SHADOW IN THE CLASSROOM: Rabbi Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Serial Abuse of Young Students | GRAPHIC
The Central-Lod District Court has sentenced primary school educator Rabbi Roi Sha’ar to 7.5 years for the systematic abuse of eight young students. The ruling details a horrific six-year campaign of exploitation, where Sha’ar used his authority and religious taboos to silence his victims.
The Central-Lod District Court has sentenced Rabbi Roi Sha’ar, a primary school educator, to seven and a half years in prison for a systematic and "serial" campaign of sexual abuse against eight of his minor students.
MAKO reported: The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing legal process detailing a six-year period between 2009 and 2015, during which Sha’ar exploited his position of authority, the innocence of children, and the social taboos of a religious community to carry out his crimes.
The court described a disturbing pattern of behavior where Sha’ar would perform indecent acts, including touching students' genitals and seating them on his lap, during regular lessons or private tutoring sessions. According to the indictment, the abuse was often daily.
One victim’s testimony painted a chilling picture of the classroom environment:
"He would regularly put us on his knees and touch us, me and another student. He did it on a regular basis, over the pants, in front of everyone, every day. Once a week in the computer room, he would push his hands under my pants and use force when necessary... This lasted for two years."
The victim further revealed the systemic failure to protect the children at the time: "At an older age, I complained and people in the settlement knew about it... a complaint was opened and it was closed very quickly, and he simply went back to teaching as usual."
Judge Michal Brant noted that Sha’ar intentionally cultivated an image as a beloved and admired educator to blur boundaries and prevent children from realizing they were being abused.
The Prosecution emphasized that the defendant weaponized the religious nature of the community, utilizing the social taboo surrounding sexual discourse to ensure his victims remained silent. "The victims bore the price of silence," the prosecution stated, noting the lasting damage to the children's sense of safety and the public's trust in the education system.
While the defense cited Sha’ar’s deteriorating health, including a diabetes diagnosis and the collapse of his social and economic standing, the court remained focused on the gravity of the betrayal of trust.
"These offenses penetrate the fibers of the soul," Judge Brant wrote, citing Supreme Court precedent. "They cause a loss of control and may prevent a minor from growing up to be a whole and happy person."
Attorney Shira Harlap of the Central District Prosecutor's Office praised the courage of the survivors: "The court sent a clear message that even years later, the law will be exhausted with abusers. We want to strengthen the victims who spoke out with great courage... the court placed full trust in them."