Police launch sexual assault probe into founder of ZAKA rescue group

Published: 15 March 2021

Last updated: 4 March 2024

Investigation by Haaretz uncovers claims of rape and soliciting prostitution against Yehuda Meshi Zahav, who has handed back his Israel Prize following the revelations

After Haaretz report, Israeli police launch formal sexual assault investigation against ZAKA founder (Haaretz)
The Israel Police announced Friday that they had opened a probe into the claims against Meshi-Zahav, and will be specifically investigating claims of rape, indecent acts, and soliciting prostitution

Police open sex abuse investigation into ZAKA founder (Times of Israel)
Decision comes 1.5 years after police received tip regarding Yehuda Meshi Zahav, but chose to investigate who was behind letter rather than probe alleged abuser

ZAKA founder steps down, gives up Israel Prize as police probe sex abuse claims (Times of Israel)
Yehuda Meshi-Zahav quits rescue group he heads, gives up award after NGO, lawmakers call to revoke it; Tzohar leader calls for thorough probe, warns against immediate judgment

Cornel West explains why he's convinced his views on Israel led him out of Harvard (Haaretz)
After Harvard denied his tenure review, Cornel West tells Haaretz that he finds reason for optimism in the evolution of pro-Palestinian activism over the past decades, and why he's especially bullish about the movement's future

Photo: Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, co-founder of ZAKA, speaks at a conference in Jerusalem, March 7 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)