A rabbi has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman he met through his work as a religious leader and counsellor.
Aaron “Chaim” Halpern, 68, of Bridge Lane, Golders Green, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault following a trial at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 12 November.
The court heard that Halpern sexually assaulted the woman, who was in her 20s at the time, between June and July 2022 at a synagogue and a residential address in Golders Green.
The investigation began in November 2022, after allegations against Halpern were broadcast on Israeli television. In the programme, a woman who remained anonymous alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by the rabbi.
Detectives worked with charities and community partners in the UK and Israel to give the woman a way to engage with the investigation, after she initially did not want to report what had happened to her. In February 2023 she identified herself to officers in London and gave a video-recorded interview setting out a full account of the offences, prompting the launch of the criminal investigation.
Enquiries that followed included gathering witness evidence and reviewing telephone communications. That work, police said, showed Halpern had exploited a position of trust he held as a religious leader and counsellor to sexually assault the victim.
Halpern was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on 9 March 2023, and again on 21 March 2024 as enquiries continued. He was later charged with two counts of sexual assault.
Detective Constable Joshua Dwyer, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to commend the victim for the courage, resilience and determination she has shown throughout this complex investigation. By coming forward and giving evidence, she has helped ensure Halpern is held accountable for his actions.”
He added: “We know that reporting sexual offences can be extremely difficult, particularly where the suspect is a prominent or respected figure. No one should feel that a person’s status, influence or standing places them beyond the reach of the law.”
“Halpern exploited the trust placed in him as a religious leader to sexually assault a woman who looked to him for guidance and counselling. This was a profound abuse of trust. I hope today’s conviction gives victims the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, supported and that we will always pursue the evidence wherever it leads.”
The case took almost four years to reach a verdict. The allegations were first broadcast in November 2022. The victim came forward in February 2023. Halpern was arrested in March 2023 and again in March 2024, before being charged. The trial concluded with guilty verdicts on 12 November 2026, and sentencing is set for 12 January 2027.
Halpern will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 12 January 2027.
The woman, who has not been named, was supported throughout the investigation by specialist officers. Victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity.
The Met said it remained committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and encouraged anyone who believes they may have been affected by Halpern’s behaviour to come forward. Anyone who comes forward will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and supported throughout the investigation process, police said.
Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting CAD4462/12NOV26, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
