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Third complaint filed against man suspected of causing infant's death after circumcision

From Jerusalem Post · (just now) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A 66-year-old mohel is under investigation for allegedly causing a baby's death following a circumcision, with a new complaint detailing a prior near-fatal incident.
  • The investigation includes testimonies from rabbinical figures, with one rabbi aware of approximately 10 other alleged harm cases involving the suspect.
  • Police are examining further cases and uncovering correspondence suggesting the suspect may have attempted to conceal previous injuries.

The Jerusalem Post is reporting on a deeply disturbing case involving Moshe Drai, a 66-year-old mohel from Bnei Brak, who is suspected of causing the death of a one-month-old infant after performing a circumcision. This tragedy has been compounded by the revelation of a new complaint concerning a 2023 incident where a baby was hospitalized in critical condition following a procedure by the same mohel, but survived.

he is aware of about 10 other cases where parents claimed their children were harmed by the suspect.

— Rabbi Shmuel EliyahuTestifying about his knowledge of prior incidents involving the suspect mohel.

The ongoing police investigation is expanding, now encompassing multiple allegations of harm to minors during circumcisions. This has led to the collection of testimonies from prominent figures within the rabbinical community. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Safed and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, has stated he is aware of around 10 other cases where parents have claimed their children were harmed by Drai. Rabbi Moshe Morsiano, Chairman of the Mohel Association, also testified, noting that while about 70 complaints regarding circumcision issues arise annually, Drai is linked to some of these cases.

each year about 70 complaints are received regarding problems during circumcisions, and that the suspect is linked to some of those cases.

— Rabbi Moshe MorsianoProviding context on the frequency of circumcision-related complaints and the suspect's alleged involvement.

Further complicating matters, investigators have uncovered correspondence suggesting Drai may have sought to conceal a previous injury from 2022. Adding another layer to this grim affair, a rabbi from Bnei Brak was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice after allegedly advising the deceased infant's family not to speak negatively about the mohel, a statement potentially aimed at covering up the incident. The father of the infant, speaking to Walla, expressed his desire to stop the mohel from harming others, underscoring the urgency of the investigation.

not to say anything bad about the mohel

— Rabbi from Bnei BrakAllegedly advising the family of the deceased infant, leading to his arrest for obstruction of justice.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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