Breslov Rabbi On The Lam From Israel Arrested In Zimbabwe

Rabbi Eliezar Berland, the head of the Shuvu Banim Breslov hasidic faction, was arrested in Zimbabwe today and then released. Berland fled Israel 18 months ago after he was accused of sexually abusing female followers, some of whom were allegedly minors at the time the abuse allegedly took place, and is still wanted for questioning by Israeli police.

Rabbi Eliezar Berland

Breslov Rabbi On The Lam From Israel Arrested In Zimbabwe
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com

Rabbi Eliezar Berland, the head of the Shuvu Banim Breslov hasidic faction, was arrested in Zimbabwe today and then released, Arutz Sheva reported.

Berland fled Israel 18 months ago after he was accused of sexually abusing female followers, some of whom were allegedly minors at the time the abuse allegedly took place, and is still wanted for questioning by Israeli police.

Because of that, Berland has been forced to stay in countries, like Morocco and Zimbabwe, which do not have extradition treaties with Israel.

Berland’s son, grandson and several other close followers were arrested last year in Israel for alleged fraud, embezzlement and money laundering, leading some to wonder if Berland may be wanted for questioning involving those alleged crimes, as well.

It unclear why he was arrested today in Zimbabwe.

It is also unclear whether or not Berland will remain in Zimbabwe for Passover, even though more than 100 of his followers are expected to travel from Israel to the African country to spend Passover with him.

Comments

[David]

When his chassidim visit him I hope they don't trash Zimbabwe like they do Uman, although I must say it's difficult to imagine how Zimbabwe could possibly be any more trashed than it already is...