He posed as a Nova festival survivor, broke into a woman’s apartment, and raped her
According to the indictment, the 22-year-old repeatedly ignored the victim's refusals, forced his way into her home, and committed sexual assault. Following the attack, he apologized and asked if she had enjoyed it. The prosecution has stated that he poses a clear danger to the public.
A bill of indictment has been filed in the Central District Court against 22-year-old Ediel Eliyahu Michael Cohen from Petah-Tikva, following allegations that he forcibly entered the apartment of a young woman he had met shortly before, committed sexual offenses against her, and raped her.
The indictment, filed by Adv. Tali Kert of the Central District Prosecution, states that a few weeks ago, the victim went out for a night walk with her dog. Cohen approached her, initiated a conversation, and suggested they walk to a nearby garden.
From the garden to the apartment
According to the indictment, during the walk, Cohen asked the victim personal questions of a sexual nature, held her hand, and hugged her, even after she made it clear she was not interested in any contact. After he released the dog from its leash, he called his own number from her phone to save it.
It is further alleged that Cohen later asked the victim to sit with him on the grass. After she complied, he grabbed her, pulled her toward him, touched her breasts, and attempted to kiss her. The victim clarified that she did not want him and refused his request to visit her apartment.
Later, Cohen obtained her home address and called her. When she refused to meet him, he claimed to be a survivor of the Nova music festival. Out of compassion, she agreed to meet him only outside the building. However, according to the prosecution, Cohen arrived at her floor before she could leave. When she tried to close her door, he wedged his foot in, prevented it from closing, and entered the apartment against her will.
Inside, he moved a sofa to the balcony and set up an inflatable pool to conceal the scene from the street. He then grabbed the victim and forced her to perform sexual acts despite her resistance. After the assault, Cohen apologized and asked her if she had enjoyed it.
In a motion to keep the defendant in custody until the end of proceedings, Adv. Kert noted:
“The defendant’s actions and the circumstances of the offenses, committed against a relative stranger while ignoring her repeated and ongoing refusals, indicate the clear danger he poses. He remains a threat to the public at large and to women in particular.”
