200 members of Cleveland’s orthodox Jewish community gathered on Sunday night to hear from abuse survivors, mental health professionals, and legal experts, in a “Night of Awareness and Education” about child abuse.
The event was organized by Jewish Community Watch (JCW), an organization committed to raising awareness of and preventing child abuse in the orthodox Jewish community. The standing-room only crowd included survivors, parents of small children, and community leaders.
Ruth Gordon spoke about her son Dave Gordon who had been a victim of horrific abuse as a child growing up in Michigan. As a young adolescent he suffered through depression and addiction but eventually turned a corner and became an outspoken anti-abuse activist. He joined the Israeli Defense Force and partook in the Operation Protective Edge in Gaza this past summer. Shortly after, he was tragically found dead of gunshot wounds.
Ruth spoke about the specific struggles that victims of abuse face within the orthodox Jewish community, where the institutional cover-ups and shame have destroyed numerous lives. She noted the irony that her late son Dave had received more unconditional support in his Narcotics Anonymous groups, which were mostly held in churches, than he received at his local synagogue. With her voice shaking she concluded with a message for the parents in attendance: “watch your children, listen to your children, believe your children, protect your children and love your children.”
Eli Nash, a survivor of CSA and an anti-abuse activist, urged parents not to “sacrifice your children on the altar of keeping up an image and reputation.” While Meyer Seewald, founder and CEO of JCW had a message for survivors. “You are not alone! You must know that you have a place to turn to!” he said.
Dr. Norman Goldwasser, a trauma psychologist, spoke about the impact he’s seen firsthand from JCW events on survivors. Ronnie Ducoff, an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Cleveland, explained the process of bringing charges against a perpetrator and by urging victims to go to the police.
Rivka Joseph, a member of the Cleveland community and the local coordinator of the event, revealed publicly for the first time that she is a survivor of child abuse, declaring that she is no longer ashamed and no longer feels judged. “Jewish Community Watch is a survivor’s best friend,” declared Joseph.
Mendy (Robert) Klein, a businessman, philanthropist and community leader, stood up at the conclusion of the event and declared that the Cleveland Jewish community maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards CSA and that this is the policy adopted by the community Rabbis.
After the event, Seewald said, “Thank G-d, I really feel the tides shifting. This is the third event JCW has held in the last 6 months and in each case the turnout and support from the community has been overwhelming. The age where abuse in our community is covered up is coming to an end. JCW has another event planned next week in Miami, and we plan on traveling to every city with a major Jewish population in order to bring our message of prevention, healing, and education.”
It is really painful to live with. And you need to find a way to either stand up to or stop the abuse, or end the relationship. Rabbis are not qualified to treat abuse, just as they are not trained in heart surgery. They can refer you to a mental health professional, but do not take the place of one.
Yasher Koach to Ruth Gordon for having the strength to speak publicly about her son’s tragic story. BTW, did you notice that this was attended by an obviously religious crowd, and (shudder shudder) many are sitting mixed!!
To#3 The answer today is good money you got good lawyers.unfortunately I don’t think there’s any one out there who is really capable and understanding the severity of what goes on and want people are suffering to be able to help out I think today most rabbis are into their egos and power and for those who really care how much do they really understand how to take care of these issues therapist went to college for years to be able to understand.
The JCW event in Miami will be held in Aventura Chabad at 21001 Biscayne Blvd Aventura, FL, 33180 @ 7:30pm on Sunday, February 15th.
Anyone searching for a 12 step meeting: don’t assume you aren’t allowed in a church basement in order to attend. Rabbanim who are aware of these issues don’t just allow frum people to participate, they often urge them to go! It’s not in the actual place of worship.
the statement Ruth Gordon made wasn’t about the Catholic Church or Catholicism. She was expressing the sad irony that the place he was accepted in was a church.
Amazing ! Thank you for keeping our children safe !
Most 12 step programs meet in churches, very select few in shuls. That is what they are implying when mentioning churches.
While I’m very sorry for anyone who went through this kind of experience,
at the same time when read the following:
…. “She noted the irony that her late son Dave had received more unconditional support in his Narcotics Anonymous groups, which were mostly held in churches, than he received at his local synagogue. ” ….
Excuse me, What about all the cover-ups we have seen all these years by the Churches on their Priests and have been reported all over the Media?
Definitely something positive should be done about this,
Hatzlachah Rabah,
Moshiach Now!
When and where will the meeting be held in Miami? What is the phone number? thanks
Great to see backing from leading philanthropists as well. Mendy (Robert) Klein is a real leader. He helps so many Mosdos and it’s a real mitzva that he stood up in a room to speak about this. Where are the Chabad philanthropists??
Call Ohel (Childrens home and family services).. They will assist you!!!
Happy to see this kind of awareness.
wish they would make people aware of other kinds of abuse. i am in an emotional abusive relationship and there is absolutely NO support from the rabbis of the community. its really shameful and painful to live with!!
Soo unfortunately true that most of the groups are held in churches. why are our communities not able to organize these support groups for their own?
I called many organizations looking for even one!…still looking..
Wow! How incredible! The tides are most definitely turning and I applaud you all for the life-changing, courageous, and extremely difficult work you do to protect our children. Thank you! See you in Miami iyH!