Content warning: This article contains disturbing references and descriptions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
A Lod mathematics teacher was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of repeatedly committing sexual offenses against one of his students, according to Israeli media.
The suspect, who is in his 20s, teaches at a recently opened middle school affiliated with a well-known, long-established high school. Police suspect the alleged offenses occurred on several separate occasions and involved the same student.
The suspect linked himself to the alleged offenses during questioning after investigators presented him with some of the evidence collected in the case, Walla reported.
Following a court hearing, the teacher's attorney, Rotem Sari, said his client "claims that the relations were consensual." When Walla asked how consent could be claimed when the alleged victim was a child, Sari replied, "At this stage, the matters are being examined."
Police opened an investigation in recent days after receiving information about the alleged offenses at the Tel Aviv North Police Station in the Yarkon District.
Investigators carried out a series of evidence-gathering measures before obtaining a warrant for the teacher’s arrest. He was subsequently arrested and taken in for questioning.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Thursday extended the suspect’s detention by five days at the request of police to allow the investigation to continue.
Police request publication of suspect's name
Police also asked the court to permit publication of his name to determine whether there are additional victims who have not yet filed complaints.
Sari opposed the request, and the court issued a gag order barring the publication of the suspect’s name at this stage.
"This is a teacher who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of engaging in sexual contact with one of his students. There is no dispute that these were consensual acts; there are other issues regarding age and so on. At this stage, this is a very, very preliminary stage, and therefore his name is still prohibited from publication, and the hearing is being held behind closed doors," Sari said.
"I believe that as the investigation progresses, matters will become clearer and it will become apparent that the situation is not as serious as claimed," he added. "At this stage, all matters are being examined, including the full nature of the allegations.
"Because the proceedings are at such an early stage, I believe it is too soon to comment," continued Sari. "It is true that, at this stage, and in light of the preliminary nature of the matter and the existence of reasonable suspicion, his detention was extended by five days."
Takana Forum director says allegations a breach of trust
Attorney Lili Getz Horowitz, director of the Takana Forum, which was established to combat sexual abuse involving relationships of authority and power, said the allegations represented a serious breach of trust.
"Sexual abuse of a student by an educator is not only a criminal offense, but a profound betrayal of the trust of the child and of society as a whole," said Horowitz. "If the suspicions are found to be true, this constitutes a serious exploitation of a relationship of authority and power by someone whose role is to educate and serve as a personal example."
"Precisely because such abuse does not begin in a single moment, but sometimes through the blurring of boundaries, an unusual personal relationship, or conduct that is inconsistent with the role of an educator, it is important to remain alert to every small sign that may indicate improper conduct," she added. "Open dialogue with children, listening, and the early identification of warning signs can prevent the next incident of abuse and save additional children."