Report: International arrest warrant against Rabbi Berland

An international arrest warrant was issued against the leader of Shuvu Banim community Rabbi Eliezer Berland, at the request of the Israeli police – as reported by a South African newspaper citing a local police source.

Johannesburg police spokesman confirmed yesterday (Wednesday), to the Jewish Report in South Africa, that an international arrest warrant was issued against Rabbi Berland, as a result of which the task force operated when police tried to arrest the fugitive Rabbi during a wedding ceremony on Sunday.

"The detention order was issued at the request of Israel following allegations against the rabbi, Rabbi Berland's name is in red," said police spokesman Paul Romalko.

On Sunday, local police broke into the compound where the Rav is residing, while he was about to hold a Chupah for one of his followers. The Rabbi came to the hall and the audience began to daven ma'ariv, when a man in civilian clothes tried to pull the rabbi. More police officers broke into the hall to arrest the Rabbi.

Followers of Rabbi Berland pushed a follower who looks similar to the Rav into the police's hands, took the rabbi into a side room - and drove him away. According to the report the failed attempt at arrest was due to the international order.

"We confirm that we are working with the Israel Police to follow Rabbi Berland," the spokesman added, "He is a wanted man in Israel. An international arrest warrant was issued against him, and his name is marked."

One of the Rav's followers who is in Johannesburg, told the newspaper that, "There are people in the community here who are concerned about the Rabbi's great success, in attracting more and more followers."

Israeli Justice Ministry spokesman said in response to Behadrey Haredim: "As a rule we do not refer to extradition requests, whether they were submitted or not, and this should not confirm or deny what was said."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!