An indictment was filed today (Sunday) in the Tel Aviv District Court against Chaim Rotter, chairman of the 'HaShomerim' organization in Bnei Brak, for committing serious offenses against four complainants.
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Roter, 38, from Bnei Brak, is accused of one rape and three counts of indecent assault. Upon filing the indictment, the prosecution requested that his detention be extended until the end of the proceedings.
During the investigation, 15 complaints were filed against him, and a full investigation is being conducted accordingly.
According to the indictment, Rotter exploited his position and role in the "Guardians" organization, where he served as chairman of the organization for about 15 years, in order to commit serious offenses against the complainants, between the years 2009-2024.
As part of his role, Rotter managed all of the association's activities, including recruiting volunteers, and patrolled the streets of Bnei Brak, as well as maintaining continuous contact with the Israel Police Station in Bnei Brak. In light of this, he became a well-known public figure and gained status and power in the eyes of the city's public, which he exploited, as mentioned, to commit serious offenses against complainants.
The indictment attributes serious offenses to Rotter, including rape of a minor under the age of sixteen, rape of a minor under the age of sixteen, indecent acts by force, and indecent acts without consent.
Rotter was arrested about a month ago, upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, following complaints about assaulting teenagers and adults over many years.
onMagen Assistance Center, Some of Chaim Rotter's victims, who accompanied him, said in response to the indictment against him: "We welcome the decision of the prosecutor's office to file a serious indictment against Chaim Rotter for a series of serious offenses committed over the years. This is an important and significant step in the fight for justice and the collapse of the wall of silence that has operated for many years."
"To the many complainants whose complaints are not included in the indictment due to the statute of limitations, it is important to say: Your courageous choice to break your silence is not in vain. We believe in you, and your actions contributed to the investigation team's ability to put together a complete picture. The long-standing system of intimidation and silencing has meant that many injuries have not received legal redress due to the statute of limitations."
"In this context, we call on the Knesset members to promote the Law to Abolish the Statute of Limitations, initiated by MK Efrat Reitan and MK Limor Son Har-Malech. The filing of this indictment is not the end of the road, and we continue to accompany additional victims, whose complaints are still under investigation. We encourage additional victims to file a complaint, we are here for you. We would like to thank the investigative team and the Central District Attorney's Office for their dedicated work."
Shai Glick, CEO of Belmo, who demanded the transfer of the investigation from the Bnei Brak station to the Dan area, responded: "This is a new dawn in the fight against harassers in the Haredi sector.
"After the Yehuda Meshi-Zahav and Chaim Walder cases, and after years of silence regarding Chaim Rotter himself, it is clear that the police understood their role well and chose to quickly and effectively investigate the Chaim Rotter case and file the most severe indictment against him."
"I congratulate the Dan Police, who, despite having been in contact with Rutter in the past, knew how to forget everything and investigate with great care. Thanks must also be given to Israel Ziskind, who exposed the affair with great courage, and of course to all the brave complainants."
"Shame is passing. Every harm to the Haredi sector should know that the days of concealment and cover-up are over!"
Attorney Lily Getz Horowitz, Director Regulation Forum, following the filing of the indictment against Rotter: "The acts attributed to Chaim Rotter, chairman of the 'Guardians' organization in Bnei Brak, are shocking and horrifying. A man who presented himself as someone who supposedly works to protect the public, exploited his status, authority, and religious identity to sexually harm people, both women and men, in one of the most difficult and serious ways a person can act."
"The Torah itself considers rape as serious an act as murder, and so should the public, legal, and moral attitude toward those who commit such offenses.
"We reiterate our call to establish an external, independent, and authoritative oversight body that will examine the activities of voluntary bodies and spiritual care professionals of all kinds. It is time to put an end to the culture of the 'guardian who harms' and move to a culture of true protection of citizens."
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