Chaim Rotter, accused of serious sex crimes, seeks to pray in a crowded synagogue during the High Holidays

Chaim Rotter, accused of rape and indecent acts against four complainants, seeks to pray in a crowded synagogue during the High Holidays, three weeks after being released to house arrest with electronic monitoring. The "Magen" assistance center opposes the request and warns of a risk to the public.

Chaim Rotter, chairman of the "Hashomerim" organization and a well-known figure in Bnei Brak, accused of serious sex crimes against four complainants, seeks to pray in a crowded synagogue during the High Holidays. Three weeks have passed since his release to house arrest with electronic monitoring, following a serious indictment filed against him in July 2025 for rape and indecent acts. One of the victims, who filed a complaint about two months ago, studies at a yeshiva near Rotter's house arrest location in Jerusalem. The "Magen" assistance center stated that the holiday and prayers cannot serve as a cover for easing the detention conditions of a defendant accused of serious sex crimes with high risk, and that his release for long hours in the public space constitutes a neglect of public safety and severe harm to the victims. The organization calls on the court to reject the request.