'Israel' cited as 'safe haven' for accused sexual offenders: Investigation
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- CBS News investigation highlights 'Israel' as a refuge for accused sexual offenders.
- Experts call for urgent legal reforms to address gaps in enforcement and supervision.
A CBS News investigation has revealed that 'Israel' is increasingly being used as a refuge by accused paedophiles and sexual offenders from abroad, raising concerns about legal gaps and enforcement challenges.
Exploiting the Law of Return
The Law of Return, which grants Jewish individuals worldwide the right to citizenship in 'Israel', has been reportedly exploited by accused offenders seeking to evade justice. The Jewish Community Watch, an American organization tracking alleged sexual predators, has documented more than 60 cases of individuals fleeing the United States to 'Israel' since 2014.
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Sanctuary in settlements
High-profile cases underscore the issue. Malka Leifer, former principal of the Adass 'Israel' School in Melbourne, Australia, fled to 'Israel' in 2008 after being accused of sexually abusing more than 70 students. Reports indicate that Leifer and others have sought refuge in ultra-Orthodox settlements in the West Bank, areas under scrutiny for alleged child sex abuse and pornography networks.
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International discrepancies and legal gaps
Other accused figures have also sought sanctuary in 'Israel'. Tomas Zeron, former head of Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency, fled to 'Israel' in 2019 following accusations related to the disappearance of 43 students.
Research from the Knesset’s Research and Information Center indicates that 'Israel' lags behind countries including the US, Britain, Canada, and Australia in multiple areas:
- Registration of sexual offenders.
- Public access to information on offenders.
- Supervision of sexual offenders.
- Updating legislation to cover sexual crimes effectively.
- Creating institutions to combat online sexual offenses.
Calls for reform
Experts highlight the legal vacuum. In a 2010 statement to The Jerusalem Post, Dana Pugach, head of the Noga Center at Ono Academic College, stressed: “There is a need for specific legislation regarding paedophiles.” Advocates argue that comprehensive legal reform is critical to prevent 'Israel' from becoming a safe haven for offenders fleeing justice abroad.
