New Jersey Rabbi Accused of Sexual Abuse, Sending Graphic Messages, and Bribery Attempt

A prominent rabbi in New Jersey, Avraham Appel, is facing severe allegations including sexual abuse, exploitation, and an orchestrated effort to defame a woman who has accused him. The accusations stem from a lawsuit filed by Miriam Malachi, an immigrant from Israel and mother of two.

Malachi claims that Rabbi Appel, a spiritual leader and mentor in the Lakewood community, exploited his position of authority. She initially sought his financial assistance due to severe difficulties in covering her children's care expenses. According to her lawsuit, their relationship took a disturbing turn in the summer of 2022 when the rabbi allegedly sexually assaulted her within her own home.

The legal documents also detail claims that Appel sent Malachi messages containing obscene content and sexually explicit personal photographs. When Malachi decided to pursue legal recourse, she asserts that a systematic campaign of defamation was launched against her. This campaign allegedly included the creation of a website portraying her as a threat to the community and the distribution of slanderous flyers at her children's school.

Furthermore, Malachi alleges she was offered $50,000 to withdraw her lawsuit, an offer she rejected. Rabbi Appel vehemently denies all accusations. His legal team insists their relationship was strictly professional and characterizes Malachi's claims as false and staged. His lawyer, Ian Goldman, stated that Malachi's evidence is fabricated and part of an extortion scheme. However, the lawsuit indicates that a subpoena issued to the website registrar GoDaddy suggests the controversial website is linked to contact and payment details associated with Appel's circle.

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The evidence from Malachi is fabricated and part of an extortion scheme.