Golders Green rabbi convicted of sexual assault

Aaron ‘Chaim’ Halpern, 68, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault at Harrow Crown Court yesterday

A man with a bushy beard and moustache, a black religious headwear — Rabbi Aaron ‘Chaim’ Halpern has been convicted of sexual assault (Credit – Met Police)

A Golders Green rabbi who was accused of a sexual offence on Israeli television has been convicted of sexual assault.

Aaron ‘Chaim’ Halpern, 68, of Bridge Lane was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault at Harrow Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, 12th November).

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after allegations were made against Halpern on Israeli television in November 2022.

In the programme, an anonymous woman said she had been sexually assaulted by Halpern between June and July 2022 at a synagogue and residential address in Golders Green.

Met officers worked with charities and community partners in the UK and Israel to ensure the complainant was able to to engage with the investigation, and she talked to the police in February 2023.

Halpern was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on 9 March 2023 and on 21 March 2024 as enquiries continued. He was later charged with two counts of sexual assault. The victim was in her 20s at the time of the assaults.

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.

“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.”

Halpern will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 12th January 2027.

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