Rabbi Yoram Abergel allegedly conspired with a leading mobster, Shalom Domrani, to extort and coerce a rabbinic opponent, Rabbi Yaakov Ifegan – commonly known as the X-Ray Rabbi – to endorse and vote for Abergel’s and Domrani’s favored mayoral candidate. When Ifergan refused, Abergel allegedly discussed killing Ifergan or one of senior assistants.
Rabbi Yoram Abergel
Thousands Riot In Support Of Jailed Haredi Rabbi Who Allegedly Ordered Hit On Rival
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Thousands of supporters of Rabbi Yoram Abergel rioted today in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, the Times of Israel reported, after Abergel’s remand was extended by the district court.
Protesters reportedly blocked the main entrance to the town and car tires were set on fire.
Yesterday, a magistrate’s court ordered Abergel released to house arrest. Police – concerned that Abergel would interfere with the investigation – quickly appealed that ruling and convinced the Lod District Court to extend Abergel’s remand until at least Sunday.
Abergel was arrested Sunday as he was about to board a plane to China where he was set to visit a Chabad House.
He allegedly conspired with a leading mobster, Shalom Domrani, to extort and coerce a rabbinic opponent, Rabbi Yaakov Ifegan – commonly known as the X-Ray Rabbi – to endorse and vote for Abergel’s and Domrani’s favored mayoral candidate. When Ifergan refused, Abergel allegedly discussed killing Ifergan or one of senior assistants.
Both Ifergan and Abergel are among the top 10 richest rabbis in Israel according to Forbes with net worths in the tens of millions of shekels.
Domrani – who wears a kipa – was arrested Saturday night and is still in custody.
Abergel’s attorneys denied the allegations against him.
Abergel is the founder of a hybrid form of Sefardi haredi judaism that combines traditional Sefardi-Mizrachi practice with the teachings of the Chabad and Breslov hasidic movements.
In 2011, Ifergan was allegedly threatened by mobsters who were linked to Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira – commonly known as Baba Baruch.