Lesbian Haredi Abuse Scandal Deepens

More sordid details have come to light about the lesbian abuse scandal at a haredi school in Melbourne, Australia.

Included in these sordid…

…details are the following:

1. Parents allege the school paid to send the abuser, its principal, to Israel and waited until she was safely out of the country before reporting the crimes to police.
2. The principal is alleged to have left with $20,000 AUD raised by students for a free loan fund.
3. She is also alleged to have borrowed $100,000 AUD from a community businessman two days before fleeing the country.
4. The community rabbis have hired Norman Rosenbaum, the brother of Yankel Rosenbaum, the yeshiva student slain in the Crown Heights riots, to represent them.
5. Norman Rosenbaum says everything is kosher.
6. The community at one point called Mark Liebler, the son of Isi Lieber, the man who many think created the World Jewish Congress scandal along with then-NY State Attorney General Elitot Spitzer (himself now snared in a white slavery scandal). Mr. Liebler refused to get involved.
7. One of the victims became suicidal.
8. The principal lured students to her bed, where she had sex with them.
9. Victims were as young as 15 and 16.
10. The school is refusing to release details to outside counselors and psychologists retained by parents.

All this comes from a comprehensive report in The Age, sent in by JWB:

Principal 'molested schoolgirls'
Barney Zwartz and Bridie Smith
March 14, 2008

THE principal of a private Jewish girls' school in Melbourne has fled Australia facing accusations that she sexually molested some of the students.

Outraged parents claim that the Adass Israel Girls' School in Elsternwick paid for Malka Leifer, a mother of eight, to return to Israel before reporting the complaints to the police.

She left Melbourne on Wednesday last week, 24 hours after being investigated and sacked by the school's board.

The Adass community is a small, ultra-orthodox and reclusive group of about 150 families based in Elsternwick and Ripponlea. They have little contact with the wider Jewish community and non-Jewish society.

It is believed the complaints against Mrs Leifer involve girls aged 15 and 16.

The president of the Adass Israel synagogue, Benjamin Koppel, has confirmed that the school acted after receiving a call suggesting that inappropriate behaviour may have taken place with one or more of the school's present or former students.

Mr Koppel did not return calls from The Age, but in a statement to The Australian Jewish News, he said a "relevant authority" had been informed. He would not confirm whether that was police, a religious court or an independent schools board.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said the force was aware of the claims but could not confirm whether there was an investigation because the victims might be under age.

Raphael Aron, a counsellor with Gateway Family Counselling Centre in Caulfield, said his agency had referred some families with children at the school to specialists. "This has hit the community like a ton of bricks, it's absolutely out of character with the nature of the school, staff and faculty," he said.

Mr Aron, who is also director of Cult Counselling Australia, which tries to get people out of cults, said he was concerned for the girls' welfare. "In a school where kids don't have much exposure to the outside world, there is a possibility of vulnerability … they may not have the street wisdom to recognise that something is wrong," he said.

Parents of present and past students said Mrs Leifer had molested students at school, at her home and probably at school camps. They said one victim had attempted suicide.

The parents, who would not be named, said that Mrs Leifer would share her bed with different students when her rabbi husband was away. She would tell the students she was scared, although she had five children, aged five to 12, in the house.

The parents said that Mrs Leifer always went on school camps — five or six a year — and would stay an extra night with two or three girls to "clean up".

One parent said problems emerged a year ago when a daughter, 16, stopped eating and became unsociable. Her parents took her to a psychologist, and it came out that she had been molested but was too embarrassed to tell her parents.

"It's very sensitive, because a girl who has been molested would find it hard to get married, so it's very secret, hush-hush — no one wants to admit their child is a victim," the parent said.

Girls and boys in the community are segregated from kindergarten, are not allowed television or to mix with the wider community and do not attend university until after they are married.

They leave the Adass schools at 16 and go to seminaries, usually overseas, until they marry, usually much younger than the Australian norm.

One parent told The Age that Mrs Leifer, who is believed to be in her late 40s, was hand-picked from Israel to teach at the girls' school eight years ago, not because of her teaching abilities but for her ultra-orthodox beliefs. The parent said she was widely regarded as the second holiest person in the community, behind spiritual leader Rabbi Avrohom Zvi Beck.

Some parents are livid with the way the school has handled the claims and frustrated by the "silence of the establishment".

At a meeting with parents yesterday, Mr Koppel avoided answering repeated questions from parents about the identity of the "relevant authorities".

Parents were also concerned that the psychological treatment of the girls had been compromised because the school had refused to release information to outside psychologists. Students and parents were instead referred to school-nominated psychologists.

There are also claims that Mrs Leifer left Australia with up to $100,000 borrowed from a family within the community, two days before she flew to Israel. She is also alleged to have taken about $20,000 from a pool of money earned from some students' part-time jobs.

The money, managed by Mrs Leifer, was pooled in a community fund and then lent to people in need.

The Age was told that Adass leaders at one stage sought the advice of Mark Leibler, a prominent leader of the wider Jewish community, but he declined to get involved.

Barrister Norman Rosenbaum confirmed that he had been retained by the community. "For reasons of privacy, and to protect those affected, we are not saying anything further, other than that all issues are being addressed by pre-eminent qualified professionals," he said.

The Australian Jewish News also reported that on Saturday last week, Rabbi Beck addressed the community and said they should not consider Mrs Leifer guilty of any crimes because there had been no investigation. He told the congregation that if they discussed the matter, it would be considered lashon hara (malicious gossip), the paper reported.

In a separate report on the community, The Age notes:

Another Adass member, who also spoke to The Age anonymously, said the community had got much stricter in the past 10 years under spiritual leader Rabbi Avrohom Zvi Beck, and the younger members were more fanatical in their religious observance than their parents.

"Walking, we are supposed to gaze at the ground, looking up only enough for safety, because we might look at a woman."

Comments

[Phillip]

I recall that Norman Rosenbaum was often
here in Brooklyn demanding justice
for his brother. Now he is representing
people that assisted a possible
child rapist.
Why is he not demanding justice for
the children that were sexually abused?
Shame on you Norman Rosenbaum!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ariel Sokolovsky http://www.Moshiach.ws]

B"H
A principal of a school turned out to be a lesbian who molested some of the girls learning there so according to you Philip the solution is to sell the school building close it down etc. and give the money to those students to pay for counseling and compensation and the school doesn't deserve a good lawyer to represent it so it can be sorted out fairly what is the degree of liability and thus how much if anything the school must pay the victims of its former principal?

[steve]

A principal of a school turned out to be a lesbian who molested some of the girls learning there so according to you Philip the solution is to sell the school building close it down etc

If all these allegations are true, then yes, it should certainly be shut down. The people running the school should be locked up as well as the molester. These enablers have no business running a school, much less a religious one. The school should be taken over by responsible people.

[Ariel Sokolovsky http://www.BostonChabad.com]

B"H
If these allegations are true the victims deserve compensation from the culprit as well as may be the school itself.
According to the Torah law and the law of the land it is unlikely that school itself will be shut down unless the court orders them to pay damages compensatory and punitive so high that it will not be possible to raise the money without selling off the real estate.
Philip however is criticizing a lawyer for representing them in court which is very silly.
A lawyer was told the schools side of the story and apparently saw that they deserve
his representation. It doesn't necessarily make him wrong or unethical to take such a case.

[Sarah]

This proves that people are people: male, female, gay, straight. A former lesbian asst rabbi (Conservative) at a GLBT shul went through the female congregants like a raging fire through dry bushes. Only after she stole the "wife" of a female board member did the senior rabbi or board quickly facilitate the asst rabbi's exit. She's now opened her own "yeshiva" far from NY. The only difference is that everyone involved there was an adult, thank G-d.

[Yochanan Lavie]

To describe a promiscuous Lesbian rabbi dating other women, Sarah uses the metaphor: "like a raging fire through dry bushes."

Your Freudian slip is showing...

[steve]

According to the Torah law and the law of the land it is unlikely that school itself will be shut down

Which Torah have you been studying? These criminals have no business running this school or any other school. They are as dangerous as the molester. Where in the Torah does it condone covering up crimes and sending a criminal off to Ir Miklat? Ir Miklat is used only for certain accidental murders, not premeditated crimes. If all this is true, the place needs to be shut down, as does YTT in Brooklyn.

[steve]

Philip however is criticizing a lawyer for representing them in court which is very silly

Have you ever heard of Lynne Stewart?

[Ariel Sokolovsky http://www.BostonChabad.com]

B"H

According to the Torah law and the law of the land it is unlikely that school itself will be shut down

Which Torah have you been studying? These criminals have no business running this school or any other school. They are as dangerous as the molester. Where in the Torah does it condone covering up crimes and sending a criminal off to Ir Miklat? Ir Miklat is used only for certain accidental murders, not premeditated crimes. If all this is true, the place needs to be shut down, as does YTT in Brooklyn.

Posted by: steve | March 13, 2008 at 06:54 PM

Steve
This is a school of Adas right?
Where will they send their kids if the school is shut down?
To a Chabad school? To a Modern Orthodox school? Lehavdil to a public school?
It needs to be cleaned up not shut down.

[Jake]

Sarah.
Was the synagogue B S T?
Has this Rabbi been listed on the Awareness Center site as of yet?
If not, I think it will be a good idea to contact Vicki Polin of the Awareness Center so the word will get out.

[steve]

Ariel,

They should get some responsible people to run the school, not criminals.

[pushkina]

it was not only reported in 'the age' (melbourne) but the 'sydney morning herald' (sydney) and sister papers of the Fairfax group.

one thing to remember: the local community (SYD) believes the the SMH is the most anti-semitic, anti-israel paper in the country, which would be overjoyed (and has been seemingly in the past) at any hint of scandal from the jewish community.

but interestingly, this story has not appeared on the national TV, radio media, and only barely in the AU jewish news (where the comment there makes comment here look tame!).

[pushkina]

oh, and the tiny editorial on the adass scandal in the AJN is critcised for suggesting that the proper authority should ahve been the Votorian state police, not a halachic authority,
"What also concerns us is that the Adass community, which has consulted with a self-described “relevant authority” on this matter, has yet to declare what that authority is.

Many would argue that the only authority that matters in this instance is the Victoria Police – and that its involvement is necessary so that the allegations can be investigated properly and, most importantly, ensure that the interests of the students are effectively served," yet another item of community criticism as a "da'as torah" is and should be the ONLY authority consulted.

[Aussie Oliver Sholom]

Pushkina, I wouldn't say that the Sydney Morning Herald is anti-semitic. Sure, their current Jerusalem correspondent is pretty blind when it comes to reporting Palestinian attacks against Israel, but he is being replaced within the next few weeks. And his replacement is known to be pro-Israel.

[yidandahalf]

Jake's "Has this Rabbi been listed...?"
Oh, give it up for f's sake. Those chicks don't sound like they minded too much.

[Sarah]

Jake,
Thanks for that suggestion but I don't think the Awareness Center folks would list anyone who didn't abuse minors. Even though this was terribly wrong and caused adultery and lots of emotional pain and discord, this rabbi didn't break any laws. And I've been told that Rabbi K. handled the awkward situation very well.
Shabbat shalom,
Sarah

[Isa]

This principal was married with 8 kids.
There isn't anything a lesbian can do that a guy cannot do.
Somehow I think this husband never 'satisfied' his wife (the principal). My wife has this religious married girlfriend and from what my wife says that her friend never can get her husband to do what she wants done.
Having said all this -I think small progress has been made-the school got rid of the principal immediately . Rather than keep her in the same position and defend like Kolka. Of course the big rabbi of the school COULD face obstruction of justice charges-I would like to see him do the frog hop (in chains)

[Ariel Sokolovsky http://www.BostonChabad.com]

B"H

Steve
This is a school of Adas right?
Where will they send their kids if the school is shut down?
To a Chabad school? To a Modern Orthodox school? Lehavdil to a public school?
It needs to be cleaned up not shut down.

Posted by: Ariel Sokolovsky http://www.BostonChabad.com | March 13, 2008 at 07:30 PM

Ariel,

They should get some responsible people to run the school, not criminals.

Posted by: steve | March 13, 2008 at 07:40 PM

Ultimately it is up to Adas members to decide if they want any other people in charge of their school removed besides the principal.
Nothing one this blog comments is probably going to change their minds.
I bet many of them approve the decision of their leaders not to go to the police.
Do you think a community like theirs would want the media exposure of this type of scandal?
The ex-principal needs counseling the students who were hurt need counseling
See:
http://www.chabad.org/

therebbe/article_cdo/aid/580943/jewish/Rights-and-Wills.htm
and
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/essays/46.htm
Everyone else should stop talking about it and let those Jews be able to heal their wounds and decide for themselves what other changes in their community governance they want to implement in light of this event.

[Jake]

Sarah,

Actually, the awareness Center does deal with issues such as clergy abuse.
I.e. the case of Rabbi Mordecai Tendler, who was having extramarital affairs with married congregants.

Clergy abuse occurs due to the special nature and relationship that members of the clergy have with their parishioners. If a single clergy person in this case, had a relationship with one person in the synagogue fine. But as you described, it created cases of adultery, multiple partners, affected ongoing partnerships and marriages.

So the question is, how do you prevent a person from doing this again. One way which the Awareness Center uses is to ensure that people know the behavior of the clergy person.

And there is more than one clergyman on their list who committed adultery with parishioners who were not minors.

Shabbat shalom!

Jake

[Jake]

ISA,

The fact that this case involves lesbian relationships is immaterial to the issue.

This is a case of pedophilia, which is a criminal act. Also in the way is a form of clergy abuse violating the nature of the relationship between teacher and student. If it had been a Rabbi it would be easier to label it as clergy abuse in addition to pedophilia.

People who hold positions of influence over others, must be extremely careful in what they do.

Although I am a heterosexual but be sure that gay and lesbian individuals would definitely disagree with your attitude toward sexuality. It is just not based on anatomical equipment.

I don't know if the teacher involved is a lesbian. Or rather a closeted lesbian or bisexual, but she's definitely practices pedophilia.

Shabbat shalom!

Jake

[Jake]

Rabbi Aviner is a religious Zionist rabbi in Israel. And he is on the right wing of the spectrum, but not as a far right wing to preach sedition in individual taking action against Arabs in revenge.

If you ever get an opportunity to hear him speak, please go. Is a very why is knowledgeable individual, who speaks English very well. You may not agree with all those politics, but this man has a great deal of wisdom. Below you'll see pasted a letter that I received from his e-mail group. That is extremely important to read. Please feel free to pass it around to everyone you know, who is religious, Orthodox etc..

PO Box 1076 Jerusalem 91009 * Tel. 972-2-628-4101

Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim

IN THE HEART OF THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner on…

_________________________________________________________________________________

2 Adar Sheni 5768 Prepared by Rabbi Mordechai Friedfertig

Subscribe: RavAviner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com archives: www.ateret.org.il/new/home.php

Don't Let Him!

[From the parashah sheet "Mayanei Ha-Yeshua #339 – Parashat Vayakel 5768]

Don't let him abuse you. Whether you are a girl, a young woman or a woman – don't let him. Whether you are single or married – don't let him. Not verbally, not with "light" abuse and not with severe abuse. Do not freeze in place. Yell out loud so that everyone can hear you. If he touches you, slap him. If he tries to do worse and there is no choice – kill him. Yes, kill him. And it happened – a disgusting man burst into a young woman's apartment and wanted to have his way with her, and she killed him. Based on the law that it is permissible to use reasonable force to protect oneself, the court of the State of Israel ruled that her reaction was certainly reasonable.

Don't let a man consider you as an object for his use and benefit. No, you are a person. If it has already happened to you, please turn to the police. Don't worry. Don't be embarrassed. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. He should be embarrassed. He is disgusting. Also, do not yield to pressure such as: "This will destroy the connection between him and his wife!" - Let it be destroyed! But it is okay to destroy you?? After he is rehabilitated, his relationship will be rehabilitated. Or: "This will destroy his high standing, since he is a respected person!" – Let it be destroyed! He is not a respectable person! He is foul! And if he is from your family and they begin to emotionally press you: "You would do this to your uncle? Or to your brother? Your grandfather? Your father?" Yes! You should certainly do this to them and it is a great act of righteousness which will have the effect of saving two things: Saving all of the future girls and young women who would suffer from him and saving this man from addition sins.

There are too many cases of abuse. Obviously, even one case is too much, but there are much more than just one. According to the estimates of women's organization in Israel, during the last year there were 50,000 cases of harassment against women ages 25-40. You can add to this number the girls who are too young or the women who were too old and were not included in the report as well as many others who were embarrassed to make a complaint. A new study shows that 25% of religious women were subject to abuse to varying degrees. This is the same percentage as the general population.

A majority of the abuses were committed by people known to the women: Relatives (30%) or friends (40%) or teachers. The overwhelming majority of women who were abused (65%) do not tell a man. Only 15% tell their mothers and 6% tell their fathers. A girl or young woman who has been abused and does not relate it will walk around with a terrible wound - a guarded secret - she will be sad, fearful and racked with feelings of guilt – without justification.

I therefore suggest putting 50,000 men in prison so that others will hear, see, fear and will no longer act evilly. They will realize that when a woman says "no" – it means just that! Even if she does not say "no," one needs only a little intellect to understand that she means no.

Obviously, not all men are like this, most are modest and gentle. And if you are not yet married, do not fear - you will find a gentle and pure man. To our distress, this lowly group exists outside all strata of society: men from high socio-economic standing and low socio-economic standing; Secularists, Religious-Zionists and Charedim (ultra-orthodox); Askenazim, Sefardim, Yemenite and Ethiopian. It is logical that the evil inclination is not racist, choosy and does not have a political affiliation.

Don't let him. Don't be afraid. Even if it is in the work place – don't be afraid. Even if it involves a superior – don't be afraid. The many women's organizations will gladly help you, guide you and advise you. You will not be alone.

If you identify that this has happened to friends, encourage them to talk to you. If you are a teacher, please speak to your students about this and encourage them to speak to you privately. And if you work with the young, encourage them to confide in you.

But prepare yourself spiritually, since the harasser will not give in easily. He will say that you asked for it, initiated it, enticed and seduced him with provocative clothing, etc… Don't worry, however, women's group will help you through it.

The essential thing is that you should not feel guilt, you did nothing wrong. He is guilt and you are pure. If something happened to you in your youth, this will not affect you from marrying a pure and good young man. You are completely fine, you are pure.

[Jake]

Rabbi Aviner is a religious Zionist rabbi in Israel. And he is on the right wing of the spectrum, but not as a far right wing to preach sedition in individual taking action against Arabs in revenge.

If you ever get an opportunity to hear him speak, please go. Is a very why is knowledgeable individual, who speaks English very well. You may not agree with all those politics, but this man has a great deal of wisdom. Below you'll see pasted a letter that I received from his e-mail group. That is extremely important to read. Please feel free to pass it around to everyone you know, who is religious, Orthodox etc..

PO Box 1076 Jerusalem 91009 * Tel. 972-2-628-4101

Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim

IN THE HEART OF THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner on…

_________________________________________________________________________________

2 Adar Sheni 5768 Prepared by Rabbi Mordechai Friedfertig

Subscribe: RavAviner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com archives: www.ateret.org.il/new/home.php

Don't Let Him!

[From the parashah sheet "Mayanei Ha-Yeshua #339 – Parashat Vayakel 5768]

Don't let him abuse you. Whether you are a girl, a young woman or a woman – don't let him. Whether you are single or married – don't let him. Not verbally, not with "light" abuse and not with severe abuse. Do not freeze in place. Yell out loud so that everyone can hear you. If he touches you, slap him. If he tries to do worse and there is no choice – kill him. Yes, kill him. And it happened – a disgusting man burst into a young woman's apartment and wanted to have his way with her, and she killed him. Based on the law that it is permissible to use reasonable force to protect oneself, the court of the State of Israel ruled that her reaction was certainly reasonable.

Don't let a man consider you as an object for his use and benefit. No, you are a person. If it has already happened to you, please turn to the police. Don't worry. Don't be embarrassed. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. He should be embarrassed. He is disgusting. Also, do not yield to pressure such as: "This will destroy the connection between him and his wife!" - Let it be destroyed! But it is okay to destroy you?? After he is rehabilitated, his relationship will be rehabilitated. Or: "This will destroy his high standing, since he is a respected person!" – Let it be destroyed! He is not a respectable person! He is foul! And if he is from your family and they begin to emotionally press you: "You would do this to your uncle? Or to your brother? Your grandfather? Your father?" Yes! You should certainly do this to them and it is a great act of righteousness which will have the effect of saving two things: Saving all of the future girls and young women who would suffer from him and saving this man from addition sins.

There are too many cases of abuse. Obviously, even one case is too much, but there are much more than just one. According to the estimates of women's organization in Israel, during the last year there were 50,000 cases of harassment against women ages 25-40. You can add to this number the girls who are too young or the women who were too old and were not included in the report as well as many others who were embarrassed to make a complaint. A new study shows that 25% of religious women were subject to abuse to varying degrees. This is the same percentage as the general population.

A majority of the abuses were committed by people known to the women: Relatives (30%) or friends (40%) or teachers. The overwhelming majority of women who were abused (65%) do not tell a man. Only 15% tell their mothers and 6% tell their fathers. A girl or young woman who has been abused and does not relate it will walk around with a terrible wound - a guarded secret - she will be sad, fearful and racked with feelings of guilt – without justification.

I therefore suggest putting 50,000 men in prison so that others will hear, see, fear and will no longer act evilly. They will realize that when a woman says "no" – it means just that! Even if she does not say "no," one needs only a little intellect to understand that she means no.

Obviously, not all men are like this, most are modest and gentle. And if you are not yet married, do not fear - you will find a gentle and pure man. To our distress, this lowly group exists outside all strata of society: men from high socio-economic standing and low socio-economic standing; Secularists, Religious-Zionists and Charedim (ultra-orthodox); Askenazim, Sefardim, Yemenite and Ethiopian. It is logical that the evil inclination is not racist, choosy and does not have a political affiliation.

Don't let him. Don't be afraid. Even if it is in the work place – don't be afraid. Even if it involves a superior – don't be afraid. The many women's organizations will gladly help you, guide you and advise you. You will not be alone.

If you identify that this has happened to friends, encourage them to talk to you. If you are a teacher, please speak to your students about this and encourage them to speak to you privately. And if you work with the young, encourage them to confide in you.

But prepare yourself spiritually, since the harasser will not give in easily. He will say that you asked for it, initiated it, enticed and seduced him with provocative clothing, etc… Don't worry, however, women's group will help you through it.

The essential thing is that you should not feel guilt, you did nothing wrong. He is guilt and you are pure. If something happened to you in your youth, this will not affect you from marrying a pure and good young man. You are completely fine, you are pure.

[Halacha]

Shmarya is wrong about the laws of lashon hara. The laws demand exposure of threats to society.

The Margulies' and Kolko's of the community distort the writings of the Chofetz Chaim to suit their own ends.

[Shmarya]

Shmarya is wrong about the laws of lashon hara. The laws demand exposure of threats to society

My point was NEVER that the laws of lashon hara (if properly interpreted) condone covering for molesters.

My point very clearly was that the temptation to misuse these laws to oppress victims is so great, it was wrong to codify them in a small, easily accessible book that was billed as the thing that would bring redemption.

Poskim are not supposed to paskin if paskining will cause Jews to be injured.

What the Chofetz Chaim did, 'daas torah' and all, was to create a weapon the powerful could easily use against the weak.

He did not think that would happen. He thought the disclaimers he put in that little book would be enough protection.

But it did happen and those disclaimers do not work.

Who is a major speaker for the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation?

Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon, Mr. Cover-Up, himself.

The Chofetz Chaim thought he was brining moshiach.

Instead, his little sefer brought destruction to the lives of victims.

[Barry]

Leifer is the family name of the Nadvorna Admorim.

A connection with the Nadvorna 'elite' may explain why her 'piousness' seemed more important then proper qualification for her position as principle of a girls school. It may also explain Rabbi Beck's need to cover up this matter.

[Shmarya]

Both I and my haredi insider are well aware of the Leifer Nardvonna link. And her husband may be from a Nardvonna family. But there is a stronger link to Ger, I'm told.

[Yochanan Lavie]

I agree with the Chofetz Chaim's motives, but not the outcome. Loshen Hara was used to attempt to silence Lanner victims, and not only by the powerful. When I tried to speak out, well meaning baal-habatim (not high officials) didn't want to hear about it due to Loshen Hara. So even normal people with no ox to gore misinterpret Loshen Hara. I wasn't trying to spread juicy gossip; I wanted that nutball removed from a position where he could hurt kids. And I didn't know the half of it; I simply meant his cult of personality was destructive and he should stop kneeing testicles.

[holybrother]

since when do you believe the media for writing the truth? and not blowing it our of proportion to make it sound better,
as a member of the community in melbourne and as how the age has classified our community as fanatical and walking looking down on the street and not having anything to do with other jewish communities in melbourne is absolute garbage, out of the 150 families ''maybe'' 20 families like that the rest are all normal jews, not the fanatical garbage the age is talking about, they probably interveiwd one of these nutcases anyway. it's dsgusting how other jews can go and accept all they read at face value, and rely on a ''goyisher'' newspaper at that!!!!!!!!!!!

[Isaac Balbin]

Mark Leibler isn't Isi's son. Your long range attempt to link this with Spitzer is tenuous (and I mean that in a very very kind sense)

[Shmarya]

He's either a son or a brother. It's the same family.

[melbournian]

Issac why are you wasting your time on this stupid blog. this wackjob Shmarya is a screwed up nebach, I remember meeting him once in Israel when he was chabad. don't you have some weddings to sing at?????