Head of Hostage and Missing Families Forum resigns after sexual harassment allegations

"Three months ago, I informed the members of the general assembly of my desire to step down as CEO of the headquarters, which has taken a heavy personal and family toll," Moatti said.

Protestors and hostage families hold posters of hostages held in Gaza calling for their release in Yakka Square outside the Knesset building in Jerusalem on June 26, 2024. (photo credit: IRIT SKULNIK)
Protestors and hostage families hold posters of hostages held in Gaza calling for their release in Yakka Square outside the Knesset building in Jerusalem on June 26, 2024.
(photo credit: IRIT SKULNIK)

Head of Hostage and Missing Families Forum, Yossi Moatti, resigned after sexual harassment allegations were made against him in an N12 report on Wednesday.

Employees and volunteers made allegations at the forum headquarters.

Moatti is the most recent to hold the position of CEO at the forum since it was created following the Hamas attack on October 7, after many changes were made to the role.

Officials who worked with him said they witnessed him making unusual statements and having outbursts on a variety of topics, according to a Walla report.

 People walk by photographs of Israelis still held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, in Tel Aviv. March 19, 2024 (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)
People walk by photographs of Israelis still held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, in Tel Aviv. March 19, 2024 (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)

"He irritated many people along the way. The man has no filter. Over time, he also acted to systematically remove people from the headquarters," they said.

Moatti makes a statement

In response, Moatti stated, "After eight and a half months of intensive work on a fully voluntary basis, I decided to end my role. Three months ago, I informed the members of the general assembly of my desire to step down as CEO of the headquarters, which has taken a heavy personal and family toll."

"Since my announcement, a replacement for the CEO position has not been found, and due to the utmost sensitivity of the role and my commitment to the families of the hostages, I have remained at the headquarters until a suitable replacement is found," he added.

"These days, I have reiterated my request to be allowed to leave my position and appoint an interim CEO. I ask all citizens of Israel to continue the struggle until the return of all hostages, the living for rehabilitation, and the murdered for burial," he concluded.