Haredi Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Of Israel Yona Metzger’s Crimes Made Him A Wealthy Man, Police Say
For example, while he was chief rabbi, Metzger was illegally paid 300,000 NIS ($85,000) to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising – which he attended at the State of Israel’s expense as its representative.
Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Of Israel Yona Metzger
Haredi Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Of Israel Yona Metzger’s Crimes Made Him A Wealthy Man, Police Say
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
What specific crimes did haredi former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger – who was arrested on a number of charges, including fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and taking bribes and is expected to be indicted soon – allegedly commit?
Metzger’s myriad of alleged frauds allegedly made him a wealthy man. And, reportedly thanks to a new report in the Hebrew daily Yediot Achranot, we now know a bit more about what Metzger actually did, including:
• Metzger allegedly made over $3 million by illegally charging for attending events as chief rabbi – despite the fact that such appearances were included in his state job description and were part of his salaried responsibilities.
• For example, while he was chief rabbi, Metzger was illegally paid 300,000 NIS ($85,000) to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising – which he attended at the State of Israel’s expense as its representative.
• Metzger also acted as a fundraiser for many charities. But he was illegally flown to Diaspora fundraising events on the state’s tab, and his first-class travel, lodging and food was paid for by the state. Metzger regularly illegally took as much as 50% of all donations raised at those events as his personal fee.
• Metzger allegedly took large bribes to expedite or fix cases the chief rabbinate controlled, including conversions, marruages, divorces, and kosher supervision issues.
• Metzger allegedly offered $1 million to the state’s key witness against him to take the fall for Metzger and plead guilty to all the charges in Metzger’s place. The witness secretly taped Metzger with police knowledge. Metzger attempted to bribe the witness who refused to accept Metzger’s bribe. Not knowing the conversation had been recorded, Metzger then tried to convince police that the witness was the real criminal and urged police to arrest him and prosecute him.
• Metzger allegedly laundered the money he illegally made in part by buying two expensive apartments and listing them in the names of his children. There are reportedly more apartments Metzger purchased with illegal money, as well.
[Hat Tip: The Fez.]
well, Metzger was haredi supported.
he studied at the kerem beyavne yeshiva, by all accounts a religious Zionist yeshiva, he served as a chaplain in the IDF. yes, he was haredi supported. no he wasn't haredi.
it appears he demonstrated the same fondness of cash many hareidis demonstrated.
r' elioshiv supported him, it was thought, as he was considered a lightweight ignoramus that wqill contribute to render the state rabbinate meaningless.
Posted by: Yosef ben Matitya | December 02, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Darn I should have had Metzger arrange my ghet..
Damm what was I thinking?
Posted by: Jake | December 02, 2013 at 07:51 PM
Say it ain't so Yona Matzah!
Posted by: Reese | December 02, 2013 at 08:04 PM
• For example, while he was chief rabbi, Metzger was illegally paid 300,000 NIS ($85,000) to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising – which he attended at the State of Israel’s expense as its representative.
motherfucker took money to honor the holy souls from the warsaw ghetto. what a piece of crap this guy is. AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH
Posted by: ruthie | December 03, 2013 at 04:32 AM
His father or Rebbe probably taught him when he was young, "Never be a petty thief . . . if you steal, then at least steal a lot of money . . ."
Posted by: Chicago Sam | December 03, 2013 at 08:53 PM