Jerusalem man indicted for molesting kids in synagogue

An indictment has been filed against a Jerusalem resident on charges of molestation of eight minors in a synagogue where he worked as a cleaner in 2006-2008. He is also being charged with sodomy and attempted sodomy.

The indictment, which was filed with the Jerusalem District Court, suggests that Gil Dvash, 45, offered money to children aged 8-13 and proceeded to sexually harass them. In his investigation, the suspect admitted that he had committed the acts in many incidents.

Gil Dvash in court (Archive photo: Gil Yoanan)

The indictment further suggests that in 2006 Dvash offered a child money in exchange for help in cleaning at a synagogue in the the Bayit Vegan neighborhood. "The defendant presented himself as a miserable man," the indictment stated, and told the child that he was "a righteous person" and should therefore receive his help.

On a separate occasion, Dvash molested a 13-year-old boy while the two were in the synagogue's shelter at night. The indictment further details incidents in which the defendant offered kids money and kissed them, at times using force.

Dvash was arrested two weeks ago after a complaint had been filed against him.

During the remand hearing, a police representative said that the community rabbis were aware of the acts but failed to inform the police. Instead, they decided to keep his away from the synagogue.

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