Eliezer Berland
Eliezer Berland (born December 26, 1937) is an Israeli Orthodox Jewish rabbi, convicted sex offender and fraudster affiliated with the Breslov Hasidic movement in Israel. He is "rosh yeshiva" (head of the yeshiva) of Yeshivat Shuvu Bonim, also known as Yeshivat Nechamat Zion, in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The movement is sometimes viewed as being a sect. Berland is a member of Vaad Olami D'Chasedai Breslov (World Committee of Breslov Chassidim), a supervisory council for many Breslov activities.
Rabbi Eliezer Berland | |
|---|---|
| Personal | |
| Born | December 26, 1937 Haifa, Mandatory Palestine |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Spouse | Tehilla |
| Alma mater | Knesses Chizkiyahu |
| Position | Rosh Yeshiva |
| Yeshiva | Shuvu Bonim |
Following allegations of sexual misconduct, Berland fled Israel, traveling from country to country to avoid extradition to Israel. He was eventually returned to Israel, where he confessed to having committed rape, and was sentenced to 18 months' incarceration for his sexual attacks on two women, as well as his instructions to assault the husband of one of the women he had sexually assaulted.
In June 2021, Berland received another 18-month prison sentence for fraud. A few months later, he became suspected of involvement in two murders.