Friday, August 5, 2011
TO: Vaad HaKohol
390(A) Kingston Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 771 – 9000
Re: Aug. 2, 2011 Letter Urging Community Silence and Presumption of Innocence in the Face of Molestation Allegations
Dear Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC), Vaad HaKohol and Residents:
Recently the Crown Heights Beis Din issued a Psak Din requiring people to report to the police credible claims of child molestation and abuse in the Jewish community. In light of the recent arrest it is reassuring to see that the community is taking the Beis Din’s mandate seriously. It’s disheartening on the other hand to see the Vaad completely ignore the Beis Din’s mandate by scaring survivors into silence which will assuredly continue to endanger our community.
The presumption of innocence is certainly a sacred cornerstone of our modern democracy, Jewish law and Chazal’s teaching of dan l’kaf zechus. The presumption of innocence however does not conflict with the right to free speech and obligation to protect the innocent.
Furthermore, when we know information that could save people from being hurt, all rules of lashon harah and rechilus are out the window and to NOT speak is a grave sin of do not stand idly by your brother’s blood. – Leviticus 19:16. It is about public safety. Having compassion for molesters by concealing their identities is an act of cruelty that endangers innocent lives. If a doctor purposely failed to isolate a patient with a deadly contagious disease because it was embarrassing to the patient and his family, it would constitute professional negligence, not an act of compassion! Child molestation is a deadly disease and parents need to know whom to keep their children away from.
If a local retailer were caught selling traif, would there be the same reaction to keep quiet and let the courts sort it out? The people who are active in revealing the truth are simply following the obligations of not standing idly by your neighbor’s blood.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Asher Lipner said it best in an article in the Jewish Press published this year:
The mitzvah to confront child molesters is incumbent upon each of us. As Rabbi Shea Hecht charged at a recent gathering for the National Jewish Week for the Prevention of Child Abuse, when Shimon and Levi held the entire city of Shechem accountable for the rape of Dina by only one of its citizens, it taught us for all time that someone who abuses even one Jewish girl or boy must be confronted by every member of society.
Excuses for not doing so include bogus halachic claims of mesira, lashon hara and chillul Hashem; concern over the “unfair” suffering of the abuser’s innocent family (who are often victims themselves in need of help); and fear of lawsuits against yeshivas that have knowingly harbored molesters. Not one of these makes sense when the physical, emotional and spiritual safety of children is at stake. Psychological studies repeatedly find that molested children are significantly more likely to suffer later in life from depression, anxiety, substance abuse and addictions, posttraumatic stress disorder, a variety of interpersonal problems, and suicide.
If the leaders of our community believe that false rumors are being spread then they should condemn that speech by intelligently responding to those false allegations, not trying to quell peoples’ right to free speech. Do leaders of the community think that their constituents aren’t smart enough to make up their own minds about abuse allegations? Is the answer to force people into silence?
Every single predator listed in the CrownHeightsWatch registry is a serial offender whose crimes have been independently corroborated by many victims or/and whose crimes are a matter of public record. There isn’t a threat of a personal vendetta leading to a false accusation. These individuals are known pedophiles. No one disputes that. In fact, although the most recent man arrested is presumed innocent in a court of law, the DA obviously had probable cause to charge him. If someone is a known molester you don’t need to wait for a conviction to inform and protect the community. No one is suggesting that pedophiles get locked up without their crimes being proven beyond a reasonable doubt but when it comes to protecting our children in public we don’t take chances, especially when someone is a known molester.
Those claiming that child abuse awareness generates mass hysteria should look closely at the widely accepted figures that “1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will have experienced an episode of abuse while younger than 18 years.” (See National Center for Victims of Crime). The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has also concluded that much abuse goes unreported because children are afraid to disclose what happened, and the legal procedure for validating abuse is difficult. Do you really think that the issue is “rumors, half-memories… [and]… miscommunications” or perhaps a lack of discussion and awareness within the community? Why is the Vaad fostering a climate where victims will be afraid to come forward?
Lastly, a suspect’s family is as innocent as the victim. It is wrong to malign a suspect’s family. Guilt by association is wrong BUT is it right to silence survivors and advocates for fear that a suspect’s family member will feel stigmatized? Shouldn’t we view a suspects family as innocent as anyone else while at the same time encourage survivors to speak out without fear of reprisal?
Bottom Line:
(1) Victims should be encouraged to come forward, without being discredited, disbelieved and hushed by the Vaad.
(2) Protecting the community by exposing the identities of known molesters is saving lives.
(3) We need to act in accordance with the Beis Din’s recent psak to report abuse to the government authorities.
(4) Expose the known offender. When we don’t speak out and expose the offenders we are violating Halacha by standing idly by our neighbors’ blood and putting a stumbling block in front of the blind.
Sincerely,
Crown Heights Watch
I was a student at Bais Rivkah in the 1970’s and was sent to see a physician for abdominal pain. The physician molested me. When I reported this to the administration at the school, I was told to keep my mouth shut, I shouldn’t say things like that, the physician is a religious man, he would never do such a thing. But he did, and it hurt physically and emotionally. I believe he still practices in Brooklyn. I pity the young women (and possibly young men) who may have been and may still be being molested by this man. It… Read more »
great someone here has mentshlachkite!!!!!!!! ohalei torah chai!!!!!!!!!
Anonymity is very good sometimes. Attacking the author of the letter is not. The person seeks to prevent evil. Bringing exposure can nip the problem in the bud. The accusations of those who demand to know who wrote the letter are inherently evil. Why don’t you just accept the motives inside the letter and try to protect innocent people instead of protecting criminal? Why do you want to know who wrote it> so that you can go after them and stop what they are doing?? What’s your motive? It obviously is NOT for the victim. The anonymity here is powerful… Read more »
Lets stop with the self righteous platitudes and stop burying our heads in the sand..Experience has shown that those have pursued or attempted to pursue a rigorous, proactive effort to reveal the names of these perverts have been harassed and in some cases have been physically attacked.They and their families have been threatened with dire consequences regarding shidduchim for their children, ostracism etc. from their frum communities if they continue to pursue in their efforts to get rid of these perverts.Is it any wonder then, that the author(s) of this so called “pashkvil” have not signed their letter?
Be strong and get help. You sound great!
In the end, what difference does it make if someone did or did not sign it? The message is the same, and the same people read it that would have read a signed letter. So why don’t you just take the message and think about its meaning?
By definition, this letter is a PASHKVILL. There is no names, no one to take responsibility for it.
The vaad clearly said to go to the proper authorities with all claims of molestation! What do you want from them?
I was initially happy at the establishment of CHW but are they responsible people? Are they looking to exploit a situation to further their personal goals and to gain power?
The most likely reason Crown Heights Watch has not listed it’s members or leaders is for the real concern that they could be hit with a libel lawsuit. Without a solid LEGAL case against all the alleged perpetrators, they run a risk of a lawsuit brought against them. I think the public service they are providing is most necessary and I don’t think they need to endanger themselves in the process. That is, as long as the identified perpetrators are definitely perpetrators and there is not a scintilla of doubt.
I ain’t taking sides in the CHW and Vaad letter-writing, but I want y’all to know that there’s a wickedly wild swing going on in this pendulum of social awareness and reaction. First we think all is well under the canopy of torah people. then we get hit in the face by horrific incidents. then we all become judges and experts. it doesn’t wortk that way. if you hear about an incident you rarely, if ever, hear it from the victim. and there are many stories of people getting revenge on someone by spreading false rumors, which once out cannot… Read more »
The more terrible you try to present the act of child abuse, the more terrible the consequences of someone being falsely accused.
the letter was anonymous? STOP NIT PICKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so immature, to read a letter filled with important content and say, well too bad it was anonymous….I’m highly disappointed.
All the focus seems to be on men attacking boys. I am a young women who was molested by a lady teacher in high school. It started with some very explicit talk and ended with many times of intimate touch under the clothes. I felt ashamed and felt guilty, thinking that I did something wrong by allowing it and even getting pleasure from it. I now know better – that I was molested, and I know first hand that anyone can be a molester, even the kind older married lady teacher! It’s not just boys who are victims and the… Read more »
Furthermore, when we know information that could save people from being hurt, all rules of lashon harah and rechilus are out the window and to NOT speak is a grave sin of do not stand idly by your brother’s blood. – Leviticus 19:16.
THE WRITERS HAVE EXPOSED THEIR VEIWS, BY PLACING MODERN DEMOCRACY BEFORE TORAHS ETHICS.
its no suprise they feel nothing for severe sin of loshon horah and its efects
Bs”D The public needs to be aware of what is happening. The victims have all been in hiding because of fear or shame. When the victims hear that a predator has been exposed, they feel courage to open up and tell their stories of abuse. To equate the victims of abuse with families of a predator – calling the families “victims” is to hush-hush the victims who have come forward and hush-hush any victims who may be willing to come forward. Yes the families need to be treated with respect. However, the victims need to be the encouraged and encouraged… Read more »
The content of CrownHeightsWatch’s website is highly innapropriate. While I agree that victims should speak out, I disagree with the method used by CHWatch. It’s too raw.
By the way, the Vaad’ letter was GREAT and SENSITIVE for EVERY PARTY involved and the accusations of CHWatch are baseless as the Vaad’s letter does not contain what CHWatch are accusing it to contain.
fishel,zaki were is your letter supporting the victims to come forward? Why haven’t we seen anything from you guys yet??
watch your son, talk to your son, they exist EVERYWHERE in the frum communities, he could be a “BIG RABBI” or just the janitor, or just some older boys in yeshiva taking advantage of a younger boy, people when will you wake up and admit that the frum cummunities are infested with them, maybe you can reffer to a case in kfar chabad where a assistant kinder garden teacher has molested childern some as young as 3 years old and from personal knowledge most of them are in therapy and will be for many years to come, unlike here the… Read more »
your comment is a breathe of fresh air
you write that CHW substantiates there claims. I have yet to see from all what they have put up on their site to be substantiated except one (who was arrested and released on bail). as i see it, thay are hidding behind a blind wall without a name because just that reason that don’t have any proof or even better yet they have an agenda to take revenge in some people and will except FALSE stories, without checking them to see if it true at all.
There have been a number of instances where individuals
(and their families) who exposed predators have been threatened both physicality and verbally.In one instance one of these whistle blowers was nearly killed by bullet shots and this all within frum communities.This,I would assume is the reason for the anonymity of those behind the CH community watch
1, If, the general public is unaware of the alleged predator who still has contact with potential victims – by publicizing their name, it has clear benefit by saving future children and teenagers lives from being ruined or put at risk. 2. Furthermore, sometimes it helps more victims to get courage to come forward. 3. Sometimes placing their name in public spaces is the last resort, when nothing was done previously to stop the predator from continuing their perverted activities. This includes shipping them to another country where they will find even more victims because no one knows their history.… Read more »
Some pointers from the vaad’s letter to me it looked like it was being pointed all at CHW. But, we are told to suspend judgment until a full investigation and fair process is conducted, because without a fair process we do not know what really happened. Before the conclusion of a fair process, we can be relying on rumors, half-memories, miscommunications, and (sometimes) even intentional deceit. An alleged perpetrator may be guilty, but he also may be innocent. The possibility of his innocence is (even if you think small, still) very real. If he is guilty – he will be… Read more »
they didnt write not to advertise, they just warned not to publicize until its known for sure, since it destroys their life…and unfortunately chwatch is NOT being so careful, relying on the corrupted us system instead…
If you were truly a “target of molestation,” how could you post something so absurd. Knowing someone who was molested, I do not believe that ANYONE EVER put in that situation would say NOT to advertise alleged offenders…
great! there is finally awarness in our community! what a great way to have people talk about this subject!
This is the beginning of finding solutions. The unfortunate truth that abuse exists in our communities and that it needs to be addressed is the main issue, The fact is we need to address this and root it out, help the victims, explore community responses for awareness, prevention, ways to protect our families and send a clear message that this is unacceptable to allow this fear and lack of morality to continue, PLEASE continue working on real solutions !! Open your eyes people thats how we will bring true redemption !!
I agree with 1,2,9
They truly have now done what is necessary…
EXPOSING themselves and their buffoonery.
They are not really interested in helping children, but empowering themselves to extort and blackmail others.
I vote to BOYCOTT (I’m talking about their sponsors!)
#2 I heard it ‘Shomrim.’
They’re doing a wonderful job.
Bring back flogging. Bood and peeling skin might do these scoundrels very well!
If this society doesn’t protect children we have no right to exist.
When a lubavitcher is convicted we all stand up for them. when will we start thinking with our heads? people have faults, even yiden! just look at what happened with one of the known predators! the judge even said that we made him into the victim instead of focusing on the real victims. WHEN WILL THIS STUPIDITY END AND WE STOP MAKING A BIGGER MOCKERY OF OURSELVES?
montreal is above humanity?
The vaad needs to send out an apology letter! It does not matter who is in charge of crownheightswatch or the fact they did not sign this letter by name; this letter is right. The letter the vaad sent out showed once again that our community will stand up for their own. Honestly, their letter should have FIRST AND FOREMOST showed compassion for the victims but instead was subtly trying to discredit them! as long as the vaad, and people who are more concerned about who wrote this letter keep pushing the important matter aside, we will continue to have… Read more »
Thank you for speaking up.
There are molestors that have been protected by the community. There is no gain…. other children are at risk. By protecting molestors one is putting their own relatives at risk.
I wonder if this problem exists in Montreal.
I am new to the community and have a son going into Yeshiva. This whole story makes me so nervous for my little boy. Does anyone know of any cases of abuse or molsetation in Montreal Lubav Community?
I think we can all agree that the victims must be encouraged to speak up, but that people who are not a party to the matter and have no way of determining the truthfulness of either side should stay out of it.
I reread the vaad’s letter and they didn’t say the things they are accused to have said by CH Watch. I’m suspecting that CH Watch has its own agenda and is trying to get a name and a share of the cake. The Vaad’s letter was very well written, balanced and sensitive, not only for the victims but alos for the abuser’s family, and it came to remind us that untill a judgment is not issued, we shouldn’t take things into our own hands and not fall into paranoai. It said NOTHING about not reporting child abuses. CH Watch, why… Read more »
I was and I am still in agreement with the Vaad’s letter. The Beis Din signed its names (Rabbis Braun and Schwei), the Vaad signed their name, but those anonymous people from CH Watch didn’t sign their name. The Beis Din and the Vaad made it clear that they ARE at the victims’ sides and that they are not trying tpo protect abusers. But at the same time, we should give justice and police the chance to investigate quietly all the matter. What’s wrong with that? I find it quite fair. What’s the CH Watch’s problem?
The man is arrested and therefore there is no need to talk about it any more. If he is convicted, then he will be in jail. If he is innocent, allow him and his family to move on.
The basic point is that there is no need to gossip about it. He’s arrested, done, over.
The reason for the above letter is because the Vaad’s letter was a kick in the face to those who suffered abuse by the alleged predator and to any victims who are too scared to speak up. The letter above addresses the issue of the Vaad’s letter encouraging people to keep silent on these matters and think that “innocent until proven guilty” applies in the cases of an alleged predator, even when numerous victims have come forward with their highly personal stories. Even though the article may appear logical and level headed to many people – to a victim of… Read more »
To #9 who wrote: “It benefits no one by placing advertisements in a paper or website about an alledged offender. ” 1, If, the general public is unaware of the alleged predator who still has contact with potential victims – by publicizing their name, it has clear benefit by saving future children and teenagers lives from being ruined or put at risk. 2. Furthermore, sometimes it helps more victims to get courage to come forward. 3. Sometimes placing their name in public spaces is the last resort, when nothing was done previously to stop the predator from continuing their perverted… Read more »
I live out-of-town and am not privy to Crown Heights politics. However, the letter from the Community council does not state any of the things that this article alleges! You cannot have lynching, you cannot have the law taken into vigilante hands. That is not progress, that is going backwards. Victims must be taken seriously – molestation destroys the very fabric of an individuals soul and that of society. However, caution must be taken that anger does not turn to vengeance. Benefit of the doubt must be afforded to all. The truth will emerge, but maligning people publicly is not… Read more »
BSD
All the vaad’s letter said was that one should assume Keller’s innocent until proven guilty, which is the basic rule of Pirkei Avos, “dan lekaf z’chus.” It doesn’t say that he shouldn’t have been reported on or that we shouldn’t report abusers to the police. It didn’t say anything close to that. This is clear and obvious to anyone who read the letter.
Whoever wrote this letter is wasting his time and trying to create un-needed machloikes. In addition, he has difficulty comprehending what he reads.
why is it that CH watch is able to set up a website and make evryone believe that all the names on their website are actually guilty of the crimes ??
I am a father and i am happy that there are people out there loking out for all of our children. But if the are other motives for this then we need to be careful before we accuse those people.
BS:D
Nice letter except they destroyed its message by not signing the letter (pashquil).They want these people exposed but can’t expose themselves, makes sense?
smart and true.
we can’t stand by while these people are in our community just running around doing what they want, knowing that they will be protected by the vaad.
if the vaad had any empathy they would agree with this letter
Every single predator listed in the CrownHeightsWatch registry is a serial offender whose crimes have been independently corroborated by many victims or/and whose crimes are a matter of public record. There isn’t a threat of a personal vendetta leading to a false accusation. These individuals are known pedophiles.
Child molestation is pure horror and should be fully exposed. I think the Vaad Hakahal made that clear and did not try to express any hush hush. I do hav a concern : how do we prevent innocent people who have enemies, from being posted on the new website. Can someone please inform us if these names are first checked out for veracity?. Again, l00% agreement. Evil people who prey on innocent people, weather teachers, or
lay people or ANYONE, MUST be reported to the authorities immediately. Moshiach Now! and all the evil wil be erased
The recent letter by the Vaad, was not intended to have people not come forward. Yes, if you have a complaint you should go to the PROPER authorities. It was against the internet et al, being the judge, the jury, and the prosecutor in the case. YOu have informed the whole world of who you think is a pedophile. Is that not enough? Do you have to publish every stupid comment that people think can be published on the internet – simply because they do not have to sign their names. Be mature. Be careful. Post the story and leave… Read more »
y is it such a secret who CH watch is? if u r sure what u r doing is right – & I am not saying that negatively – y shouldn’t ur name be signed???????/
No where in the council letter did it state or imply the communities silence was being called upon. Vigilante-ism and self righteousness, mixed with limited common sense and extremely poor reading comprehension are a potent mix that the letter was most likely intended for. Thank you to col for creating a debate where there is none.
Watching your children from possible molesters is crucial. And if a suspect ends up being innocent, I pity any one who maliciously caused a bad name on someone else. Hashem will take care of it.
I myself was a target of molestation. However I was able to thwart the perpetrator.
It benefits no one by placing advertisements in a paper or website about an alledged offender. And the rabbonim never spoke to that effect.
How will you control blackmail if anyone can come up and identify any person he wishes?
Well said and thank you!
You are saving lives.
G-d bless you!
Who are they and who has designated them. Is there a danger that if people are unidentified that they wield power that can be dangerous.
The idea is noble and should be implemented. By people who are willing to be identified and sanctioned by some valid authority. Otherwise a monster will be created.
If it isn’t signed it’s a pashkvil.
the underlying message of the letter that the vaad put of was protecting and simply concerned with the predator and the predators family… there was nooo concern for the victims… this is the first time that the vaad has ever come out with a letter on this topic, and it is also the first time that a predator has finally been exposed… this is after yrs and yrs of abuse, the letter from the vaad should really have been written to the victims, dont you think???? it should have been an apology for not protecting them, for not educating them… Read more »
thank you ch watch. i just want to tell you that i was a victim of abuse, growing up, and the thing that hurts and affected me the most wasn’t what was done to me, it was by the fact that it was done by some one who i looked up too, some one older then me, some one who was meant to care for and protect me. it was the betrayal that killed me. i dont want to go into the affects that this is had on my life, although i do want to say that i was slowly… Read more »
If you feel so strong about your views and that they are accurate write who you are, its east to rant and bring proofs, but a letter without a name is a pashkvil. I do 100% agree with what you’re writing but without a name it seems like you yourself are scared or afraid of something. the same with the website that you have going. Who is behind it? May we share only besuros tovos.
Who are the people hiding behind the name Crownheightswatch.. At least the Vaad has names. If they believe in their ideas stand by it. Debate openly. Articles like this should not be printed in public media with out individual’s names.
I thought CH watch was normal people these folcks are just trying to exploit a hot topic to get themselves a name!
The letter said nothing about going to the cops if you know something!!!
It was speaking to the CH Yenta who decides they know everything they don’t!!!
I you know something say something, but if you don’t, don’t!!! That is what the letter said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!