JERUSALEM (VINnews) — An Israeli researcher who specializes in locating heirs to unclaimed properties says he declined to pursue a case that would have earned him roughly 300,000 shekels ($85,000) after discovering that most of the inheritance would ultimately benefit organizations engaged in missionary activity targeting Jews.

Michael Strud, who works to identify legal heirs to forgotten or unclaimed assets, also decided to make his story public, saying he hoped it would serve as an example for others who may face similar ethical dilemmas where financial gain conflicts with deeply held values.

Strud said he spent considerable time tracing the inheritance chain of a property whose ownership could be clearly documented. Under his business model, he receives a commission only after heirs successfully obtain the assets to which they are entitled.

According to Strud, the case initially appeared straightforward and likely to result in a substantial commission. However, during his research he became concerned after discovering that an individual involved in the inheritance process had connections to missionary activity.

Strud said he continued investigating to determine the ultimate beneficiaries of the estate. As he traced a series of wills and inheritances, he concluded that the majority of the assets would eventually be distributed to several organizations that he believed were linked to messianic or missionary groups seeking to encourage Jews to convert to Christianity.

Seeking confirmation, Strud contacted Yad L’Achim, an Israeli organization known for its efforts to combat missionary activity. The group reviewed the organizations named in the inheritance documents and provided information that, according to Strud, confirmed their involvement in religious outreach and conversion efforts.

After receiving the findings, Strud said he decided to abandon the case despite the anticipated commission of approximately 300,000 shekels.

Rather than simply walk away, he said he wanted the public to know why he made the decision.

“I decided to publicize the story because I felt it carried an important lesson,” Strud said. “People can find themselves facing a significant financial opportunity and have to decide whether it aligns with their principles.”

“I am part of the Jewish people, and I will not assist in strengthening organizations whose activities are directed at drawing Jews away from their faith,” he added.

Representatives of Yad L’Achim confirmed the details of the case and praised Strud for forgoing the potential financial gain.

The case highlights the ethical and religious considerations that can arise in inheritance and asset-recovery work, particularly when beneficiaries include organizations whose missions conflict with the personal beliefs of those involved in the process.