BishopAccountability.org
	Adass Denies Paying for Principal to Flee By Naomi Levin Australian Jewish News March 24, 2008 http://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=5134 ADASS Israel girls school did not pay for former principal Malka Leifer to return to Israel, according to the school's spokesperson, Norman Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum said it was "categorically just not true" that the school purchased Leifer's ticket to Israel after she resigned amid still unconfirmed rumours that she behaved inappropriately toward students. Meanwhile, a prominent Orthodox psychologist, Zipporah Oliver, has encouraged anybody who feels traumatised by the events to seek help in a culturally appropriate way. Rosenbaum told The AJN he would not comment on specifics of the situation because any potential victims deserved their privacy. "Privacy laws and rights of confidentiality mean that the school is unable to make public comment on many aspects of this matter," he said. "The same laws apply across the board. "Not withstanding that, the school is dedicated to ensuring the best interests of those affected are protected and their welfare is maintained." He denied the school had tried to cover up allegations, and said "the school has not yet received any complaints". But Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Anton Block who this week offered a helping hand to Adass Israel congregation president Benjamin Koppel warned the school that it has serious responsibilities. "This is not something that should be swept under the carpet," Block said. Rabbi Ralph Genende from Caulfield Hebrew Congregation echoed these sentiments last Shabbat. "Let there be no cover-up, no concealment, no attempts to rationalise or defend such actions," Rabbi Genende said. "There needs to be justice and accountability, and we as a wider Jewish community need to be exacting in our demands of Adass." At the same time, both Block and Rabbi Genende separately extended their sympathy and support to the Adass community. "Our heart goes out to any children or families who might have been affected" and if the allegations prove correct, Block said, "she should be brought to justice". Psychologist Oliver, who has experience helping victims of abuse, said additional challenges could arise when assisting members of a community, such as the Adass. "I think it is a very delicate situation because this is a culture that has a strong value of modesty and privacy," Oliver said. She added that the prevalence of arranged marriages in the Adass community was an extra issue to consider. "Whatever it is that has to be offered in the way of support services, it needs to be informed by an understanding of this culture." Oliver said there were two types of trauma that could arise out of an abusive event the trauma of experience and information trauma. The former usually affects those who have been exposed and the latter was often experienced by people who have heard about a traumatic event, but have not personally experienced it. "People can be carrying trauma and it can cause people to be anxious and frightened and worried and behaving in a panicky or angry way and they may not realise that they are suffering this other level of information trauma," she said. Oliver said that anybody who feels they may have been affected should seek assistance. "The people within the Adass organisation, it behoves them to set up a very good system that can meet the needs of their community," she said.
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