The District Court in Tel Aviv ruled today (Tuesday) that Roman Abramovich will be able to donate NIS 8 million to the Zaka organization from his account in the Mizrahi Bank.
As I recall, the Israeli businessman Roman Abramovich and the Zaka organization filed a lawsuit against Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, due to the bank's refusal to transfer a donation of eight million shekels to the Zaka organization for the benefit of their activities in the war. According to the lawsuit, as I recall, the bank's refusal is because its account Abramovich's is blocked due to the sanctions imposed on him by the European Union and the British government, and therefore, according to the bank's approach, no action of any kind can be performed on it.
I want to have the opportunity to continue contributing to Israeli society.
Abramovich during his visit to Gaza City last November, photo: none
Already at the first hearing in the District Court in Tel Aviv, Judge Jordana Serosi indicated that she was inclined to approve Mr. Abramovich's request to transfer the donation to the Zaka organization.
And today she decided that Abramovich could transfer the money from his account.
In her decision, the judge stated, among other things, that the ombudsman did not present any evidence, even a hint, that the banking system is at risk, due to the transfer of the donation.
And there is no claim whatsoever that Abramowitz's account is suspected of money laundering or terrorist financing.
It was also noted that even in the British sanctions system there is a place to allow actions taken into account, if they are for the sake of national security.
Especially in Israel, which has not adopted the British sanctions at all, as well as the blanket prohibition of the bank puts Abramovich in a more difficult situation than if the sanctions regime had applied directly to him.
Zaka volunteers in the Gaza Envelope, photo: Zaka
Lawyer Shmulik Kasuto responded to the court's ruling: "We thank the court for its decision to allow Mr. Abramovich to donate NIS 8 million to Zaka. The purpose of the lawsuit was to allow Zaka, an organization that receives a minimal government budget, to prepare for future challenges and be able to continue To do the holy work for the people of Israel.
Zaka is an important asset to the State of Israel and Mr. Abramovich is proud to support the organization's activities.'
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us