MKs harassed after phone numbers published

The list was compiled and distributed by Barak Cohen, who is a convicted felon.

Likud MK Oren Hazan (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Likud MK Oren Hazan
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Knesset members complained over the weekend that they had received many calls harassing them after a list of all their phone numbers was published on social media.
The list was compiled and distributed by Barak Cohen, who is a convicted felon.
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni wrote on Twitter that the list had two phone numbers listed for her, one of which is indeed hers but the other belonged to a private citizen.
“The other woman is unfortunately being harassed during a difficult time for her family,” Livni wrote on Twitter. “I ask not to bother us and for the distributor of the numbers to distribute my request.”
Likud MK Sharren Haskel said she used to answer or return every call she received, even from numbers she did not recognize – but she will no longer do so due to the amount of prank calls she has received since the list was published.
“Most of the calls I got until now were from citizens facing a difficult situation and who looked for who could give them urgent assistance,” Haskel wrote on Twitter. “Now, some hero printed the numbers of MKs everywhere possible, and the amount of delusional, trolling calls was exceedingly high to the point of impossible.”
Haskel concluded her tweet by adding sarcastically, “thanks a lot, jerks.”
Zionist Union MK Ayelet Nahmias- Verbin wrote on Twitter that she, too, had been harassed. She asked people to call if they truly need help and not to try to harm her.
But Likud MK Oren Hazan said he was glad his phone number had been widely distributed.
“I want to start off my week by thanking Barak Cohen for publishing my number,” Hazan wrote on Twitter Saturday night. “Thanks to him, it was once again revealed how much appreciation and love there is for me from the northern border to Eilat. I was able to get more information on supporters who join me on my path. Thank you to all who called to strengthen and support me and say nice words. I am here for you, so feel free to call.”