Brooklyn, NY – Dov Hikind: Frum Community Ignorant About Child Molestation, I am Going To Be An Activist To Help

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    Brooklyn, NY—High-profile Assemblyman Dov Hikind, no stranger to controversial issues, has thrust himself to the forefront of a burning Jewish-community issue once again.

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    But this time, perhaps, the stakes have never been higher—because Hikind’s target is an issue the long-time activist himself confesses ignorance of until recently: molestation and abuse of children in the Orthodox community.

    The saga reignited itself only recently and coincidentally after controversial firebrand Rabbi Nuchem Rosenberg, who at the minimum deserves some begrudging, backhanded respect for dragging the issue out of the shadows, might have inspired four professional Orthodox therapists to re-launch an abuse hotline and treatment service operated under the auspices of the venerable Beth Israel Hospital after it was closed a few years ago due to lack of funding. The four professionals [ a separate story about this new help line will be posted on VIN in next few days] are Chaya Mermerstein, LCSW and Cheryl Friedman, LCSW, both of Beth Israel’s staff, psychotherapist Yoni Hikind, LMSW, and psychotherapist Dr. Asher Lipner, Ph.D., who specializes in frum survivors of sexual abuse.

    [Clarification – While there were indeed four panelists on Dov Hikind’s radio show motzie shabbos, July 26, 2008, discussing sexual abuse in our community, it is important to clarify the roles of the different panelists.

    Cheryl Friedman, LCSW , Chaya Mermerstein, LCSW, and Carole Sher, LCSW, under the auspices of Beth Israel Medical Center’s Victim Services Program are initiating a help line called SOVRI related to sexual abuse.

    Dr. Usher Lipner, a strong advocate in the field of sexual abuse is not connected to SOVRI, nor is Yoni Hikind, CSW.]

    [Editor’s Note: After VIN’s posting of the Hikind/molestation article this morning, which mentioned four frum therapists who have been involved in this issue for a number of years, VIN received the following e-mail from one of the foursome stating that “Nachum Rosenberg had NOTHING to do with creating this help line, Nor credit should be given to him” and VIN was told so on a phone interview as well]. In response, VIN will simply and neutrally reiterate the facts that Rabbi Rosenberg has created a firestorm of discussion on this issue in recent months and that the abuse hotline, which was in the works for several years, was relaunched in recent months]

    That foursome earned a group interview last weekend on Hikind’s radio show as a result—and Hikind claims to have been overwhelmed with calls from all over in the ensuing days: calls from Orthodox Jews with horrific stories of molestation and victimization as children.

    The startling reaction has prompted Hikind to take action.

    “I have to admit I have not done enough on this issue; I am throwing myself into it and I am now fully dedicated to addressing this issue very forcefully,” Hikind told VIN in a phone interview.

    “According to my info since I did the radio show last week, I have been shocked [by the response] and I would say after speaking to highly professional people who deal with this, it’s an epidemic in this community.”

    When asked specifically about Rabbi Rosenberg’s hotline, Hikind says that while he would meet with Rabbi Rosenberg in the context of meeting anyone in the community motivated to do something about the issues, and that he “agrees strongly” with the issues Rosenberg has raised, “I have never listened to his phone line but based on what I was told, I will say I do not acknowledge his way of attacking individuals on his [phone-show] line. Having said that, the community needs to wake up and form a very strong internal organization—and a real one, not a politically correct one—to resolve this with a team of real professionals.”

    Additionally, Hikind plans on demonstrating his serious concern about this issue by meeting with leaders of all major Chasidic groups to Litvishe Roshei Yeshivos and rabbonim.

    Regarding rabbinical bans of Rabbi Rosenberg, Hikind believes said reaction resulted from rabbonim who are “really not aware how shrecklich this issue is. I am not going to argue if the way Rosenberg addresses this issue is right or wrong because I never listened to him, but the fact remains he is touching upon a very serious issue.”

    The State Assemblyman still insisted that he maintains the highest respect for rabbonim, mentioning his close work with them. “As a matter of fact, my kids learned in Eretz Yisroel and I was really looking forward for them to become rabbonim and school teachers. I always consult sensitive issue with rabonim.”

    Hikind said anyone who needs help on this matter should feel free to contact his office and feel confident that their anonymity will be protected.

    While we support and laud Mr. Hikind’s statements and commitment to action, we will let the results be his ultimate judge. In the meantime, we say to Dov Hikind, “Hatzlachah rabbah! We’ll be watching you.”

    Announcement

    Under the auspices of Beth Israel Medical Center, an anonymous, confidential helpline, known as SOVRI, Support for Orthodox Victims of Rape and Incest has been developed for those who are, or have been victims of sexual abuse and molestation.

    The helpline calls will be answered by trained orthodox volunteers who are able to offer compassionate support, information and referrals.

    Sovri will be open for calls beginning Monday, August 4, 2008. The hours are Monday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, and on Friday 10 am – 12 pm. The helpline telephone number is (212)844-1495.

    Carole Sher, LCSW, Coordinator, BIMC’s Crime Victim Services Program
    Cherly Friedman, LCSW, Clincial SW, BIMC’s Rape Crisis Unit
    Chaya Mermerstein, LCSW, Clinical SW in the Psychiatric Outpatient Child & Adolescent Clinic
    Bassya Littman, Founder, SOVRI


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    86 Comments
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    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    We have to wake up. I was a victim of abuse foor many years at ab prestigious brooklyn litvishe yeshiva and no one including my parent beleived me. Finally someone to talk to that wiolll listen to us and not say we are just rabbonim haters. I know many special rabbonim and these animals were not them

    major chillul
    major chillul
    15 years ago

    why werent the mondrowitz and kolko cases enough to make hikind aware of this shreklich problem. Why now? only through rosenberg did it become a problem??

    MEYER  A
    MEYER A
    15 years ago

    GOOD NEWS KUDUS TO DOV

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    While most of us disagree R’Nuchem Rosenberg’s attacking the rabonim in public, we may agree that was the only means he had to steer up the issues. Otherwise it’d never get to this point.

    Thank you R’Nuchem. Keep up the good work.

    Thank you Dov. I know we can rely on you to get things done.

    You kow something Dov? I expect the Rabonim’s reaction will be, “as long as you are affiliated with Nuchem Rosenberg we can’t talk to you”.

    mt mehdi
    mt mehdi
    15 years ago

    God bless Dov!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Avrohom
    Avrohom
    15 years ago

    I am so glad that this is now going to be solved in a officail setting without any corruptions or fear of reprisals,,I was a victim and didnt have to whom to complain because the yeshiva principle just gave me smack on my face and told me to shut up my mouth and not talk ( nival pay )now the principle was a erlicha man and he for sure didnt belive my story because ,,It cant be true? so i had no one to talk to,,I didnt want to involve my paraents at time,,thinking back I probley made a mistake,,,so Im glad something is being done now,,,abit to late but at least the next generation of kids will have to whom to talk to

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    There is new film (fiction) out produced by Yisrael Moskovits (Orthodox) called Narrow Bridge (Gesher Tzar Me’oed). it shows the effect Child Molestation has on the victims in the long ryn. It’s worth watching, I’m not sure how to get hold of it, you’ve contact info on the site narrowbridgefilm.com

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Hikind, dont talk down on Reb Nuchem Rosenberg. If not for him you would still be concentrated on Israeli issues instead of going after monsters in our own communities. Besides, were you under a rock when Mondrowitz abused me and dozens of other local boys?

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I contacted Dov about a melamed in one of the chasidishe yeshivas in B.P., and y’know what, he’s still there, plying his trade.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    it is most definitely time to bring this out in the open congratulations cuzin, Nuchem keep ur head up high & follow the right path but bring it out in the open make people aware it’s been under the rug for much too long

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Great! everyone helping out in getting the community better and safer is having a great zechus.

    But, don’t quote this clown N. Roosenberg, he is out for attention and destruction, he is taking reverse and negative action.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    FACT: Nuchem has brought awareness of this problem to the community. Clown or not he has singlehandedly forced this issue against the desire of most rabbonim.

    chezkee
    chezkee
    15 years ago

    I am a teacher and nebach hear about this problem all too often. If only our so called gedolim could stop with the concerts and the colors of womens clothing and worry more about this shreklach problem, we might be able to put a stop to it.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Psychotherapist Yoni Hikind, LMSW

    Conflict of interest? nepotism?

    Chedva from Spring Valley
    Chedva from Spring Valley
    15 years ago

    Way too late!!

    but shkoyach!!

    We need this issue addressed.

    I wish I lived in Bklyn so Dov could get my vote.

    If you now don’t vote for Dov, you are evil.

    Melon
    Melon
    15 years ago

    I wonder where he’ll find the time between all the Sderot trips

    Belzer Chosid
    Belzer Chosid
    15 years ago

    Keep up the good work don’t let anyone distract you. Act on this issue like it’s first priorety on your list. Hashem should give you koach and Siyate Dishmaye.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    How can we avoid the “NIMBY” philosophy.

    (NIMBY = *N*ot *i*n *m*y *b*ack *y*ard [but ok in yours]). With NIMBY the perps are just recycled to the next yeshiva or next town etc.!

    Rachel
    Rachel
    15 years ago

    dont attack Mr Rosenberg he does mention that he was traumetized by that suicide of that person that was molested. So I do understand him why he is so alarmist

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Don’t attack Dov. He is a politician who has dedicated himself to serving the frum community with love and mesiras nefesh. Through his years in state government, he has undertaken many different causes, and has given of himself tirelessly and lifnim mishuras hadin. There were many issues that are of national importance that have benefited us through his passionate involvement. He invested efforts in issues of domestic violence, kids at risk, drug abuse, and he is now addressing molestation. No one individual can tackle everything. There were professionals in the field who reached out to Dov to seek his help with this latest issue. And he is graciously doing his part to help them. It is not all about money, nor is it honor or nepotism. I do not believe that Dov is looking to get involved in any specific cases of a molester. He has an interest in the global issue, so I would not burden him with calls about Ploni who is molesting kids.

    B”H for Dov and the other professionals and askanim who are looking to bring about a change in the climate, where children can be safe everywhere. It is also noteworthy that he is interested in doing this together with Rabbonim and gedolim.

    bigwheeel
    bigwheeel
    15 years ago

    There is a definition for R. Nuchem Rosenberg. ICONOCLAST! He’s, in a FEARLESS manner bucking the tide! Not only on this issue. His style might be abrasive, but it’s effective! Yes, most people like to take “The High Road” and the “Middle Ground” but what’s puzzling? (maybe not so) is the reluctance to give him credit for stirring up the conscience of the people! The fact that the 4 Professionals got together, just now, is no mere coincidence, either! (Maybe the [Rosenberg] interview on Zev Brenner program had something (a tiny bit) to do with this?!)

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Chedva from Spring Valley, since when does voting or not voting for a person make us “evil”??? That’s cazy talk!

    To address the issue, though, Dov Hikind is being a tad ingenuous when he claims he didn’t realize they extent of the problem. Where was he till now?? We all read, he has people who do that for him, yet he claims he didn’t know how bad the situation is? Is he still trying to sell that bridge?

    Having said that, if he deals with it now in a forceful manner, maybe things will change & there’ll be no more victims. Let him actually put his money where his mouth is and stop this rot now.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    11:48, don’t give no facts when you just don’t know! each and every mosad has serious people to take care of those problems, N R has’nt brought up any awareness, he is just spreading the word on his silly hotline, that it’s “standard”, it’s “normal”, and this is what the kids and bochurim have to listen to. what a shame! he is a sicko and a dangerous man.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Anon:10:29 AM

    Avrohom: 11:00 AM

    ______

    I was a victim of murder…

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    1:07 –

    smell the coffee

    we hope you don’t find out the hard way…

    Allan
    Allan
    15 years ago

    Mr. Hikind a good servant of the Jewish community and of NYC …Thank You!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Ashame Hikind was only a kid during the Rabbi Kolko years

    BERL
    BERL
    15 years ago

    ALMOST 50 YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS 8 YEARS OLD I WAS MOLESTED BY THE SHOHET AND MOIEL OF OUR TOWN IN ROMANIA HE THE SHOHET WAS 61 YEARS OLD AND IT HAPPENED IN OUR MIKVAH AND I AM STILL HAUNTED AND ANGRY ABOUT IT FINALLY SOMEONE IS TAKING ALL THIS SERIOUSLY KOL HAKOVOD TO DOV HIKIND

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I AGREE WITH MOST HERE IF NOT NUCHME ROSENBERG THIS ISSUE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED AND IF NOT REB NUCHIM SHOULD DO IN A WAY THAT BOUGHT ATTANTION THIS WOULD NEVER BEEN DONE SO REN NUCHMEN I WILL SAY IT LOUD WHAT EVRYBODY HATES TO AGREE ITS ALL YOUR CREDIT

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I AGREE WITH MOST HERE IF NOT NUCHME ROSENBERG THIS ISSUE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED AND IF NOT REB NUCHIM SHOULD DO IN A WAY THAT BOUGHT ATTANTION THIS WOULD NEVER BEEN DONE SO REB NECHAM I WILL SAY IT LOUD WHAT EVRYBODY HATES TO AGREE ITS ALL YOUR CREDIT

    deepthinker
    deepthinker
    15 years ago

    This is an age-old problem, and it will not be solved by press releases, telephone hot lines, or attacks on Rabbonim.

    If someone truly wants to help, he has to do the heavy lifting and organize the right people quietly, and without fanfare.

    He may have to do some rough stuff too, which Dov–obviously–cannot be involved in.

    A FRUM MINNESOTAN
    A FRUM MINNESOTAN
    15 years ago

    Dov! we love you here in Minnesota!!!

    Hatzlucha Rabba!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    molestation is a sickness. It will not be cured by raising you voice on a hot line. By putting out names you are ruining the reputation of other family members which are not always aware that their family member is doing such a crime. These people that do these kind of things need help just as the victims need help. HELP!! HELP!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    The first thing Dov needs to work on is getting the Assembly to pass the bill that was approved by the State Senate last year. This bill calls for mandatory background checks and fingerprinting for all prospective private school employees, as well as a sex offender registry. These are all mandatory in the public school system. The bill has been waiting passage in the Assembly since June 2007. Another important issue is mandatory reporting by private schools.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    2:28 PM,

    It will not be cured, but it will surely be curtailed. Right now there is no deterrant for these molesters. If there is fear of reprisals, then they may control their sick urges more often. Also, the victims deserve to see justice and closure.

    Hasdei Hashem
    Hasdei Hashem
    15 years ago

    Anonymous at 11:12 AM – The melamed has a din of a rodef – you can and should report him to the authorities. If there is a known abuser and he is allowed to continue, you are putting yiddishe neshomas in jeapordy!!! Just because one person didn’t respond does not mean you should allow the perpetrator to continue. The lives of yiddishe children is in your hands.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    all of you who complain about dov are crazy bored sickos either you were never abused or dont know someone who was bc if you did you would think before you spewed that stuff from youre mouth i am involved for years in helping people in such situations out bc i went through it myself and anything possible thats being done is a step inthe righ way even if its unconventional well molesting is also so call a monster a monster and start doing something about it thank you dov so much i cant explain how good it feels that someone has the guts finally to start smashing heads which is what needs to be done thanx again you r a tzadik

    destro613
    destro613
    15 years ago

    dov just lost the chasidish vote according to them it does not happen and you can not talk about

    Chaim
    Chaim
    15 years ago

    While in the past Nuchem Rosenberg was never taken seriously – because he always attacked everyone and everything under the sun – perhaps in this case he indeed hit the jackpot!

    But in general, he does not appear to be a credible individual.

    chayimka
    chayimka
    15 years ago

    Oh, how sadly happy I am to see a politician of note taking charge. My son was molested as a young boy in A Chassidishe Yeshiva and kept the anguish and shame to himself until he went off the derech in his teens. When he gained confidence through therapy to confront his molester YES, STILL A REBBI IN THE SAME MOISSED, the man was fired after failing a lie detector test, ONLY TO BE RE-HIRED WITH IMPUNITY BY THE SAME MOISSED AS A SUMMER REBBI!!!! (With the explicit heter of several Rabbonim).

    Dov Hikind, you should be the right shliach to protect Yiddishe children from our Chinuch system – where these pedophiles are given priority over the safety of these Neshomos.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    i hope someone really does something there are some rabonim who beleive these rebbeim are murderers and you have a right to destroy them yes they have families who didnt do anything wrong so we need to be carefull but its time to start smashing some heads

    Shaindy
    Shaindy
    15 years ago

    Dov you have my vote for LIFE.. By taking head on this very important issue you will be saving LIVES for generations to come. This is picuach Nefesh on the same level as a Hatzalah call. Dov you have earned my vote and my family that will make sure to support your effort untill moshiach

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I wonder how he voted on the bill mandating background checks in parochial schools. Aguda was against it.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I agree 1000% if not for rabbi nuchem rosenberg shlita this whole project would never come up & abunch of our young children would suffer. CHOI Lechoi R’ nuchem keep it up!dont be affraid hashem is with you all the way & the biggest simen is look what happining dov hikind is starting a help line. and to you DOV aderaba lets see what you can do go on and dont dissapoint us!!! best wishes

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Gentlemen,

    I was the first poster thsi morning. Why am I seeing all these idiots slamming dov. Do you know what we went through?! Do you have any concept of what we had to endure coupled with the fact that we were deemed rabbi haters when all we did was try to go to the people in charge and tell them that R X was touching us and hurting us and then to be greated by a slap in the face and a warning not to repeat wht we had said ever again?! SHAME ON YOU ALL! This man is trying to help, trying to force the commubnity to realize that the tolerance of these abusers and protecting them (under the auspices of protecting theri families from shame and the yeshiva from being known having a molester in their midst) is SHFICHAS DAMIM!!!!!!!!!!!! dO YOU THINK WE MAKE THIS STUFF UP?! DO YOU THINK I CARE ABOUT RUINING A MOISOD FOR NO PORPOSE! Shame on you. Do you think Klall yisroel protedted a murderer in the times of the bais hamikdosh, because they didint want to embarrass his family. No! A crime is a crime, and this crimes affects people for years and never goes away. Shame on the rabbonim that turned us away adding insult to injury. i can forgive the molester (maybe) but I can NEVER EVER forgeive the principal that treated me like a dog telling me I was a liar, menuval and making my parents believe him rather than me. DOV, CHAZAK UBARUCH! Protect future kids by forcng the klall that it is not bettr to protect others rather than their children

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    thank you dov its way to late but better later then never,by the way if you like it or not all credit is for RABBI NOCHUM ROSENBERG even that the way he is inforcing it might not be the clean way as young kids hear all but 1)they anyway find out 2)YOTZO HEFSEIDO BISCHORO thank you again rabbi nochum and dov

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    I think this guys a herooo……….why would someone disagree with what hes doing ? i listened last week for the first time what he says is right belive if chas vesholom somone touches my kid i would kill him so he has point all the stories have been brushed under the carpet for long enough!I think you should listen to Lipa’s song “wake up” .Maybe he stands up for those induviduals who don’t have a voice;

    Nice of him to build Mikvo’s.

    Whats bothering the “RA – BONIM” is that hes going after them for not doing their communal responsibilities.

    So they do what all good “RA – BONIM” do and BAN HIM.

    Now i wont disagree with you that he’s a bit off the wall, but people like him is what it takes to get things to change – “think”……..

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    EVERYBODY here knocks Nuchem , but no one even addressed the issues of molestation. Find me one letter from one chassidsher rov or rebbe telling us and admitting to us that YES there is a problem and here is how to take care of the prob;lem. Nuchem is the only one speaking out because no one is doing a damn thing about it. Bottom line ~When it hurts you scream .~ You wanna shut him up then come up with a solution . First solution is addmitting to the problem.

    Nuchem Your the BEST. I would switch any day with your olam habah!

    jakester
    jakester
    15 years ago

    guys cut the crap whether nochum or dov are not reliable makes no difference reality is that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with and if you cant deal with it wait till it happens to youre kids and then you will be the so called crazy guy bc you will be screaming bloody murder call it what it is and get over the fact that they may not be the greatest people but at least they call it what it is a damn big problem thank you dov you r a tzadik thank you so much

    Furious!!
    Furious!!
    15 years ago

    Chayimka, I am so angry, I am literally shaking!! How can a moised rehire such a rebbe!! He needs job!?! Needs parnosa to support his family?!? Let him get a job with paperwork – NOT Children!!! NESHOMOS are at stake here!! LIVES!!! Future generations who can be affected because of the trauma of molestation!!!

    Try to call Dov Hikind and give him the name of the Rebbe and the moised – he wants to help, is able to do so, and is extremely competent!!

    Hatzlocha!!!