Petah Tikva man indicted for rape after allegedly posing as Nova festival survivor

A 22-year-old Petah Tikva man, Adiel Eliyahu Michael Cohen, was indicted on charges of rape and indecent act after allegedly forcing his way into a woman's apartment and sexually assaulting her. He allegedly posed as a Nova festival survivor to gain her sympathy. Prosecutors requested he remain in custody.

A 22-year-old Petah Tikva resident, Adiel Eliyahu Michael Cohen, was indicted by the Central District Court on Monday on charges of rape and committing an indecent act, according to an indictment filed by the State Attorney's Office. The indictment, filed by attorney Tali Keret, alleges that Cohen met the complainant several weeks ago while she was walking her dog late at night. He introduced himself, suggested they walk to a nearby park, and during the walk asked personal questions of a sexual nature, held her hand, and hugged her despite her clear objections. He then removed the dog's leash, took her cellphone, and called his own number to save it. Later, he asked her to sit on the grass, then grabbed her, touched her breast, and attempted to kiss her. She refused his request to come to her apartment. After she returned home, Cohen called her again, and when she reiterated her refusal, he told her he was a survivor of the Nova music festival. Feeling sorry for him, she agreed to meet him outside her building. However, he had already reached her floor, wedged his foot in the doorway, and entered against her will. Once inside, he dragged a couch onto the balcony and positioned an inflatable pool to conceal the assault. He then grabbed her, forced her to sit on him, compelled her to perform oral sex, and raped her despite her repeated objections. After the assault, he apologized and asked if she had enjoyed it. The State Attorney's Office requested that Cohen remain in custody, arguing he poses a high level of danger to the public, particularly women.