Warning: This article contains descriptions of alleged sexual offenses against minors.
A 33-year-old man from Beit Shemesh was indicted on Tuesday at Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on charges of committing sex offenses against four boys aged between 13 and 16, including allegedly touching a boy repeatedly during prayer despite the boy’s attempts to stop him.
Yechiel Yehoshua Brand is accused of committing indecent acts at synagogues, a mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), and a supermarket in Beit Shemesh in incidents spanning 2024-2026, according to the prosecution. The charges include indecent acts, indecent acts against a child under 14, and attempted indecent acts.
Prosecutors allege that Brand took advantage of encounters with the boys at the religious facilities to touch them sexually.
The account of the synagogue incidents describes Brand pressing himself against one boy and rubbing against him during prayer. Prosecutors also allege that Brand repeatedly touched the boy’s genitals while he was reciting the amidah, the central standing prayer.
The boy tried to move Brand’s hand away and prevent further contact, but Brand continued touching him for several minutes, according to the prosecution. When the boy moved elsewhere in the synagogue, Brand allegedly followed him and touched him again.
Brand is facing several allegations of sexual misconduct
Other allegations concern encounters at the mikveh. In one incident described in the announcement, Brand allegedly touched a boy’s genitals as he emerged from the immersion pool. In another, he allegedly touched a boy’s buttocks twice in the changing area.
The prosecution also described alleged indecent acts against another boy at both the mikveh and a supermarket in the city. The charges include offenses involving a child who had not yet turned 14.