Yechiel and Lea have been separated since April 1997 and civilly divorced for 15 years.

Yechiel has refused to give Lea a get  for nearly 18 years.

In August 2013, the Beth Din of America issued a seruv (order of contempt) against Yechiel after he refused to participate in the beit din process. 

ORA organized a rally protesting Friedman's get-refusal for June 29, 2014. Just before the rally, Yechiel agreed to sign a binding arbitration agreement with the Beth Din of America, and ORA cancelled the rally.

After signing the arbitration agreement, Yechiel failed to appear before the beit din or comply with their dictates.

On December 30, 2014, the Beth Din of America issued a ruling stating that Yechiel should give Lea a get as soon as possible, and that harchakot de-Rabbeinu Tam (communal sanctions) should be imposed against Yechiel. 

To view the psak of the Beth Din of America, click here.

To view our fact sheet about this case, click here.