Morris Talansky Testifies

Long Island businessman Morris Talansky testified to giving Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert envelopes stuffed with cash on numerous occasions in an Israeli court on Tuesday May 27, 2008.

The pre-trial deposition was part of the ongoing investigation into Olmert's alleged bribery scheme. Talansky was questioned for nearly seven hours.

Talansky testified that he gave approximately $150,000 in cash to Olmert, and received nothing in return. Much of the money was earmarked for election campaigns, but Olmert allegedly spent quite a bit supporting his lavish lifestyle.

Legal experts say the contributions were not recorded and are are considered illicit donations. Talansky is scheduled for cross-examination by Olmert's lawyers on July 17, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Money given between 1992 and 2005
2. Said he gave approximately $150,000 to Ehud Olmert in a 15 year period
3. Largest donation $72,500
4. Said Olmert preferred cash donations rather than checks

Quotes From Testimony

• "I only know that he loved expensive cigars. I know he loved pens, watches. I found it strange." - Morris Talansky

Source: WashingtonPost.com

• "I asked him why I couldn't write a check, and he said it's because of the way the money is channeled (into the Likud Party), The cash disturbed me. I couldn't understand it and I accepted the answer simply because I saw something bigger, hopefully, out there." - Morris Talansky

Source: GlobeandMail.com

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