Witness in the Holyland affair: Shmuel Dechner

District Court of Tel Aviv allowed this morning (Tuesday) advertising, that the state witness in the Holyland case is Shmuel Dechner, who passed away last Friday. The gag order comes to an end this morning; three years after the open investigation began.

Dechner's full name was known to many. The gag order was intended to prevent a media occupation and harassment by journalists. His picture was published blurred.

The state asked to discuss lifting the gag order until next week, after the 'shiva', but several media at the request of Judge David Rosen decided today to remove the gag order.

Shmuel Dechner z'l was a veteran real estate developer, who for years served as a businessman advisor of Hillel Charney, who is behind the construction of the Holyland project. According to the charges filed in the case, Dechner served as a conduit for transfer of funds from businesses trying to promote the project, to elected and public officials involved in the case, including former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Dechner, who died at the age of 76, began his first steps in real estate in the late 60s, when he began working for the Rassco group, which held a number of financial positions. In the early 70s, he began working in the Concern Klal, until 1982 he served as CEO to the construction company 'Ezorim'. Then he left and founded with partners an independent company in real estate, encountered difficulties due to stock market crisis and left many in debt.

Dechner left Israel to London, where he handled the business of the Jewish millionaire Leon Tamman. While he was in London he bought a pastries marketing company, but he fell into debt and Dechner fled to Israel in the early 90s.

"I never claimed that I am blameless. I admit I am an offender. It is a pity I am the only culprit in Sodom sitting here with all the saints," he said in July.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!