Complaint Review: Rabbi David Cohen - Shaarei Zion Beit David Chabad - Sunny Isles Beach Florida

About 18 months ago - I met the good Rabbi, Yonah Eliyahu - he introduced me to Rabbi David Cohen with the good intentions of helping me find housing and stability in life. At first, Rabbi Cohen was somewhat supportive- he gave me a sick bed in the old synagogue- at 17295 North Bay Road, 2nd Floor. I paid $150.00 per week - plus an additional $50.00 a week to Yisrael Suarez Calderon, the Rabbi’s sidekick and partner in crime.

The arrangement only lasted about 2 months as the Rabbi was evicted from the premises. Later, the Rabbi relocated his "shul” to a residential condo unit that was remodeled- to resemble a house of worship. It was illegally renovated- without licenses, building permits or business licenses as required by law. Holding gatherings of 7 or more people requires that the zoning be acceptable- it was not. I trusted Rabbi Cohen BLINDLY - he always wanted to know when my social security check would arrive - and that I should cash the check and give him the money.

I did as requested and coerced. Later - I moved into unit 419 at 200 - 177th Drive - Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 I was one of 5 men living in the small 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment - I was paying $1,000 per month and the others paid nothing! Yisrael Suarez Calderon collected rent from the other 3 people and himself - lived rent free. This was all done with the consent, knowledge, permission and blessing of Rabbi David Cohen!

About 3 months into this awkward living arrangement - Calderon was arrested and the other 3 men either passed away or relocated. I was the last Man standing- I continued to reside in #419 paying $1,000 to "Rabbi” David Cohen - despite the fact that he was NOT the landlord or property owner! My apartment is owned by MALCA KATZ - the Rabbi funneled the rent money to feed his lifestyle and NOT pay the actual landlord or her beneficiaries. Come now, after paying rent to this con artist for nearly 18 months - "Rabbi” David Cohen unlawfully shut off power to my apartment and he and a locksmith came to change my lock and keys while I was at home!

This is totally illegal to do in Florida! Around the time of the Jewish New Year of 2021 - I asked the Rabbi to hold onto my vintage Gucci ataché case - as my apartment was not secure and the case was extremely valuable and had cash hidden in a secret zippered compartment- I can not disclose the amount of cash in the attaché as it will be a hinderence to my law suit— I have asked numerous times to have Rabbi Cohen return the Gucci Attaché to me and he has refused.

Rabbi David Cohen demanded that I pay the rent in CASH only and NEVER provided a receipt! I asked MANY times for a LEASE but the Rabbi never was able to provide one. See, I’m disabled and I’m qualified for 100% housing assistance- but a written lease is required.