The Rabbinical Council Of America "Lauds" Kolko Abuse Victim

"The RCA expresses its pride and respect for the courage of the now 16-year-old victim of Yosef Kolko, the confessed perpetrator of sexual abuse who was sentenced…to almost thirteen years imprisonment. The victim’s reporting of the abuse to the civil authorities, despite organized and overwhelming pressures and ostracism, sets an important example for the entire community.…"

RCA Lauds Courage of Abuse Victim

Oct 18, 2013 -- The RCA expresses its pride and respect for the courage of the now 16-year-old victim of Yosef Kolko, the confessed perpetrator of sexual abuse who was sentenced yesterday to almost thirteen years imprisonment. The victim’s reporting of the abuse to the civil authorities, despite organized and overwhelming pressures and ostracism, sets an important example for the entire community. He raised the level of understanding of the impact of abuse when he said in court, “My message to those monsters out there who are abusing: You will be exposed, you will be put behind bars, and you will go through hell on earth. Molesting may seem harmless to you, but the reality is that it kills people with every touch.”

Rabbi Leonard Matanky, President of the RCA, reiterated the longstanding policy of the organization by reminding its members, “There is an unequivocal halakhic and moral obligation for everyone, victim and community member alike, to report all reasonable suspicions of child abuse to the civil authorities. These are cases of piku’ach nefesh, the protection of the physical safety and the spiritual integrity of our community.” Rabbi Shalom Baum, First Vice President of the RCA, stated, “The moral and religious integrity of our community is shattered when communal leaders discourage and prevent others from responding to the cries of the victims of abuse."

Comments

[anuran]

Admiration for the victim? Not the perp?
Truly the End Times are here

[ab]

We should send a very strong message to the ou/ncsy etc. that if they continue to support molestersand continue to harbor molesters and contiue to hire rabbis who cover up for molesters then we have no choice but to hit them in the pocket by contacting the big companies who use the ou such as star kist, heinz,empire poultry etc etc. And maybe making a utube video letting the world know that the ou is longer true kosher kashrus org. Because if they can sit back and just let child abuse continue then its not possible that thier hechsher is up to par.

[Jeff]

They're Modern Orthodox. Everyone knows no *real* rabbis would say such a thing!

[Moe]

The Jewish Theological Seminary and the Hebrew Union College have issued statements similar to the RCAs.

[(The other) Eli]

I'm pinching myself to see if I'm dreaming

[HavaMina]

Good for them.

[Yosef ben Matitya]

kudos to the rca.