Thousands of Chassidim celebrate the early release of an admitted convicted rapist, thief and possible Murder suspect

 

Well at least Berland didn't take photos of kallas in a park. At any rate, sources in Israel say that Berland will not be free for long as new information about the murder of Shitrit is slowly but surely developing.

But what I don't get is his crazed followers. I am talking not of a handful of mishigayim, but thousands of men, women and children following this ugly disgusting excuse of a human. Thousands were there to greet him and escort him back to his stable.. thousands..

Eliezer Berland was released from prison Wednesday, several months before the end of his term.

The infamous head of the Shuvu Bonim cult had been serving time for a fraud conviction, after he cheated sick and elderly followers out of millions of shekels. He was previously convicted in 2016 of committing indecent acts and assault.

Berland was arrested in February of last year, after being accused of selling fake pills and prayers that he claimed had special healing powers. He took advantage of desperate followers, promising families that their disabled relatives would recover, and that convicted family members would be released.

At the time of his arrest, police discovered dozens of boxes of powder and “wonder drugs” that turned out to be over-the-counter painkillers and candy.

The prosecution had multiple complaints and testimony regarding fraudulent receipt (and attempted receipt) of funds as well as extortion and attempted extortion.

The judge said that Berland’s crimes were “committed systematically and out of greed, taking advantage of the victims at their most difficult time.”

After a plea bargain, Berland was sentenced to eighteen months including time served. He was set to go free in February but was granted early release due to poor health.

At one point, Berland was considered a suspect in the murder of 41-year-old Avi Edri in 1990 and the kidnapping and murder of 17-year-old Nissim Shitrit in 1986.

Several of his followers have already been charged in those cases, and he has been accused of sending “tznius squads” to beat and threaten members of his sect. According to one indictment, Berland’s son-in-law, Tzvika Tzuker, organized the squads and ordered them to threaten Mr. Shitrit.

Mr. Edri was found beaten to death in Ramot Forest in the north of Jerusalem in 1990.

Although at one point he was detained in connection with the murders, Berland has not been charged, and according to reports, he has been exonerated due to lack of evidence.