Rabbi Yona Metzger: stopping my duties, until the police investigation

Chief Rabbi of Israel is topping all his roles: Apologists Rabbi Yona Metzger's attorneys, Professor David Libai and attorney Elad Rath, announced that the Rabbi announced to the Justice Minister and the Minister of Religious Affairs that following the police investigation in the case he decided to suspend himself from his position as a judge in the Rabbinical Court.

Metzger has announced in another statement that until the investigation is completed, he will not participate in meetings of the Chief Rabbinate Council and Committee meetings to appoint judges.

Rabbi further noted that during his interrogation he denied and denies the allegations for which he was asked, that he believes in his innocence, and that he hopes that it will end soon. However, Rabbi realizes that self-suspension is the appropriate step to public speaking.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, received the suspension letter and responded: "Metzger's message on the suspension of his duties, including judicial ones, is the appropriate thing in these circumstances. I accept and respect the decision of the rabbi, even if little time is left until the end of his tenure. This is very important to save the institution of judges in rabbinical courts."

Meanwhile, the investigation continues in Metzger's case, suspected of bribery, fraud and money laundering.

Rabbi is suspected to pocket hundreds of thousands of shekels, financial donations. Metzger on Friday was questioned for hours, having already been questioned on Thursday for 10 hours. Investigation is due to resume today.

Researchers of the National Fraud intend to contrast it with three other detainees in the affair - the personal assistant and the two main associations. Network B reported, that the police used sound recordings in which the rabbi and his assistant, Chaim Eisenstadt, are talking about money transfers.

At the same time, Lod District Court today will hear an appeal filed by the lawyers of the three suspects in the case. Some seek release their client to house arrest, as Metzger was released for even more serious allegations.

Suspicion: Helped certify rabbis in exchange for money

According to the report in Ma'ariv, police tried in recent days to assemble the method that the Chief Rabbi operated.

It is suspected that leaders of organizations involved in the training of scholars for Rabbinate degree, contacted the Chief Rabbi. In return for donations received from Associations and transferred some to Rabbi Metzger who helped - allegedly - some of the students to receive the required qualification for the coveted title.

In the case are detained two leaders of large organizations: Rabbis Simcha Krakowski and Nissan Ben-Zion Zioni.

Other activity that the researchers got hold of, they say, is suspected of mediation in raising donations to organizations and yeshivas.

Allegedly in exchange for fundraising activities carried out by associations and yeshivas, he received some money from a fee contribution. According to the police suspicions, the rabbi went against the law when conditioned the receipt of deductible donation fees for his work.

Police say that in the coming days is expected a parade of dozens of detainees at the offices of the National Fraud Unit, incluing Roshei Yeshiva, association managers and donors. Metzger is also expected to be questioned again - today or tomorrow at the latest.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!