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New Probe. Olmert
Photo: Avi Ochayon, GPO
National Fraud Unit invetigators leave PM's home
Photo: Uriyah Tadmor

Key witness in Olmert’s travel affair proclaims his innocence

Diaspora affairs advisor to PM takes vow of silence amidst media turmoil on new ‘Olmertours’ case, saying he ‘never pocketed a shekel’ to fund family pleasures. Non-profit groups associated with affair surprised by investigation

The travel coordinator at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor during Ehud Olmert’s term as minister, attacked Saturday the police’s conduct in what is termed the "Olmertours" affair.

 

“I regret that in my own country what you say in an investigation room is published in the newspapers the following day and no one thinks it abnormal,” wrote Rachel Risby-Raz, who is considered a key witness in the affair.

 

According to the new allegations under investigation for some weeks, Olmert and his family members benefited from hundreds of thousands of dollars fraudulently received, when a few institutions were simultaneously asked to fund official trips abroad during his previous public positions.

 

Among the governmental bodies allegedly funding the trips are: AKIM (caring for Israel’s mentally disabled), Aleh (caring for Israel’s disabled, together), Soldiers’ Welfare Association, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.

 

Raz, who is currently serving as the diaspora affairs advisor the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement to the press following the publication of the affair.

 

“The prime minister is neither a thief nor a swindler. He never pocketed a shekel or used public funds for his family’s needs. I am very upset by the lies being published by the media daily.

 

“I fully cooperated with the investigators,” Raz added. “I am not suspected of any offense nor have I violated any law. Unfortunately, and unlike other sources who incessantly leak information, I cannot discuss the details of the investigation, defend the prime minister and my good reputation or reveal the truth, since I may be accused of disrupting the investigation.”

 

Raz also addressed her relationship with the prime minister in the last few years, writing: “I respect and admire Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with whom I have been working for the past seven years. Anyone who knows him knows he’s a wonderful man, warm and caring, human and possesses amazing abilities.

 

“For the past 35 years, the prime minister has dedicated his time to advancing the country’s interests. His contribution to Israel and to the Jewish nation is immense, and it is my privilege to partake in his work,” she said.

 

Yad Vashem: PM always agreed to help us

Meanwhile, a series of non-profit organizations and associations were surprised to hear that Olmert allegedly took money from them unlawfully to fund his trips abroad. The various organizations did not criticize the prime minister's conduct in responding to the new affair this weekend, but did not outright defend him either.

 

Avner Shalev, chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate, told Ynet, “We are surprised by the current investigation. Prime Minister Olmert has been active throughout his public appointments in helping the Friends of Yad Vashem Worldwide in their fundraising efforts.

 

"It is worth mentioning that half of Yad Vashem’s on-going budget is funded by donations and the prime minister has always agreed to help us raise them.”

 

Yad Vashem Spokesperson Iris Rosenberg added that on the occasions when the prime minister was invited by the Friends of Yad Vashem Worldwide – they paid him for expenses, flights and accommodation, as customary.

 

AKIM Israel Chairman Reuven Samuel did not address the actual suspicions, but spoke about the relationship between the organization he represents and the prime minister.

 

“AKIM Israel has about 20 fellowships worldwide; five years ago, Ehud Olmert was invited by our US fellowship to volunteer by participating and lecturing in a gala event for children with mental deficiency.

 

"As customary, the fellowships funded his flight and accommodation. AKIM Israel has nothing to do with the prime minister’s probe.”

 

Ronen Medzini and Moran Zelikovich contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.12.08, 20:00
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