the acts would bring them spiritual benefits or help correct perceived wrongdoing.

The judges said the women had placed their trust in Yazdi as a religious authority and that he exploited their trust, personal circumstances and vulnerability. The court ruled that their apparent agreement to the acts had been obtained through deception based on his religious claims. Benjamin Netanyahu Says Israel Will Stay in Southern Lebanon ‘As Long as Necessary’ and Prevent Iran From Going Nuclear.

Yazdi, 63, led the Amudei Hashalom community and a similarly named nonprofit organisation in Jerusalem for years. He also ran a soup kitchen, provided assistance to people in need and delivered Torah classes, building a following within the community.

Offenses Continued for Years

According to the court's findings, the offenses involving one of the women continued for approximately 12 years, while those involving the other lasted between three and four years.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the offenses amounted to dozens and possibly hundreds of incidents involving each of the two women. The court said Yazdi used his position and influence to persuade them that the s*xual acts were spiritual interventions rather than ordinary s*xual encounters.

Rabbi Moshe Yazdi Convicted in Case Involving Two Women

Yazdi was convicted in March on two counts involving sexual offenses and two counts involving financial crimes. The original case included allegations concerning eight women. However, he was convicted of offenses involving two women, while allegations concerning the other women did not result in convictions. He was also acquitted on five of the nine counts in the indictment, according to reports.

His financial convictions included offenses related to money laundering, preventing required financial reporting, prohibited property and defrauding creditors.

Compensation Ordered for Victims

In addition to the 18-year prison sentence, the court imposed a one-year suspended prison term and ordered Yazdi to pay NIS 150,000 in compensation to each of the two women. The time Yazdi has already spent in custody will be deducted from his prison sentence.

Rabbi Moshe Yazdi May Appeal Verdict and Sentence

During the proceedings, Yazdi did not fully accept responsibility for the offenses, according to court findings. The judges also criticised his conduct during the trial. The court considered evidence of his charitable activities but said these did not outweigh the seriousness and prolonged nature of the offenses.

Yazdi may appeal his conviction and sentence to Israel's Supreme Court. The case has drawn attention to the abuse of religious authority and the exploitation of trust within close-knit communities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 07:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).