The head of the Shomrim community security patrol in Bnei Brak, Chaim Rotter, 36, was named on Thursday as the suspect in dozens of acts of sexual assault and rape of adults and minors over the last decade or so, upending the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community and the country at large.
Since the announcement of his arrest broke on Wednesday, dozens of testimonies were publicized in the media, further substantiating the horrors that dozens allegedly experienced at his hands.
The Israel Police put out a public call on Thursday for potential victims or anyone who has knowledge of the matter to call or message via WhatsApp the number 050-506-5976, or to come to the Ramat Gan police station.
Cases on Rotter are 'tip of iceberg'
Police currently estimate that the open cases against him are “the tip of the iceberg.”
Rotter flew out of the country around two weeks ago and arrived back late on Tuesday night. He was arrested directly upon his arrival in Israel, and his detention was extended until Thursday.
So far, there are six open cases spanning 15 years against Rotter, who, allegedly, consistently used his position of power as a “local sheriff” to win the admiration and then take advantage of both minors and adults. All the complainants are over the age of 12.
The complaint that launched the investigation was filed three weeks ago, and more came in while he was overseas, but a complaint was already filed against him about a decade ago. That investigation was closed.
Around the time that the recent complaint was filed, hints began to crop up on social media. It was also around the time when a docu-series by KAN told the story of Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, the former head of the ZAKA rescue and recovery organization.
In 2021, a Haaretz expose detailed a series of sexual assault and rape allegations against him, committed against men, women, and children over decades. About a month later, he attempted to take his own life and eventually passed away in June 2022.
In a rare announcement, Shomrim confirmed that the allegations are regarding a senior figure in the organization and expressed deep shame. Rotter allegedly had close ties with local police due to his position.
During a hearing on Wednesday at the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court to extend his detention, one of the victims called out from the crowd: “He is a devil and evil; he raped me.”
Attorney Yossi Roterman, who is representing some of the victims, told KAN that most were minors when the attacks took place and that they include women. He mentioned a victim who spoke to him on Thursday and was hesitant to go public “because I won’t be able to survive in my community if I do.”
Roterman said, “Rotter is a man in a massive position of power with henchmen of his own who patrol the streets. We are talking about extremely sensitive incidents and a consistent pattern of brutish and bullying behavior toward victims who are afraid to come forward.”
The statute of limitations on sexual assault of minors currently stands at 10-15 years from the attack, depending on its severity.
On Monday, the Justice Ministry blocked a bill proposal to have the time limitation canceled in attacks against minors and extreme attacks. It proposed instead that the time limit simply be extended.