RSS Feed
Jerusalem - How Organized Crime Families Penetrated The Yeshivah's [video] |
|
| |
Text Size
|
2 of the 3 students that are being held in Japan
Malachi himself is said to be a leading foot soldier of the Abergil clan, an Israeli international crime family involved in international drug-running operations of Ecstasy and other illicit drugs. Their operations penetrated the yeshivah world, using unwitting and innocent yeshivah students as couriers—such as the three who were caught at a Japanese airport with 90,000 Ecstasy pills concealed in their suitcases without their knowledge.
“They were understandably confused, they were in shock,” said noted Israeli attorney Mordechai Tzivin, who traveled to Japan to meet with them in their cells. “Here they came from a very structured life, and they were deceived by a frum person whose entire goal was to trick them.”
According to the report, the threesome was told they were smuggling antiques so as to avoid paying taxes.
Tzivin says that the entire international Satmar community has mobilized to free the three students. “Whether Antwerp, London, S. Paolo, New York, or Israel, there is an unprecedented draft to help these innocent lads,” he told Channel 10 in an interview.
Meanwhile, the youngest of the three is about to go to trial, with the two older students’ trial scheduled for next month. Israel’s religious community is doing everything it can to save them.
In Israel, Bentzy Miller’s trial is soon to begin.
For the full report, click below.
More of today's headlines
“Washington - Shoppers will have more information about where their food comes from under a new policy starting Monday. Labels on most fresh meats, along with some...”
Washington - Consumers To Find More Info On Meat Labels
New York - Activist Appeals For Albany Abuse Law To Jewish Community
Total58
Read Comments (58) — Post Yours »
1
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:29 AM askan Says:
May we see all our hours of efforts come fruitful and they should be freed immediately without charges. Meiafeilo leoiro umishibud ligulo HASHTO BAGOLO UVIZMAN KORIV!!!
2
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:27 AM Anonymous Says:
a defense of we meat to smuggle antiques, not drugs is not going to be very successful.
3
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM Anonymous Says:
Their names and mothers' names should be published for prayer purposes.
4
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:47 AM Anonymous Says:
Yosef ben Itah Rivkah
Yoel Zeev ben Mirel Rysa Chava
Yaakov Yosef ben Raizl
5
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:47 AM Anonymous Says:
יעקב יוסף בן ריזל
יואל זאב בן מירל ריסא חוה
יוסף בן איטא רבקה
6
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM Anonymous Says:
“ a defense of we meat to smuggle antiques, not drugs is not going to be very successful. ”
The difference is obvious, people should not suffer for a crime they did not intend on doing. It's like giving the death penelty for crossing on red.
7
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:09 AM Anonymous Says:
“ a defense of we meat to smuggle antiques, not drugs is not going to be very successful. ”
I agree. Is there less of an intent to commit a crime if we intend to smuggle, but it is not drugs?
8
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM Anonymous Says:
“ The difference is obvious, people should not suffer for a crime they did not intend on doing. It's like giving the death penelty for crossing on red. ”
I agree with you. Maybe they should have to pay a fine or something like that. But this is complete torture and cruelty!
9
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:39 AM SD Says:
I listened to the report.
The correct translation is "antiquities," not antiques.
It says that they figured that, if they were caught, the Japanese police would deal with them as the Israeli police treat those caught smuggling to avoid customs taxes ("A Joke"). It stresses their naivite in not realizing that Asian countries don't treat these things the way that Israel does.
In other words, these Satmar bochrim thought that Japan would treat them the way that the "Zioinim" do when they break the law.
Hallivai.
10
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM SHMUEL Says:
Tax fraud and drug fraud are two different things the laws are different - One you pay a fine for the other you go to jail for
11
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:47 AM Anonymous Says:
“ a defense of we meat to smuggle antiques, not drugs is not going to be very successful. ”
That depends on what the punishment is for smuggling goods as opposed to drugs. Like, if the sentence can get reduced from life to, say, 5 years - isn't that better? I mean, it's not like they won't be convicted at all, so at least let them convicted for the real crime they committed and not the one they were duped into.
12
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:46 AM Milhouse Says:
“ I agree. Is there less of an intent to commit a crime if we intend to smuggle, but it is not drugs? ”
Yes. The penalty for smuggling antiques is much lower.
13
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:53 AM Anonymous Says:
i hope they will come out from there like normal people and this person who sent them should sit there instead
14
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:56 AM Yossi Says:
“ Tax fraud and drug fraud are two different things the laws are different - One you pay a fine for the other you go to jail for ”
Leona Helmsley went to JAIL for tax fraud. Fraud is fraud. Are you so easygoing with breaching halacha?
15
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:34 PM ShatzMatz Says:
I have been to Japan and have done business there. Their mentality is completely different from ours. An average American would not be able to understand it. In Japan you are expected to know the law and follow it. The 'I didn't know' defense doea not work there. Especially in this case where the boys supposedly admitted to trying to smuggle antiques. The Japanese would say that since you admitted smuggling, you must accept full responsibilty for it, even if it turns out worse than you thought.
But one thing I can say. The Japanese are strict but fair. There is very little corruption there. I believe that there is a chance that the boys will be convicted of the charges, but given light sentences due to the reality of the situation.
16
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:21 PM Milhouse Says:
“ Leona Helmsley went to JAIL for tax fraud. Fraud is fraud. Are you so easygoing with breaching halacha? ”
If someone intended to shoot an animal, and he shot a person instead, is he a murderer?
17
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM Nisson Says:
The month Nisson is a time for redemption. Let us pray for these children to join thier families this year for the Seder.
18
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:58 AM Ray Kaufman Says:
K'de amrei inshi, "You can't cheat an honest man." The corrolary to that is that you can't seduce an innocent man to do something criminal. While they may not have known the full scope of their complicity (which I doubt), they must have been aware that they were doing something illegal. In this the tierer bochrim were both stupid and arrogant. Stupid to take great risk for little of no reward, and arrogant to think that they could get away with it.
19
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:40 PM Michoel Says:
The story makes clear that they knew that they were up to monkey business, which involved smuggling, but never realized what kind of trouble they could be getting themselves into.
One of their defenses, to show that they did not realize it was drugs, was that they were bragging to their friends about it beforehand. (This was not in the story, but was reported in the charedi papers.)
I was wondering what it says about their society that yeshiva bochurim's bragging about travelling somewhere to smuggle (and for "action") was considered something to be envied. Was this bein hazemanim or was it during the zman? In other words, if it was during zman, then the yeshiva administration must have known about the monkey business as well. (I am not saying that these boys belong in prison for this.)
20
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:50 PM Anonymous Says:
To all the judgemental commentators:
Weren't we all young and dumb at that age?
21
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:50 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Leona Helmsley went to JAIL for tax fraud. Fraud is fraud. Are you so easygoing with breaching halacha? ”
Yossele, shall I assume that you are a real G-D fearing loyal citizen? You probably never broke the law or cheated the government with taxes, and you know what else.
When you go to the grocery store you make sure that you paid every penny of sales tax even on the bottle soda that you just baught. HUH?
22
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:54 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The month Nisson is a time for redemption. Let us pray for these children to join thier families this year for the Seder. ”
Yes but the length and severity of the sentence is not the same.
23
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:52 PM Hudy Says:
“ K'de amrei inshi, "You can't cheat an honest man." The corrolary to that is that you can't seduce an innocent man to do something criminal. While they may not have known the full scope of their complicity (which I doubt), they must have been aware that they were doing something illegal. In this the tierer bochrim were both stupid and arrogant. Stupid to take great risk for little of no reward, and arrogant to think that they could get away with it. ”
These “teirer bochurim” were neither stupid nor arrogant. For years and years didn’t most of us and probably you too bring packages to people overseas or over the border anywhere? These Yeshiva boys assumed that these packages that they had to bring over to Japan were just like those we all used to smuggle in all the time - whether it was an electrical appliance, clothing, etc. There’s no logical reason to blame these “teirer bochurim” because they did it out of sheer innocence temimus and kindness.
24
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:35 PM feivel Says:
to #21 also yossele when he makes a simcha at the local caterer he paye by check and makes sure every thing is recoerded so he sould pay the sales tax on it..yeh, of course....
25
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:22 PM Anonymous Says:
It is now exactly a year since the 3 Jewish boys have been incarcerated in Japan. A group of women have taken upon themselves to organize Tehillim groups tomorrow evening, Monday March 16th at 8:30 PM to daven for their freedom. Besides being a year, it is the yorzeit of Rav Elimelech M”LLizhensk-a very big tzaddik. Thousands of Jews will converge on his kever (grave) this Tuesday-his yorzeit-to daven for rachamim for themselves and for all of Klal Yisroel.
These women are asking others to join them, by organizing a Tehillim group in their home this Monday evening or sometime on Tuesday to daven for rachamim for these boys.
If you and your friends can not meet, suggest that they make a point to say Tehillim on this auspicious day. I have been told that these 3 pirokim can be said for these boys, Chapter 7, chapter 35 and chapter 93.
These women did get a brocha for their endeavors.
One of the mother’s of the boys, Mrs. Mirel Goldstein will be speaking this week in the NY area:
Sunday evening, March 15th at 8:00 PM in Lakewood at Yeshiva Orchas Chaim -410- Oberland Avenue
Tuesday evening, March 17th at 8:00 PM in Boro Park at Khal Chassidim-4820-15th Avenue
They are also looking to raise money for pidyon shovuim.
26
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:18 PM Shaul in Monsey Says:
“ I agree with you. Maybe they should have to pay a fine or something like that. But this is complete torture and cruelty! ”
This is hardly torture. Not to delve into semantics, because it may be tortuous, but this is what happens when you smuggle 90,000 ecstacy pills into Japan. These boys are not being treated any differently than any other smugglers. They are not being tortured. They are being afforded the same as any other smugglers.
The tragedy lies in the fact that they were duped by allegedly frum people, and that they were used as mules.
They admittedly were breaking the law in attempting to avoid taxes, and while I am completely sensitive to their plight - this attitude in the chareidi oilem that you can pull all kinds of shtick to stick it to the government and avoid taxes, is anti-Torah and fuels the already stoke fires of anti-semitism. Sorry for these boys, but as shluchim ldvar aveirah, they left themselves open to this tragedy.
It's time for Torah-true Jews to start taking responsibility for these attitudes that are polluting our ranks. The money collected and spent to defend these boys, ultimately, is a waste - it should never have had to have been spent in the first place.
27
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:57 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Yossele, shall I assume that you are a real G-D fearing loyal citizen? You probably never broke the law or cheated the government with taxes, and you know what else.
When you go to the grocery store you make sure that you paid every penny of sales tax even on the bottle soda that you just baught. HUH? ”
They believed they were intentionally smuggling antiquities and committing tax fraud. Not the same as 1 penny of sales tax, so far as the law is concerned.
28
Mar 16, 2009 at 01:09 PM Askupeh Says:
“ The story makes clear that they knew that they were up to monkey business, which involved smuggling, but never realized what kind of trouble they could be getting themselves into.
One of their defenses, to show that they did not realize it was drugs, was that they were bragging to their friends about it beforehand. (This was not in the story, but was reported in the charedi papers.)
I was wondering what it says about their society that yeshiva bochurim's bragging about travelling somewhere to smuggle (and for "action") was considered something to be envied. Was this bein hazemanim or was it during the zman? In other words, if it was during zman, then the yeshiva administration must have known about the monkey business as well. (I am not saying that these boys belong in prison for this.)
”
Who says that what you heard is at all true, before you make Chakira's and Pshetlich.
29
Mar 16, 2009 at 02:16 PM Anonymous Says:
“ If someone intended to shoot an animal, and he shot a person instead, is he a murderer? ”
Learn Bava Kama..
30
Mar 16, 2009 at 02:47 PM Anonymous Says:
Of course we should be mispallel & do our best to free these boys....however, where is the same effort/care & mobilization for Jonathen Pollard? He's sitting over 20 yrs. - longer than those with more severe crimes.Saved countless lives by exposing the Nuclear reactor in Iraq....oh I forgot he's a tzioni!!
31
Mar 16, 2009 at 02:54 PM sane Says:
If they would have been taught the value of making an honest living and putting in an honest day's work, they would not be in such mess. Unfortunately, these are values which today are ridiculed.
32
Mar 16, 2009 at 02:23 PM Milhouse Says:
“ Learn Bava Kama.. ”
I know the answer. I wonder whether you do. (Hint: Bava Kama is not where to look.)
33
Mar 16, 2009 at 03:26 PM Ray Kaufman Says:
“ These “teirer bochurim” were neither stupid nor arrogant. For years and years didn’t most of us and probably you too bring packages to people overseas or over the border anywhere? These Yeshiva boys assumed that these packages that they had to bring over to Japan were just like those we all used to smuggle in all the time - whether it was an electrical appliance, clothing, etc. There’s no logical reason to blame these “teirer bochurim” because they did it out of sheer innocence temimus and kindness. ”
I stand by my previous post. The boys were indeed stupid and arrogant. Sure, many of us have carried packages to, say, Eretz Yisroel for friends but we knew what and for whom we were carrying. If you or anyone else ever carried unknown items for casual aquaintences (or even close friends), then you're as stupid and arrogant as the three boys.
34
Mar 16, 2009 at 03:35 PM Anonymous Says:
#20 not this dummn interestingly they didnt talk this over with their parents they are dummer then dummn thats all i can say and they are suffering for their stupidity
35
Mar 16, 2009 at 04:05 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I know the answer. I wonder whether you do. (Hint: Bava Kama is not where to look.) ”
Hey Mil-dude (mildewed?),
You are wrong! ... Please see Perek 4 Mishno 6 and then either read the Bartenuro or the G'moro.
BTW, why would a Talmid Chochom like yourself choose a nom de plume that was also given to one of your ex-presidents, who was a rather quirky person, not to mention, not an Emmesdige Mentsch? Es Past Nischt, unless, your father gave you that name at your Bris.
You can also look at Sanhedrin Perek 9 Mishno 2 (I think that you had this in mind when telling #29 that s/he made a mistake.)
36
Mar 16, 2009 at 05:34 PM Anonymous Says:
“ If someone intended to shoot an animal, and he shot a person instead, is he a murderer? ”
In halacha or by American law? By American law, he would NOT be guilty of 1st degree murder, which involve intent to kill. He might be found guilty of something like involuntary manslaughter.
37
Mar 16, 2009 at 06:06 PM destro613 Says:
so the truth comes out they knew they were doing something by smuggling something in they just thought it was something else. If this is true I have no pity on them, let them sit there and this will be a lesson to everyone else
38
Mar 16, 2009 at 07:24 PM Milhouse Says:
“ In halacha or by American law? By American law, he would NOT be guilty of 1st degree murder, which involve intent to kill. He might be found guilty of something like involuntary manslaughter. ”
Actually in American law, if the animal belonged to someone else, he would probably be guilty of felony murder. But we're not talking about American law, we're talking about right and wrong, i.e. Torah law. And the Torah law is that he is not guilty.
39
Mar 16, 2009 at 08:29 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Actually in American law, if the animal belonged to someone else, he would probably be guilty of felony murder. But we're not talking about American law, we're talking about right and wrong, i.e. Torah law. And the Torah law is that he is not guilty. ”
Hey Mil-dude,
You are not entirely correct. Please read Bovo Kammo Perek 4 Mishno 6 and notice in the Bartenuro that he still has to pay Koifer (based upon a Drosho) even when it's Sheloi B'kavonoh..
You are correct, however, that he is Potur (i.e. not guilty) L'gabei being M'Chuyov Misoh.
40
Mar 16, 2009 at 08:50 PM Anonymous Says:
Nebach
41
Mar 16, 2009 at 08:59 PM Anonymous Says:
“ so the truth comes out they knew they were doing something by smuggling something in they just thought it was something else. If this is true I have no pity on them, let them sit there and this will be a lesson to everyone else ”
destroY613 - you are an incredibly heartless and mean person. Guys/Gals like you usually find out the hard way how full of s--t they are. May you be tested soon!
42
Mar 16, 2009 at 09:42 PM Leib Says:
how did they think they were smuggling antiques if the suitcases were empty?
43
Mar 16, 2009 at 09:33 PM visa punim Says:
“ so the truth comes out they knew they were doing something by smuggling something in they just thought it was something else. If this is true I have no pity on them, let them sit there and this will be a lesson to everyone else ”
you are a sad ice pack with NO feelings!!! what if they were your kids? would you still say that ?? SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! YOUR A HARTLESS PERSON !! im stunned your not ashamed!!!
44
Mar 16, 2009 at 09:10 PM Shaul in Monsey Says:
“ I stand by my previous post. The boys were indeed stupid and arrogant. Sure, many of us have carried packages to, say, Eretz Yisroel for friends but we knew what and for whom we were carrying. If you or anyone else ever carried unknown items for casual aquaintences (or even close friends), then you're as stupid and arrogant as the three boys. ”
I don't agree. What you describe as a casual favor is when you are flying somewhere and bring something along. You're going to Israel anyway so you bring along your friend's uncle's heart medication. That's fine, but that's not the case here.
These boys weren't flying West to Holland and then back past Israel all the way to Japan anyway, so they'll do someone a favor. From this post it's clear that they were duped into carrying the ecstacy, but were under the impression they were carrying antiques back in order to avoid taxes. This wasn't a case of "I'm going anyway so I'll do you a favor."
Whether they were arrogant? I'm not sure. Stupid? Duh. But the real issue is what kind of community that is supposed to be infused with Torah true values raised these boys into believing that its ok to carry antiques here and there to avoid taxes? That's the real problem, that they had no problem doing what they did admit to.
The sick irony is that this grubbe yung Miller would belittle anyone that uses ex, but he hsa no problem trafficking in it. If anyone should be in Japan, its him.
45
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:01 PM Anonymous Says:
Is there anyone that can translate the report?
46
Mar 16, 2009 at 11:47 PM Milhouse Says:
“ Hey Mil-dude,
You are not entirely correct. Please read Bovo Kammo Perek 4 Mishno 6 and notice in the Bartenuro that he still has to pay Koifer (based upon a Drosho) even when it's Sheloi B'kavonoh..
You are correct, however, that he is Potur (i.e. not guilty) L'gabei being M'Chuyov Misoh. ”
Again, the mishneh in Bovo Kamo is is not talking about a person, it's talking about a shor.
47
Mar 17, 2009 at 06:28 AM me Says:
“ If someone intended to shoot an animal, and he shot a person instead, is he a murderer? ”
Li'halachah you'd be potur.
48
Mar 17, 2009 at 09:09 AM Anonymous Says:
Why does everyone always have to judge? You can never judge someone until they are in your shoes. Right?
The point is that we each have to learn from this for ourselves. NEVER accept packages from other people! And never think that you can get away with breaking the law! Jews sometimes think they are above the goverments laws because we only have to follow the Torah. The Torah says you have to follow the goverments laws.
And without judging these boys, we have to look at them as yidden in need of our help. Daven for them and show support to their families who are in extreme pain right now. Do something for their zechus so they can be released.
49
Mar 17, 2009 at 10:49 AM visa punim Says:
“ Why does everyone always have to judge? You can never judge someone until they are in your shoes. Right?
The point is that we each have to learn from this for ourselves. NEVER accept packages from other people! And never think that you can get away with breaking the law! Jews sometimes think they are above the goverments laws because we only have to follow the Torah. The Torah says you have to follow the goverments laws.
And without judging these boys, we have to look at them as yidden in need of our help. Daven for them and show support to their families who are in extreme pain right now. Do something for their zechus so they can be released. ”
very good point I SHORLEY AGREE WITH THIS !!!!!
50
Mar 17, 2009 at 09:40 PM Ahem Says:
I know one of the boys personally and can vouch for their goodness and total innocence. If anyone is to blame for their stupidity, it's the society and insularity that they grew up with. Putting the weight of the frum world's faults on their small shoulders is cruelty at best. Having grown up in an insular community, I can tell you that there is no way in H** these boys were aware of the severity of smuggling ANYthing. In fact, I am sure he didn't exactly tell them it's smuggling, but that he needs shluchim to actually carry the stuff over. It's only because WE, who are exposed to the media, are so aware of the sickos out there, that we know to suspect sinister motives. But those who aren't exposed, and don't know more than their two block radius from home to yeshiva, without any outside influences, I think it's preposterous to expect them to have known, or thought that they are doing something wrong.
51
Mar 17, 2009 at 09:37 PM Ahem Says:
“ I don't agree. What you describe as a casual favor is when you are flying somewhere and bring something along. You're going to Israel anyway so you bring along your friend's uncle's heart medication. That's fine, but that's not the case here.
These boys weren't flying West to Holland and then back past Israel all the way to Japan anyway, so they'll do someone a favor. From this post it's clear that they were duped into carrying the ecstacy, but were under the impression they were carrying antiques back in order to avoid taxes. This wasn't a case of "I'm going anyway so I'll do you a favor."
Whether they were arrogant? I'm not sure. Stupid? Duh. But the real issue is what kind of community that is supposed to be infused with Torah true values raised these boys into believing that its ok to carry antiques here and there to avoid taxes? That's the real problem, that they had no problem doing what they did admit to.
The sick irony is that this grubbe yung Miller would belittle anyone that uses ex, but he hsa no problem trafficking in it. If anyone should be in Japan, its him. ”
Welcome to Israel, which is the most notorious place for lies, falsity and tax evasion. From EVERY crowd. Very sad reality.
52
Mar 17, 2009 at 09:34 PM Ahem Says:
“ Of course we should be mispallel & do our best to free these boys....however, where is the same effort/care & mobilization for Jonathen Pollard? He's sitting over 20 yrs. - longer than those with more severe crimes.Saved countless lives by exposing the Nuclear reactor in Iraq....oh I forgot he's a tzioni!! ”
Um, yeah. It was done, and then some. The difference is that that is 20 years of constant battling. My heart tells me that if CH"V they are incarcerated and are given a longer sentence Hashem Yerachem, they will go the way the rest of the news does (out of sight, out of mind).... Sad, but true.
53
Mar 17, 2009 at 09:33 PM Ahem Says:
“ This is hardly torture. Not to delve into semantics, because it may be tortuous, but this is what happens when you smuggle 90,000 ecstacy pills into Japan. These boys are not being treated any differently than any other smugglers. They are not being tortured. They are being afforded the same as any other smugglers.
The tragedy lies in the fact that they were duped by allegedly frum people, and that they were used as mules.
They admittedly were breaking the law in attempting to avoid taxes, and while I am completely sensitive to their plight - this attitude in the chareidi oilem that you can pull all kinds of shtick to stick it to the government and avoid taxes, is anti-Torah and fuels the already stoke fires of anti-semitism. Sorry for these boys, but as shluchim ldvar aveirah, they left themselves open to this tragedy.
It's time for Torah-true Jews to start taking responsibility for these attitudes that are polluting our ranks. The money collected and spent to defend these boys, ultimately, is a waste - it should never have had to have been spent in the first place. ”
While I usually agree with you, I don't in this case. I agree ONE HUNDRED PERCENT that it's time the frum community stops doing all of the above mentioned. But I don't think that they deserve any of that. We (or most of us) that are posting here, are all adults. Try to remember what you were like at the age of 17 (and you were probably exposed to a bit more than a bnei braker yeshiva boy). The innocence has been proven, even by many Japanese authorities. It is a tragic case and the fact that the frum world, adults, do crimes, should not be on their shoulders.
54
Mar 17, 2009 at 11:21 PM igor Says:
Why is the investigation taking so long, if it's so clear that they don't know much, and didn't know that they were carrying drugs?
And once the trials begin, how bad can it be for them, if they are proven to be stupid kids, who were victimized, and who didn't know that they were committing a crime?
55
Mar 22, 2009 at 11:46 AM Shmuel Says:
Pressure must be brought to bear on the Abergil Clan. They need to know that their interference in the charedi community is unacceptable and that there are consequences for their actions. Anyone with any details of this clan please post them so that appropriate action can be taken against them.
56
Mar 22, 2009 at 08:57 PM anynomaus Says:
It makes no difference what they carried... They knew that they were breaking the law.. (Both government's and God's)..
They agreed to break the law, got caught, and should be punished.
57
Mar 23, 2009 at 08:07 AM Shmuel Says:
A very tragic situation. The only thing these boys are guilty of is ignorance of the outside world and I don’t believe that’s a bad thing. Even the Japanese don’t believe that these bochurim had any concept of what they were doing but the Japanese way is that someone has to pay for the crime. The real culprits behind all this are Yitzchak and Meir Abergil of the infamous Abergil clan who are currently sitting in an Israeli jail along with Sasson Brashi Moshe Malul and Israel Auzipha. They are all awaiting extradition to the US for charges that will be very difficult for the US government to make stick. Avraham Malachi along with Samuel Samuel, Asher Zurik, Moshe Luver and Viteli Hanakyeb worked for Yitchak and Meir Abergil and are sitting in jail for charges surrounding the smuggling operation that ensnared the three yeshiva bochurim. Numerous calls were made between BenTzion Miller, who actually sent the yeshiva bochurim, and Avraham Malachi and I can assure they weren’t discussing Rashi and Tosfos. I’m calling on the Israeli government not to allow the extradition of these men to the US and urge others to do the same. We also need to bring pressure on Yitchak and Meir Abergil to voluntarily remand themselves over to the Japanese authorities in exchange for the release of the bochurim. They can be contacted through their lawyer Avigdor Feldman. These men, obviously, will not voluntarily remand themselves unless there is enough pressure brought to bear on them.
58
Mar 26, 2009 at 11:54 AM bigmoe Says:
there is one question that has not neen answered. Why has it taken a year for Bentzion Miller's name to emerge? surely people within our community must have known all the time that he was the one who sent the boys to Japan. would it have helped their case if he had been arrested earlier?