Police seek more victims of Tiberias chess instructor accused of sexually assaulting young children
Police are investigating a Tiberias chess instructor suspected of sexually assaulting elementary school students and are seeking additional potential victims.
Israel Police called on Wednesday for the public to help locate additional victims of Rami Pele, a 44-year-old chess instructor from Tiberias who has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting several elementary school students during lessons.
According to police, Pele, who teaches chess as an external instructor in several elementary schools in the Tiberias area, was taken into custody on Monday, following complaints filed by multiple students alleging sexual abuse during class.
Children arrive for the first day of school in the Israeli town of Mevaseret Zion, September 1, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)
His detention was extended on Wednesday morning until Sunday, as investigators continue to gather testimonies and evidence.
The gag order was lifted on Wednesday morning
The investigation had been conducted under a court-issuedgag order until this morning, when the court approved the release of Pele’s name at the request of the police.
The decision was made in hopes of encouraging additional victims or witnesses to come forward.
