“…We
are aware that civil action against the [Chabad] Yeshivah Centre is currently
being discussed at various levels. We call on Yeshivah to recognise the
terrible and prolonged pain and suffering of the innocent children
entrusted to their care, and to do the right thing and establish a fund
to compensate the many victims and their families who have come forward
and the many who are still to speak out.…"
Tzedek writes:
Tzedek, Australia’s only dedicated organisation advocating for Jewish victims/survivors of child sexual abuse, is calling on [Chabad's] Yeshivah Centre to establish a compensation fund for the many victims/survivors of child sexual abuse within its institutions.
Tzedek founder and CEO Manny Waks said:
“We are aware that civil action against the Yeshivah Centre is currently being discussed at various levels. We call on Yeshivah to recognise the terrible and prolonged pain and suffering of the innocent children entrusted to their care, and to do the right thing and establish a fund to compensate the many victims and their families who have come forward and the many who are still to speak out.
We strongly believe that Yeshivah and its leadership team must be held to full account, including through the provision of compensation. The position of Rabbi Glick – the Yeshivah College Principal during the period of most of the current allegations and who still works at the school as Head of Jewish Studies and until recently responsible for student welfare – and others who were aware of the abuse and failed to respond appropriately is untenable.
In the recent David Kramer case, as stated in the court, when the allegations were brought to Yeshivah’s attention they were reluctant to deal with it due to their concerns for the welfare of the perpetrator. Astoundingly, they could not care less about the welfare of his victims. The only reason Yeshivah finally responded to the allegations was due to pressure by parents, who were not in a position to take action that was contrary to that of the institution due to the consequences of doing so. And when they did act Yeshivah simply sent Kramer overseas where he re-offended. As the US victim’s spokesperson said, from the family’s perspective Yeshivah has blood on its hands.
There is significant evidence mounting that Yeshivah was also aware of other cases. From personal experience, I know that Yeshivah was fully aware of at least some of the allegations relating to David Cyprys as I personally discussed the matter with the former Yeshivah head. In the case of Cyprys, it is unfathomable that he was still undertaking security duties at Yeshivah up until only a few years ago.
It took Yeshivah years to finally apologise, although their sincerity is questionable due to their ongoing actions. Indeed, not a single victim/survivor whom we are in contact with has said that they accept Yeshivah’s apology – in fact, the few we have spoken to since the apology have rejected it. Importantly, at no stage has Yeshivah offered genuine support to any of the victims that we’re in contact with – not then and not even now.
We are pleased and humbled to note that numerous victims/survivors have indicated their intention to contribute some or all of any compensation they may receive to Tzedek. This will help ensure that Tzedek will be well placed to continue to carry out its essential mission.”
We note that in a recent article in the Herald Sun, the US-based family of one of David Kramer’s victims/survivors has indicated that it may launch legal action against Yeshivah.