Senior Rabbi makes a courageous admission: 'I was sexually abused as a child. It's like murder'

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Safed and one of Israel's most senior rabbis, has provided an extraordinary glimpse into the personal motivations behind his long-standing public advocacy. During an extensive conversation on the podcast "Hakol Patuach" ("Everything is Open") with host Avi Shushan, he revealed that he was a victim of attempted sexual abuse as a child.

"They tried to sexually abuse me at age 10. It's like murder," the rabbi stated.

This is a significant personal disclosure from a figure who has long been recognized as a leading rabbinical voice in the fight against sexual abuse, particularly within the religious community. Rabbi Eliyahu has consistently advocated for confronting abusers rather than silencing victims.

The conversation extended well beyond this personal topic, covering some of the most explosive political, security, and religious issues in Israel. Rabbi Eliyahu presented his positions on key public figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Golan, and Gadi Eizenkot. He also addressed the Israeli judicial system, the Military Advocate General, the stance of RAAM chairman Mansour Abbas, and the long-standing halachic and public controversy surrounding ascension to the Temple Mount.

The discussion also touched upon diverse cultural and social topics, including singer Midad Tasa, the disappearance of Eyminot Kasau, and the figure known publicly as "Ha-Yenuka."

Ultimately, the podcast served as a platform where the rabbi's positions on national issues were intertwined with his painful personal history, reinforcing his commitment to confronting abuse and supporting those affected.