A major disruption has struck Israel’s rabbinical court system after Microsoft deleted all official email accounts due to an unpaid debt of approximately 700,000 shekels, leaving thousands of divorce proceedings in disarray and critical data temporarily inaccessible.

According to sources, the move triggered widespread system failure across the rabbinical court system, as essential documents, correspondence, and case-related information were erased without immediate recovery options. The breakdown has directly affected thousands of couples in the midst of divorce proceedings.

The report states that the outstanding debt had accumulated over several months, ultimately prompting Microsoft to suspend cloud services and remove all associated email accounts. As a result, active cases were left without access to necessary files, court summons were not sent, and hearings were repeatedly postponed. Staff members described the situation as “a complete shutdown,” with all processes forced into manual handling.

Officials at the rabbinical courts in Tel Aviv, where caseloads are particularly heavy, characterized the situation as “an unprecedented crisis.” Couples who had been waiting months for scheduled hearings were notified of delays, while attorneys reported that crucial correspondence related to divorce agreements had been permanently deleted.

The incident has drawn sharp public criticism over the management of the system, especially given its central role in handling sensitive matters affecting thousands of families. Technology experts noted that while deleting email accounts over unpaid debts is an extreme measure, it remains a possibility when financial obligations to service providers are not resolved.

Authorities at the Ministry of Religious Services and within the rabbinical court system are now working to restore operations and recover lost data. At the same time, alternative technological solutions are being explored to prevent a similar failure from occurring in the future.

{Matzav.com}