AUSTRALIA
The Age
February 8, 2015
Steve Lillebuen
The head of Victoria’s largest Jewish school has criticised ultra-Orthodox leaders who remained silent over child sex abuse allegations, saying only their resignations and a new watchdog for rabbis can restore faith in the community.
Rabbi James Kennard, principal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, said the royal commission on child sex abuse had revealed painful and horrific details about Yeshivah Melbourne and the organisation’s Sydney chapter.
Those who were in charge when historical abuse claims were made must be removed from leadership positions, or the community would never be able to move on, he said.
“The resignations that are required need not be an acceptance of personal responsibility, but an acknowledgement that if abuse, or a failure to deal properly with abusers, took place on an individual’s ‘watch’ then it is honourable and right for such an individual to step down,” he said on Sunday.
The royal commission has been examining Yeshivah Melbourne and Yeshiva Bondi’s response to abuse allegations against former employees Daniel Hayman, David Kramer and David Cyprys, who was convicted of sexually abusing children.
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