Let us start here:
Then let us move onto the arrest of the former chair of The Jewish Labour Movement in the UK, where an anti-paedophile sting exposes us to the question: ‘How rife is child sexual abuse amongst Isreali Zionists?’
I think we should all be demanding an inquiry into zionist grooming gangs https://t.co/pNQK5MsRoD
— Prof Mike 💚 🇵🇸🇱🇧✊🏽 🔻Annibyniaeth (@MikeDeadman3) January 13, 2025
The Extent of Child Abuse in Israel and High-Profile Cases of Jewish Child Sexual Abuse Worldwide
Child abuse is a pervasive issue, transcending cultural, religious, and national boundaries. In Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, cases of abuse have been documented, exposing systemic challenges and failures in addressing the issue effectively. Alongside the abuse itself, efforts to silence victims and whistleblowers are a recurring and troubling pattern. The following delves into these issues, exploring documented cases, systemic barriers, and the mechanisms used to suppress dissent and protect perpetrators.
Prevalence of Child Abuse in Israel
Statistical Insights
- Reports indicate over 50,000 cases of abuse in Israel annually, spanning neglect, violence, and sexual exploitation.
- Underreporting remains a significant issue due to cultural stigma and fear of repercussions.
Examples of Abuse in Israel
- Cases of abuse in religious institutions, such as yeshivas, are often underreported due to insular cultural norms discouraging external intervention.
- The daycare abuse scandals, including the 2019 case in Hod HaSharon, have revealed systemic failings in childcare oversight.
High-Profile Cases in Israel and Mechanisms of Silencing
The Malka Leifer Case
Malka Leifer’s case exemplifies the challenges in pursuing justice. The former principal of an ultra-Orthodox girls’ school faced allegations of sexually abusing multiple students in Australia. After fleeing to Israel in 2008, Leifer evaded extradition for over a decade, with claims of mental illness delaying legal proceedings. Advocacy efforts by survivors, including Dassi Erlich and her sisters, were met with resistance from certain religious leaders and institutions, who sought to shield Leifer.
Daycare Abuse Scandals
Multiple instances of abuse in daycare centres have highlighted inadequate regulation. For example, in 2019, security footage from a daycare in Hod HaSharon revealed staff physically assaulting children, prompting demands for stricter childcare laws.
Residential Facilities
Children placed in state-run residential homes have reported neglect and physical abuse. Investigations have revealed systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children under state care.
Silencing in Religious Communities
- Cultural Pressure: Victims and their families often face ostracism for reporting abuse to secular authorities. In ultra-Orthodox communities, adherence to religious laws and internal resolution mechanisms often take precedence over involving law enforcement.
- Community Intimidation: Whistleblowers have reported threats, harassment, and public shaming. For example, activists working with Lo Tishtok (“Do Not Be Silent”) have faced backlash for exposing abuse cases within religious institutions.
High-Profile Cases of Jewish Child Sexual Abuse Worldwide and Evidence of Silencing
Globally, Jewish communities have grappled with abuse scandals. Efforts to suppress victims and protect perpetrators are a recurring theme in many cases, often stemming from a desire to maintain community reputations or shield influential figures.
1. The Yosef Kolko Case (United States)
In 2013, Yosef Kolko, a former camp counsellor in Lakewood, New Jersey, was convicted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. The victim’s family faced intense pressure from community leaders to drop the case. The boy’s father was ostracised and forced to leave the ultra-Orthodox community after reporting the abuse to secular authorities, highlighting the severe consequences for those who break the silence.
2. The Nechemya Weberman Case (United States)
Nechemya Weberman, a Satmar leader, was convicted in 2013 for sexually abusing a teenage girl he was supposed to counsel. During the trial, the victim faced public intimidation, with community members fundraising for Weberman’s defence and pressuring the family to withdraw the case. The victim’s courage in testifying brought global attention to the issue of silencing within the Satmar community.
3. The Chabad Scandals (Australia)
The Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse revealed widespread abuse and cover-ups within the Chabad-Lubavitch community. Survivors, including Manny Waks, detailed their experiences of being silenced and ostracised for speaking out. Waks faced death threats and public denouncements by religious leaders for advocating for accountability.
4. The Montreal Scandal (Canada)
Rabbi Ephraim Friedman’s alleged abuse of boys in Montreal during the 1990s was initially ignored due to pressure from religious institutions. Survivors faced community ostracism, and efforts to investigate were often dismissed, further highlighting the systemic silencing of whistleblowers.
Mechanisms of Silencing
1. Social Ostracism
In many Jewish communities, individuals who report abuse are branded as betrayers, leading to social exclusion. Families of victims often face immense pressure to remain silent to preserve the community’s reputation.
2. Intimidation and Harassment
Whistleblowers and advocates have reported threats, vandalism, and harassment aimed at discouraging them from pursuing justice. In some cases, these tactics extend to legal threats or frivolous lawsuits designed to intimidate.
3. Abuse of Religious Authority
Religious leaders have, at times, used their influence to discourage victims from coming forward. By invoking religious doctrine or promoting internal resolution, they create barriers to justice.
4. Institutional Cover-Ups
Organisations have been implicated in actively covering up abuse cases. Whether by transferring alleged perpetrators to new positions or refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, these actions perpetuate cycles of abuse.
Global Efforts to Address Abuse and Silencing
Despite these challenges, survivors and advocates have made significant strides in breaking the silence and holding perpetrators accountable.
Legislative Reforms
- Many countries, including Israel, the United States, and Australia, have introduced mandatory reporting laws to ensure institutions cannot ignore abuse allegations.
- The Australian Royal Commission’s findings have led to sweeping changes in how religious organisations handle abuse cases.
Survivor Advocacy
Survivors, such as Manny Waks and Dassi Erlich, have become powerful voices for change. Their courage in sharing their stories has inspired other victims to come forward and challenge systemic silencing.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Organisations like Jewish Community Watch and Survivors for Justice work to expose abuse cases and provide resources for victims. Media coverage has also played a crucial role in raising awareness and pressuring institutions to reform.
Conclusion
Child abuse within Israel and Jewish communities worldwide is a complex and deeply rooted issue. Alongside the abuse itself, the silencing of victims and whistleblowers remains a significant barrier to justice. Efforts to address these challenges require cultural change, legal reforms, and unwavering support for survivors.
Breaking the silence is an essential step toward healing and safeguarding future generations. By shining a light on these issues and fostering open dialogue, communities can work together to create safer environments for all children.
The world has to admit that child sexual abuse by Israelis, Zionists, and Jews worldwide is a systemic problem. Of course only a minority are actively engaged in the abuse, but the silencing of those who seek to speak out is as much of an issue for the victims. What is now required is first an inquiry into the abuse and the silencing and then wholesale action to help protect the victims and ensure that future children do not have to experience it. Only by being honest can children and adults start to recover and be protected.
Say no to silencing!
