ROYAL Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: a Modern Orthodox Rabbi’s Point of View

J-Wire
February 25, 2015

http://www.jwire.com.au/royal-commission-into-institutional-responses-to-child-sexual-abuse-a-modern-orthodox-rabbis-point-of-view/

Rabbi Yossi Friedman

Rabbi Yossi Friedman is a modern orthodox rabbi, currently spiritual leader of Sydney’s Cremorne Synagogue.

He writes on the outcome of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse’s investigation of the Sydney Yeshiva and Melbourne Yeshivah.

“The Australian Jewish community has been rocked over the past few weeks.

I firstly wish to apologise that while our community was experiencing the pain and humiliation that came out of the Royal Commission into Sexual Abuse, my wife, Chana Raizel Friedman and I were overseas.

I wish, now, to clarify where we stand.

There must be no tolerance for sexual abuse anywhere in our community. Those who have perpetrated sexual crimes, especially against children, must be brought to the full extent of justice no matter the distance of time. Anyone who is privy to any information of this sort must come forward and report it to the relevant authorities. There is to be no cover-up or ‘making light’ of any report that comes forth. Ignorance or playing ignorant is not an excuse. Those leaders from among us who have come forth and shamed our community must pay the price for their words and actions. They have lost any ounce of authority and credibility that they may have had.

So what going forward?

Now is a time for taking responsibility and a time for healing. As I see it, these are some steps that need to be taken:

1. Any communal leaders implicated by the Commission must resign/be removed from positions of authority and leadership.

2. Leaders and Rabbis who occupy positions where they will make contact with children must satisfy regular safety checks and strict screening processes to be implemented by their organisation.

3. Specific workshops dealing with sexual abuse should be established to raise awareness and training among the general community as well as in schools.

4. Specific courses to be arranged for our leaders providing them with the appropriate training and practical application in dealing with sexual assault, abuse and trauma.

On a personal note, Chana and I wish to acknowledge that the Jewish community’s pain is our pain. As one, we need to heal and we, personally, will take appropriate steps within our community, and whichever community we are a part of, to keep people safe. Our door is always open to anyone who is in need of help.

And to the victims who experience deep and enduring suffering, we pray that you and your families find healing and comfort. You have suffered in silence for too long.”