Yes, Israel is indeed the land of sun, sea and historical sites. That you already knew, or are just about to discover. But you probably weren’t aware of a darker side to the Holy Land, the side that will never feature in your handy little guide book. The side that includes some of the nastier criminals, corrupt politicians and general lowlife that you’ll probably hope not to meet on your trip to Israel (many are actually in prison, or on their way, so the likelihood of that happening is slim!).
We’ve gathered ten of the best worst, characters that Israel can throw at you! Some of them naturally belong to the Israeli Sopranos crimelord set, while others, well, read ’em and weep…and you’ll have to excuse me for a second while I go to the door, someone seems to be banging rather hard…
Ze’ev Rosenstein
The ecstasy king who survived countless attempts by the police to land him, as well as a number of assassination attempts (hence the nickname “the wolf with seven lives”). One attempt in 2003 killed 3 innocent bystanders. In 2004 he was charged with distributing ecstasy by both the US and Israel police, and finally extradited to the US in 2006. For more…
Benny Sela
A serial rapist who was sentenced to 35 years in 2000 for committing up to 34 rapes. Sela experienced a rough upbringing, including witnessing the suicide of his alcoholic father. Caused a nation to panic in 2006 when he escaped from custody and went on the run for two weeks. A nation breathed again when he was caught. For more…
Asi Abutbul
An Israeli mafia boss, Abutbul has always been a constant target for the Israeli police. Recently convicted of extortion, arson and fraud after struggling to get legal representation after his lawyer was murdered, he is also famously known for getting “free” BMWs from the local importer. Sent down for 13 years. Out next week. I’m joking. I think…
Yigal Amir
The assassin of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and perhaps the most hated man in Israel. A right-wing radical who opposed Rabin’s signing of the Oslo Accords, he is now serving life (+14 years) for the murder. Amir continues to make headlines even in prison, and has even got married and had a son while serving time. Really, this guy makes many normal people break out in a cold sweat, and deserves never to be freed. Definitely a case of “throw away the key”… For more…
Ronnie Liebowitz
A convicted bank robber, known as Motorcycle Bandit because he robbed banks on a motorbike, he eventually served 8 years for robbing 21 banks in 1990. He also returned all the stolen money. The media loved Leibowitz and it’s safe to say he’s the Robin Hood of all those in this Bad Boy list. We smell a movie in the making…
Moshe Katzav
Oh yes, the top man goes bad. Probably the man Israeli women love to hate most. Ex-President Katsav, the man accused of rape and numerous counts of sexual harassment while in office, continually denied all charges while seemingly losing the plot in tirades against the Israeli media. He was indicted of rape in March 2009. For more…
Abraham Hirchson
Former Finance Minister who was convicted June 2009 of stealing some NIS 2.5 million from the National Workers Organization while acting as chairman. Corrupt politicians are rife in Israeli politics, but this perhaps took the biscuit. Where is he now – in 2009 he was sentenced to 5 years and 5 months…
Mordechai Vanunu
Vanunu is perhaps the man the state of Israel would most like to disappear. He’s the man who exposed Israeli nuclear secrets to the British press in 1986, and was eventually tried for treason and sentenced to 18 years, 11 in solitary. Released in 2004 he has been arrested a number of times since and is still not allowed to speak to foreigners. He also converted to Christianity.
Itzhak Abergil
The leader of the Abergil crime family, renowned for their involvement in drug trafficking, murder, money laundering and general mischievousness. He and his brother Meir were extradited to the USA in January 2011 to face charges. Also rumored to be behind the notorious Alperon hit a while back. For more…
Dudu Topaz
The former King of Ratings and with a super-sized ego to match, Dudu shocked a nation with revelations that he paid thugs to rough up some top TV producers who refused to put him back on prime time TV. He was indicted and looked set for some porridge time before killing himself in his cell. For more…