Israeli Educator Accused of Abuse Abroad Taken Into Custody in New Jersey
A 43-year-old former teacher and director of a religious school has been arrested in New Jersey after being accused of attempting sexual assault and inappropriate conduct with students while working in Israel, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, the arrest took place in Lakewood, New Jersey, where the suspect, identified as Yechiel Yehoshua Farkash, was taken into custody on April 16. The operation was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service in coordination with Homeland Security officials.
Law enforcement authorities stated that Farkash previously worked at Torat Hahyahim, a yeshiva located in Bnei Brak, Israel. His employment at the institution reportedly lasted from 2020 to 2023. During this time, he is accused of engaging in multiple incidents involving students under his supervision.
Court documents referenced by authorities allege that Farkash attempted to sexually assault one student on several occasions in different settings, including a hot tub at a bed and breakfast, a waterpark, inside a vehicle, and at a rented apartment. In a separate incident, he is also accused of attempting inappropriate physical contact and trying to kiss another student while they were inside a car during a shopping trip.
Officials further stated that the case came to light after one of the victims reported the incidents to a staff member at the boarding school. Following the report, Farkash left Israel on January 4, 2024.
Authorities said his arrest in the United States marks an important step in international cooperation between law enforcement agencies. After his arrest in New Jersey, Farkash appeared in federal court earlier this week. A judge ordered him to remain in custody while extradition proceedings to return him to Israel move forward.
Extradition cases like this are handled through coordination between U.S. federal agencies and foreign governments under established international legal agreements. In such cases, the accused is typically held in custody until legal processes determine whether they will be transferred to the requesting country.
At this stage, court records show that Farkash is awaiting extradition to Israel, where he is expected to face legal proceedings related to the allegations.
His legal representative, a federal public defender assigned to the case, has not issued any public statement at the time of reporting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or further developments are expected in the case.
Sources:
U.S. Marshals Service
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Court Records (U.S. District Court Proceedings)
