Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, former ZAKA head, attempts suicide

Published: APRIL 22, 2021 21:41

Yehuda Meshi Zahav, Chairman Israel's Zaka rescue unit speaks at a conference of the Israeli Television News Company in Jerusalem on March 7, 2021. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90) — Yehuda Meshi Zahav, Chairman Israel's Zaka rescue unit speaks at a conference of the Israeli Television News Company in Jerusalem on March 7, 2021.

(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90)

Over the span of just a few months, Meshi-Zahav faced multiple sexual assault accusations and lost three first-degree family members to coronavirus.

Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, accused sex offender and former ZAKA head, attempted to commit suicide on Thursday morning.

Medical reports from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem last night indicate that he was in critical condition, although doctors managed to stabilize him.

Shaare Zedek head Ofer Merin said that the outcome of the situation will only be understood within the next day, and only then we “can ask what damage was caused and to what extent.”

His son reportedly called for emergency services after he found his father at home, where he attempted to hang himself. Medics evacuated him to the hospital after performing life-saving treatments at the scene.

Police found a suicide note in his house. Meshi-Zahav’s sons have been starkly divided about it, however, with one of them saying it is written in his father’s handwriting, and another saying it isn’t.

His sons are also claiming that the letter is actually forged. Meshi-Zahav’s lawyer said that he is planning on suing for the “severe act,” N12 reported.

A neighbor told Channel 12 that Meshi-Zahav looked forlorn on Wednesday, and although he had met him in synagogue on Saturday, weeks after police interrogations, he would not leave the house.

Israeli police officers and paramedics are seen outside the house of the former Chairman Israel's Zaka rescue unit, Yehuda Meshi Zahav,in Givaat Zeev. (Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90)

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Meshi-Zahav, 59, had been accused of sexually assaulting women and children over a period of decades from his position of power, using tactics of fear and intimidation to silence his victims.

In March, a police investigation was officially launched, after an initial report opened a floodgate of abusive accusations against him from men, women, and teenage boys and girls of all ages.

ZAKA Special Units Director Haim Otmezgin claimed that many of the allegations against Meshi-Zahav came from sources who had tried to blackmail him.

“There needed to be a trial; people didn’t have to base things on rumors,” Otmezgin said, adding that he himself had witnessed threats that the former ZAKA head had received. “If you don’t agree to let us fund-raise for the organization, we will bury you and destroy your family,” read one letter.

The man who threatened Meshi-Zahav, according to Otmezgin, was attempting to fund-raise for ZAKA, but pocket some of the money himself. Meshi-Zahav apparently knew of the scheme, and was threatened for it.

“Whoever knows Meshi-Zahav knows that he could never hurt a soul,” he insisted. “I’ve known him for 25 years.”

Following the investigation, Meshi-Zahav stepped down as head of the organization he founded in 1989, and forfeited the Israel Prize he was set to receive this year.

Two months ago he lost his parents to corona, just a month after having lost his brother to the same disease.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the local suicide hotline:

Israel: 1201 (dial 10 for English)
US: 1-800-273-8255

UK: 116-123