Leader Of Bnei Brak Shomrim Arrested On Multiple Counts Of Molesting Minors

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Tel Aviv Magistrates court extended on Wednesday the remand of a senior figure from the “Shomrim” organization in Bnei Brak by nine days. He is suspected of committing serious offenses involving minors.

The senior figure was arrested early in the morning at Ben-Gurion Airport upon his return to Israel from Poland. He was taken for questioning by the Bnei Brak police and then brought before the court for remand.

The accused has been named as Chaim Rotter, who was dubbed “the Haredi Police Commissioner” and “the cop” of Bnei Brak. He founded the ‘Shomrim’ organization, whose hundreds of volunteers work to locate suspects involved in various offenses in the city of Torah and Chasidus – and assist the police in arresting them. He was considered someone whom charedi teenagers admired as they went out on patrols with him around the city.

After a gag order was issued on his name, Rotter asked his attorneys, Ra’anan Amosi and Moran Saadon, to lift the gag order and publish his name and the full details of the case – “as he intends to confront all those involved in the affair openly, including the Israel Police.”

According to the court’s decision, there is reasonable suspicion against the suspect, who is accused of committing severe acts and exploiting his position of authority, including offenses against minors.

The judge ruled that the suspect poses “a high level of danger” and that there is also concern about obstruction of the investigation.

The police are currently investigating at least six complaints dating back over the past 15 years, involving boys aged 13–15. They have requested that the gag order on the suspect’s identity be lifted, hoping this will encourage more victims to come forward.

A police representative stated: “The gag order was issued while the suspect was abroad to prevent him from receiving information. Now, there is potential for dozens more victims. A closed-door hearing would seem as though someone is trying to cover up or protect him.”

The suspect’s attorney, Adv. Ra’anan Amosi, alluded to the cases involving Yehuda Meshi-Zahav and Chaim Walder, both of whom died by suicide following public allegations. In court, he said: “Within the charedi community, such complaints often don’t reach resolution and sometimes end tragically. I’m aware of the suspicions and investigation requests and am presenting a realistic stance to the court. I’m not asking for Rotter’s release, but I do request that the investigating unit immediately confront him with the suspicions so that he can respond.”

He added, “Rotter did not flee abroad. He traveled to clear his head due to the rumors against him. As soon as the skies reopened, he returned to Israel.”

Following the court’s decision, the police stated: “Earlier today, the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court extended the suspect’s detention until July 10, 2025. The court issued a gag order on the suspect’s name until July 3, 2025.

“The investigation is being conducted by the Ramat Gan–Bnei Brak police station under the Dan District of the Tel Aviv police.”

The police investigation began about three weeks ago after complaints were filed. Rotter left the country just before the outbreak of the “Am K’Lavi” war and shortly after the complaints were submitted. He has been staying in Krakow, Poland since.

It is believed that lifting the gag order will result in additional complaints being filed against him.

The case began drawing public attention after Yisrael Diskind, an advisor to Minister Amichai Eliyahu of Otzma Yehudit, hinted at the suppressed affair in social media posts.