Supreme Court upholds bank's refusal to transfer Roman Abramovich's donation to ZAKA

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank, overturning the district court's decision regarding businessman Roman Abramovich's claim and the ZAKA organization.

Following the events of October 7, Roman Abramovich visited the Gaza Strip area and personally witnessed ZAKA volunteers handling the bodies of those killed by Hamas. In response, he pledged to donate 8 million shekels to the organization.

However, Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank, where Abramovich holds an account, blocked the transfer, citing European Union and Great Britain sanctions against Abramovich's assets.

In retaliation, Abramovich and ZAKA filed a lawsuit against the bank for refusing to transfer the funds.

The Tel Aviv District Court held the first hearing on January 4, where Judge Yardena Sarusi indicated a willingness to approve the transfer. She argued that the European sanctions were irrelevant, as the transaction involved moving funds within Israel.

"Is it reasonable for a bank to comply with European sanctions that clearly do not apply here?" the judge questioned. "Especially when it involves a donation benefiting Israel during a difficult time? This refusal is unacceptable."

Despite the government legal adviser's expert opinion, the district court ordered the bank to proceed with the transaction on January 30.

The bank appealed to the Supreme Court, which issued an interim order on February 13 suspending the lower court's decision.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court sided with the bank, deeming its actions justified. The ruling stated that the plaintiffs failed to prove any wrongdoing by the bank or demonstrate that ZAKA would cease to exist without the funds.