Social Media Star Wins Lawsuit: Harasser Ordered to Pay 110,000 Shekels

The Central District Court in Lod has rejected the appeal of Gal Hizkiyahu Tenenbaum, ruling that he must compensate internet activist Maya Lee Levy in the amount of 110,000 shekels (including legal expenses). The court determined that his obsessive social media campaign constituted sexual harassment, upheld the lower court's verdict, and issued a permanent restraining order against Tenenbaum.

The proceedings began with a civil lawsuit filed by Levy, represented by attorney Asaf Deri and the College of Management's legal clinic, after the initial police investigation was closed. Levy alleged that Tenenbaum conducted a harassment campaign against her for over a year, which included offensive posts regarding her body and sexuality, as well as direct messages that caused her panic attacks and severe health damage.

The judges completely rejected Tenenbaum's claims that his behavior amounted to innocent courtship or legitimate criticism. To emphasize the severity of his actions, the court included a quote from a song by Nasrin Kadri in the verdict: "Do not approach me, do not talk to me."

Following his defeat in the District Court, Tenenbaum petitioned the Supreme Court to be exempted from depositing a guarantee due to his financial situation, but Supreme Court Registrar Judge Ron Goldstein rejected the request. Upon the lifting of the gag order, Levy stated:

"After years in which I suffered from severe, incessant sexual harassment, obsessive stalking, and severe damage to my health and sanity — I have regained my peace."