Orthodox Gay-Prey Kin Suit

By Jose Martinez
New York Post
July 3, 2012

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/orthodox_gay_prey_kin_suit_7BRocWnKTiirMG7aLxPYTI?utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Brooklyn

An Orthodox Jewish gay activist and blogger sued his cousin yesterday for allegedly preying on him for several years at a synagogue and at the relative's home.

Chaim Levin, raised ultra-Orthodox, contends in a Brooklyn Supreme Court civil lawsuit that he was the victim of sexual abuse by Sholom Eichler, whose family owns a prominent Judaica store.

Levin claims in court papers that Eichler assaulted him on a weekly basis from 1996 to 1999, starting when he was 6 years old.

The suit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, says most of the abuse occurred at the home of Eichler and his parents, as well as at a synagogue to which both families belonged.

The suit comes as sex-abuse cases involving Brooklyn ultra-Orthodox Jews continue to make headlines, with prosecutors blaming pressure from the community for keeping victims from coming forward.

Eichler, who did not return calls, works for his family-run business,

Levin said he took his allegations to prosecutors last year, but no action was taken.

A spokesman for the Brooklyn DA's Office said he could not confirm that.