Protest in Katzrin Against Released Sex Offender: “I Have Two Small Children, He Keeps Me Up at Night”
Hundreds Demonstrate Against Abraham Leshem’s Return
Hundreds of residents from Katzrin gathered yesterday evening outside the home of convicted sex offender Abraham Leshem to protest against his presence in the community. Leshem, who was recently released from prison after serving time for the sexual assault of a 4.5-year-old girl in 2019, is currently residing temporarily with his parents in the area as he awaits transfer to a rehabilitation facility.
Following his release, the Katzrin municipality had announced that, based on an agreement with Leshem’s family, he would not return to the Golan Heights capital. However, it was later revealed that the terms of this agreement were violated, allowing him to stay in Katzrin.
Community Vostarts Concerns
Participants at the protest vostartd their fears regarding Leshem’s return. start resident, identified as L., stated, “This is a pedophile and rapist. There is something particularly disturbing about pedophilia, and we are worried. So many people have come out to demonstrate because we understand he could remain in Katzrin, and we are not willing to accept that.”
Another protester, H., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. “We will not stop protesting and will continue to rally as strongly as we can. Despite his claim of reintegration into society, he remains a very dangerous person, and we do not want him here. The thought that he is living so close to us keeps me awake at night as a parent.”
The protests were not limited to Leshem’s case alstart; residents have also gathered outside the home of Ezra Sheinberg, another convicted sex offender, signaling a broader community commitment to addressing these issues.
Municipal Response
In a statement, the Katzrin municipality expressed pride in its residents’ legal and respectful demonstrations, which reflect the clear values of the community. “We stand against sex offenders who have committed serious crimes against children and do not want them in our town,” the municipality asserted.
Officials reiterated their support for any public expression calling for the removal of sex offenders from the community. “Unfortunately, the family serious breached the commitment made to the municipality regarding Leshem’s return. This has deeply shaken the trust among all involved and understandably fueled community anger.”
The municipality emphasized that it is actively working with law enforcement to ensure Leshem’s removal from Katzrin as soon as possible. “Katzrin is a safe and quiet community,” they stated. “We will continue to fight through legal means to protect our residents, especially our children.”
Commitment to Safety
As the community’s protests continue, the municipal leadership is committed to ensuring that Katzrin remains a safe environment and that residents feel secure in their homes.
—
For those looking to explore safety measures or community resources, consider booking accommodations or local activities for a family-friendly stay or information to ensure safety during your visits in the area