Baba Sali Association Sues Tax Authority Over Rabbi's Personal Debts
The Baba Sali Commemoration Association sued the Tax Authority and Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira to protect its assets from his personal tax debts following recent asset seizures.
The Baba Sali Commemoration Association has filed a declaratory lawsuit with the Ashdod Magistrate's Court against the Tax Authority and Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira, known as Baba Baruch. The association asks the court to rule that Baba Baruch's personal tax debts are completely unrelated to the association and its assets.
According to the lawsuit, in late July 2026, the Tax Authority placed a lien on property and assets at the Baba Sali compound due to alleged tax debts owed by Baba Baruch. The association argues that these assets are fully owned by the organization, demanding an immediate cancellation of the collection proceedings and liens.
This legal action follows previous tax complications involving Baba Baruch. In August 2022, a court ordered the rabbi to pay millions of shekels regarding roughly 59 million shekels in income accumulated between 2003 and 2011. The Tax Authority maintained the funds were taxable income, while Baba Baruch claimed they were personal gifts and charitable transfers. The Tel Aviv District Court ultimately rejected his arguments.
