Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron
Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-DoronIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron was indicted on Monday for allegedly forging rabbinate certifications for more than 1,000 soldiers and policemen.

The rabbi previously was cleared of involvement in what became known as the “Rabbis’ Case” in which 10 people were indicted for systematically forging certificates, thus helping funnel hundreds of millions of dollars from the government for salaries.

The case, which was opened five years ago, still is ongoing.

The former Chief Rabbi was cleared during the original investigation after he gave his version of events, but his testimony in subsequent hearings contradicted his earlier remarks to investigators.

He said at the court hearings that he told officials to “look the other way” and issue certificates to soldiers and policemen even though they were not qualified.

During further questioning by police, the rabbi retracted what he said and investigators later concluded he was aware of the false documents.