The Australian Jewish community can only change the culture that has for
too long tolerated and enabled sexual abuse by adopting new attitudes
and proactive measures. Welcoming a Yeshiva University representative
who has a questionable record on abuse is a step in the wrong direction.
Originally published at 11:07 pm CDT 8-3-2013
Tzedek, the Australian child sex victims advocacy group, writes:
Tzedek dismayed by Brander visit to Melbourne
3 August 2013
Tzedek, Australia’s only dedicated advocacy group for Jewish victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, is dismayed by the decision of several local organisations to host a representative of Yeshiva University to speak on ethics and morality.
Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Dean of Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future and the Vice President for University and Community Life, is scheduled to speak next Tuesday, August 6 in Melbourne on “Ethics in Philanthropy: Should synagogues and Jewish institutions accept tainted funds?” at an event held under the auspices of the JBD – Jews of the CBD, Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers..
To date, Yeshiva University has not directly responded to a lawsuit relating to allegations of sexual abuse of 19 victims over 20 years. While its Chancellor Norman Lamm resigned, noting: “At the time that inappropriate actions by individuals at Yeshiva were brought to my attention, I acted in a way that I thought was correct, but which now seems ill conceived. And when that happens — one must do teshuvah [repentance]”, Yeshiva University as an institution has yet to release its long-promised report on the alleged abuses and subsequent cover-ups.
In addition, Rabbi Brander, who led the Boca Raton Synogogue in Florida between 1990 and 2005 and remains their very influential Rabbi Emeritus, has been accused of hushing up serious sexual abuse allegations against a congregant, Richard Andron. Andron is also named in the class action lawsuit against Yeshiva University.
The Australian Jewish community can only change the culture that has for too long tolerated and enabled sexual abuse by adopting new attitudes and proactive measures. Welcoming a Yeshiva University representative who has a questionable record on abuse is a step in the wrong direction.