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New York - Assembly Speaker Silver To Dov Hikind: Whatever You Need To Fight Abuse, I Will Help. |
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Speaker Silver was reportedly moved by the account put forward by Assemblyman Hikind, pledging that "whatever resource you need, I am opening [it] up to you."
Silver shared his disbelief with Hikind, saying that while he knew there was an issue, he didn't expect that it would be so bad. "You have anything from my office to help immediately," Silver said to Hikind. Silver then immediately approved more funding for Hikind's district to hire professionals to combat and treat the problem.
VIN News has also learned that with the upcoming new state legislative session, several politicians will be committing themselves to the implementation of new abuse-related laws, including extending the statute of limitations. Additionally, a bill requiring background checks for prospective yeshiva staff will be up again for a vote, a bill that is expected this time to be pushed heavily by many in the legislature, including Speaker Silver.
Total78
Read Comments (78) — Post Yours »
1
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM Anonymous Says:
Finally some action, thank you Dov, (and Speaker Silver) may this be a tremendous zechus for you and yours in this New Year.
2
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM Anonymous Says:
B"H. The "rabbonim" better be shaking in their pants!!! Dov and Shelly are going to torch you into oblivion!!!
3
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM Joe Says:
Dov keep up the good work, these sick people should be brought to justice.
4
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM mccain palin 08 Says:
this is a great momment in the history for us
5
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM Anonymous Says:
You 2 antisemitic self hating Jews stop hanging our laundry in public
ENOUGH is ENOUGH!
There are ways to deal with issues
והמבין יביו שאין הדרך רק להגיד שהרבנים הרבנים הרבנים.... אינם יודעים מה שהם עושים
6
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM Anonymous Says:
Again Sinas Harabonim, sinas am ha'aretz letalmid chochom. The problem needs to be solved in tandem with the Rabbonim, otherwise seek another religion.
7
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:27 PM Dissapointed Yid Says:
Sinas "harabbonim." Wait, you mean the same HUMAN BEINGS who have been ignoring the child abuse that has taken place in our community?!?
These so called "rabbonim" ought to be ashamed of themselves. They were charged with the responsibilty of leading and bettering the klal, but have failed miserably.
Anyone who stands by idly screaming "sinas harrabonim" is culpapble, in addition to being a blithering and unsophisticated idiot.
8
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM Anonymous Says:
Those comments made by two posters that we should leave it up to the rabonim are the same people who would laugh at their kids if it happened to them.
what are you talking about cant be not him
rather then doing something about it
10
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:32 PM anonymous Says:
this is a result of doing nothing ourselves. now the goverment will be involved. beleive me i dont mind but its a shame.
11
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:42 PM Anonymous Says:
thank you guys.
12
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:43 PM Anonymous Says:
Yasher koach, NOW let's get some Rabbonim who are so busy with takanos to take a stand thank you Dov Hikind.
13
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM Lock & Load Says:
Dov,
Do whatever it takes to get
this Job Don!!!!!!
Lock & Load
14
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:59 PM anonymous Says:
WHAT A SHAME!!!! EIN YID ZUL MASERN A TZVATIN
THERES JUSTICE UP THERE
15
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:59 PM anonymous Says:
FINALLLLLLLLLLY!!
16
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:00 PM anonymous Says:
There is plenty room to be jew haters - jews make fools of themselves and have fake concert ban rabbis who would rather destroy an innocent concert promoters livelihood then know the truth and deal with real issues. Shame on them and shame on all of you who follow them - it is a case of blind money hungry jews leading the blind.
17
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM MARK Says:
good news horray to dov
18
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:47 PM Chofetz Chaim Says:
Another Talmud Chocim to the rescue what a shame.
19
Sep 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM Mommy Says:
If the vaad found the lie detector test POSSITIVE on that menahel, and the rabbonim found excuses for that menahel to keep him on as a melamed, you still say Dov Hikind should stop? Nobody else wants to help those innocent vicitims!
20
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:04 PM Anonymous Says:
rabbonim are wellcome anytime to do something. Acknowledging the problem exists is a good babystep start.
21
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM formely Says:
They can help but only but only if people come forward
22
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:12 PM anonymous Says:
What a shame shame on you hikind shame on you silver! for a little money to do such a terrible thing
23
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:20 PM Oy Gevald Says:
It's about time!
24
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:20 PM oy vey rabbosai Says:
Sadly, by their silence & gross inaction the Rabbonim have told their flock not to pay attention to this problem of Sh'fichas Domim. Apparently they have much bigger things to worry about. tell me ... which rav in BP, Flatbush, Monsey, etc. will address this in a shabbos shuva d'rasha. none--exactly. Under teh guise of not speaking about "not nice topics" publicly, they have let the k'hillas know it is not a problem and/or not something to be discussed or concerned about. Therefore this killing [victims consider it a life sentence worse than just getting killed] of innocent yiddishe children continues.
Shelly Silver has to stop supporting to'eivah
25
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:19 PM anonymous Says:
EXCUSE ME ANONYMOUS 12:59!!
WHEN IT AFFECTS YIDDISHE NASHAMALACH MIZ MEN MASSEREN WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?
26
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:19 PM Anonymous Says:
This is certainly a step in the right direction and perhaps will shed light on other equally troubling issues including teenage and young adult drug use and addiction in our community. Anyone who denies that there is a problem has not talked to medical doctors, Hatzoloh members and school administrators who serve our community.
27
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:21 PM Rechel mechel Says:
can anybody name a molester from this year in willi bp monsey or kj? so far there is no name 4 us to watch from let's leave d rabonnim out believe me if only we post 3-4 names from 2008 molesters (not 20 yrs ago)it will stop very fast we don't need poloticians & state funding & rabonnim
28
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:26 PM Anonymous Says:
Rechel mechel Says:
can anybody name a molester from this year in willi bp monsey or kj? so far there is no name 4 us to watch from let's leave d rabonnim out believe me if only we post 3-4 names from 2008 molesters (not 20 yrs ago)it will stop very fast we don't need poloticians & state funding & rabonnim
-------------------------------------------------
Did we all forget Mondrowitz? Why hasn't he been brought to justice?
29
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:27 PM agd Says:
this is blown way out of proportion they make it seem like it's a big problem when it's overrated
30
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:29 PM Ban Takonahs Says:
The inaction by the rabbonim is appalling. They should hang their heads in shame.
31
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:32 PM A poshiter yid Says:
Rechel you bring up a good point, albeit it wasn't your intention.
The only thing the rabbonim have contributed to this situation is the suppression of names. The klal needs to be less apprehensive about discussing names, similar to the way we deal with a husband who refuses to give a get.
Sometimes, being mevazeh someone is the proper mode of behavior.
32
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:42 PM anonymous1 Says:
It is time to publicly shame these so called rabbis who have shamed others by silly concert ban ads.. Let them be run out of town instead of the holy work that R. Twersky and others are doing. Shame on you people who support these sham schools under the guise of 'yeshivas' - you are helping bring up a corrupt nation.
33
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:43 PM Anonymous Says:
The rabonim unfortunatley do not understand the deep and lasting effects of sexual abuse on our youngsters, efforts are being made to meet with rabonim and provide them with the facts and the information the need to better understand the scope of the issue.
34
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:47 PM Been there Says:
Rechel mechel Says:
can anybody name a molester from this year in willi bp monsey or kj? so far there is no name 4 us to watch from let's leave d rabonnim out believe me if only we post 3-4 names from 2008 molesters (not 20 yrs ago)it will stop very fast we don't need poloticians & state funding & rabonnim
Check out the Yeshiva of Spring Valley who fired a first grade 30+ years melamed for molestation. I know the name but do not want this post erased for naming him. A little research will yield your results. Last name starts with A.
35
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM Anonymous Says:
Rechel mechel Says:
can anybody name a molester from this year in willi bp monsey or kj? so far there is no name 4 us to watch from let's leave d rabonnim out believe me if only we post 3-4 names from 2008 molesters (not 20 yrs ago)it will stop very fast we don't need poloticians & state funding & rabonnim
---
Frankly there are THOUSANDS of cases in the frum community which are currently being documented to be presented to those that need to know in order to effect change, the reason there are so few names out there is because there is no support from the communities, and a major lack of education on the subject, many survivors themselves do not understand the symptoms or attribute those symptoms to the abuse they expirianced. A survivor that speaks up about being molested is then raped emotionally by the community. look what was done even R' Twerski, nevermind the thousands of innocent kids.
36
Sep 22, 2008 at 01:57 PM deepthinker Says:
Another disgusting example of the Fox guarding the henhouse.
Speaker Silver is the key promoter of GayRights in Albany, which is causing the general moral decline all over the State, including our community.
Now he and Dov are going the "Fix" the problem he himself caused.
What a joke!
37
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:14 PM Anonymous Says:
To those that say leave it up to the Rabbonim. I am a victim of abuse and I have got to know others that where victims. Do we have any idea what the reprecusiion is from this abuse. Do you know what the spiral effect this is having. Lifes destroyed, Families torn apart. Thousands of dollars for theraputic help. Which Rabbis is helping theses victims??? There is always the answer that the person changed or will change. The issue is not only in Yeshivahs it is going on amongst families across the community. I WONDER WHY HUSH ABOUT IT how many lives must be destroyed before something gets done. There is only so much we can push under the rug. PLEASE LETS ALL UNITE TO WASH THESE SCUM PEOPLE OFF THE MAP...and to work even better why not set up funds to help victims of abuse? we have so many Org. out there HELP THE VICTIMS OF ABUSE......
38
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:11 PM DR NO Says:
WOW
39
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:27 PM Hesh Says:
Hey Shelly! How can you be "upset" with the abuse situation on one hand but on the other hand you support "Gay Marriage?"!!!? Very hypocritical! They are both perversions!
40
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:38 PM Anonymous Says:
Why thousands? Millions! Anybody can state anything; it doesn't have to be true. Sure there is a problem, but boruch Hashem what exists by us is tiny compared to what is happening in the wide world. Even if the problem is comparably small, we must address it and try to make sure it doesn't happen, not even once. But bashing the Rabbonim is wrong, the manahlim are NOT Rabbonim. Also must cases happen closer to home then in school, it's much safer for your child in school then when playing in front of your house. All those crying "Yiddishe Neshomess", care nothing about Yiddishe Neshomess. It is releasing all you anger on the wrong place. The best I can say is, better here then on your husband. Shmuel Hanovie said to Shaul when Shaul defended his act as doing G-d a favor by not listening to him; so, Shmuel Hanovie said: does G-d need your sacrifices instead of listening to him. I'll say the same: Does G-d need you to scream irresponsibly "Yiddishe Neshomess", or does G-d want you to listen to him, i.e. not bashing the Rabbonim. Again I say to all of you bashing the Rabbonim - seek another Religion!!!
41
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:46 PM formely Says:
Hesh Says:
comments - arrow Hey Shelly! How can you be "upset" with the abuse situation on one hand but on the other hand you support "Gay Marriage?"!!!? Very hypocritical! They are both perversions!
two different things one is a victim of abuse. adult against a child.
The other whatever you want to thing about the act, is between two consenting adults
42
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:45 PM Anonymous Says:
To Hesh,
Shelly Silver is the Speaker of the Assembly, which happens to be a statewide position, not just representing the Lower East Side. The Gay community, a very large constituency, is asking for legal status when it comes to "domestic partnerships" so that if a partner dies, the other gets survivor benefits, etc. Shelly in no way endorses the gay lifestyle; he's just responding to their complaints about equity.
43
Sep 22, 2008 at 02:50 PM Anonymous Says:
iagree there are thousands that are victims and stop making fun because its a realty there are thousands so you will ask how do I know its simple I have asked 8 of my very close friends to tell me the truth who was molested and I told them I was molested not true a melmaed but an older Bhchir when I was a very young boy and 7 out of the 8 said they where molested one way or the other and a few of them went on for over a year so take then I asked a few of my close family members when we all opened up about this issue and 3 without me told me they where molested one true melamed other true a hitch so if you would take a poll out of 14 people 10 where molested this is how they take polls at elections and they are more or less accurate and none of those had any interest or agenda to lie because it was just a very friendly talk so as a simple guy who just started talking from this issue after nuchme rosenrg like thousands other are doing I can tell you its very scary at the situation is much worse then anybody has an idea this is going to explode if there would be away of coming forward without any fear you will have thousands of victims and those who keep on putting down Dov and other real askknim who are trying to put a stop to this i have no doubt that you are a hidden molester or you have some very dirty thinks going on in your head otherwise there is no sense why it should bother anybody that they are after molesters and child killers it just and simple does not make any sense so the answer must be you have some think that bothers you and there is help outter you just have to look for it so instead of coming out here and trying to put the helpers and askknim down go for help you need it and you know it
44
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:26 PM Anonymous Says:
Hesh
Hesh
I don’t support nor condone Gay “relationships”. However, there is a moral and legal difference between committing an act against a minor without his or her understanding and consent, versus Gay "marriage". Gay "relationship" is where two people consent to perform an immoral act.
45
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:30 PM Anonymous Says:
anonymous Says:
WHAT A SHAME!!!! EIN YID ZUL MASERN A TZVATIN
THERES JUSTICE UP THERE
09-22-2008 - 12:59 PM
Look at the bright spot - If you do report a child molester to the civil authorities and end up in Hell for it, you'll at least be sitting next to the gedolai hador who have paskened that you should do just that, and you won't have to sit next to tzadikim like this guy who is more concerned about mesira than about our children or about following the psak of gedolai yisroel.
46
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:44 PM Anonymous Says:
Anon. 2:50, if seven out of eight are molested then you're right that there are thousands, case closed. Are molestors, also seven out of eight, and we have thousands of molestors?
47
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:43 PM Anonymous Says:
to all of you who are busy with asking rabbinm and das tora please let your names be known why are you afraid trust me the molsers will be after your kids in a heart beat they are looking for such peaple that are busy with das tora because then they know they have nothing to be afraid off the only think thats holding them back is like peaple like me who god forbid if they should do somethink to my child rabnnim aherre rabbnim ahin he is going to jail so thak god those molestrs dont know who are busy with the rabbnim and who will trow the book at them tuts e thats whats holding them back at least as much as possible now so for all you who are busy with das tora let your name out you will se how fast those molesters will be at your children they think its a big joke
48
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:40 PM Anonymous Says:
One other bright spot - So long as they are busy on the (treife) internet cursing everyone who is trying to solve the problem, they are not nears our kids.
49
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:34 PM History Says:
If we as jews accused moshe Rabbeinu of living with a ISHU KISHIS, how in the world can we be any better in 2008-9 other then insult, accuse, belittle, crucify, petrify, dehumanize and so on all the Rabbunim in our Generation!
We gonna ask all shaalos the JDL, New Yorker, Village Voice, "Ask the Rabbi", the Jewish Press, Jewish Forward, Jewish Star and of course the one and only New York Times! (VIN, hope the editor does not take it personally for ommitting this medium which gives us all including myself the podium to vent! Don't think you wanna be on THAT list...........)
50
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:14 PM Anonymous Says:
when the roshei yeshivas finally admit the problems instead of burying it then you will see some results
51
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:13 PM formely Says:
Anonymous Says:
comments - arrow Why thousands? Millions! Anybody can state anything; it doesn't have to be true. Sure there is a problem, but boruch Hashem what exists by us is tiny compared to what is happening in the wide world.
dream on my friend, it actually might be much worse since the molesters know they can get away with it.
Also people have informed robonim, are what did they do, protect the molestors. Who do think is protecting mondrowitz, Ger. Next time you need a doctor go to the robonim, next time you are being mugged call for a rebbie. The is not a job for robonim it is way above their heard and capabilities. They are human you know and not G-ds.
Where have you been the last 20 years, the robonim had that much time and more to tackle this problem maybe you can tell us all the good work they have done concerning this matter?
52
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:05 PM Anonymous Says:
This seven out of eight proves how absurd this has gotten; you even got someone defending this absurd number. Redd in redd biz dee vezt zich farredden. Before someone accuses this writer for not caring, which is a typical nonsense response, let me state again I DO CARE, but making up numbers and claiming thousands, and epidemic, is as crazy as this frenzy gets. Again one is way too many, but reality please for crying out loud.
53
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM Favish Says:
Another way of spending/wasting Tax Payers money. Dov wow you are really working very hard.
I just don't get it.
Someone breaks into your house and gets cought he gets arrested, someone commits a crime and gets cought he gets arrested, whats the difference here? This is a crime and arrest the guy. We don't need Shelly and Dov to create some type of fund and waste more money.
54
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM Anonymous Says:
Formerly, with you I can't argue because you sure don't ask any shaylos but do as you please. But those out there who do ask shasylos, someone asked a good question; why do you ask him your shaylos if you think so low of him?
55
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:00 PM Anonymous Says:
These people don't ask shaylos anymore, they do as what they want.
56
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:56 PM Anonymous Says:
I know I know that all the Rabbonim are garbage, but I would like to ask you all one question, when you have a shaylah in yoreh deah do you all go to the assembly mans office with it?
57
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:27 PM Anonymous Says:
Anonymous Says:
I know I know that all the Rabbonim are garbage, but I would like to ask you all one question, when you have a shaylah in yoreh deah do you all go to the assembly mans office with it?
09-22-2008 - 3:56 PM
Can someone point out the comment on VIN that "all the Rabbonim are garbage"???
What has been pointed out repeatedly and usually in a civil manner is that the rabbonim have not dealt with this problem effectively.
This is not a matter of opinion. It is strictly a matter of fact.
There has not been any rov of stature who has claimed that Mr. Hikind's assesment of the situation is incorrect. Some might take issue with his solution (although doing so would seem to put one in contradiction with the psak of gedolai yisroel) but only a fool would claim the situation is under control and these matters are being handled correctly.
Think of the Titanic. When it started to take on water many on board believed it would be safer to stay with the ship b ecause it would not sink while others favored taking seats in the life boats. Only one side turned out to be right but both arguements held water (no pun intended) in the first moments following the accidently meeting between the ship's hull and that big bad iceberg.
Only a lunatic though would try to deny that the ship had a problem.
58
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:37 PM Anonymous Says:
I think I understand what is going on. A few years ago the news broke that massive molestation was going on between Priests who can't get married and their altar boys. So now when news broke by us of an accusation in our midst, mind you that the accusation is not to be compared to what happens in the Catholic Church; people are up in arms and write and shelt the Rabbonim, of how dare you are doing nothing. Agitators are hard at work to drive up numbers, first we hear its hundreds, and now some agitators have upped the ante and shriek thousands. Another one has the audacity (formerly known as chutzpah) to say that he really asked eight friends, and seven TOLD him that they were molested. Another says that she couldn't digest such a number but if he says so, then he must know what he's saying because after all he typed it. So we go on and on, pell mell, helter-skelter and beat ourselves into a frenzy.
Ladies and gentleman, hold your horses. Let's do something about it, but not by going wild.
59
Sep 22, 2008 at 04:45 PM Anonymous Says:
re the 7 out 8 that I mentioned before is not something I made up and I don’t say that they are thousands of molesters, but I do say based what I heard that it must be thousands of victims and I have no agenda in this issue, and I am not lying this is the truth, I wish I can give you the names and I wish I can talk to anybody in person and tell them this 7out 8 poll that I witnessed and I urge everybody who read this, please go out talk to your own friends do what I did take a few real close friends and ask them seriously if they where molested ,and if they are ashamed you say first you where molested so they will open up more because they will feel more comfortable, and one think do everybody a favor when you do the poll yourself please posted it here so let everybody see that this is not a lie, and I have no reason to lie I don’t make money out of this I am just stating a fact because then everybody was busy if Nuchme Rosenberg is throwing numbers out of the blue , or he has a point then I went for the poll, and I was shocked beyond believe it was like everybody has a story I could not believe it, then I spoke to my family members and I told them the story that I was with friends and 7 out 8 told me stories one way or the other they where molested so all of a sudden they opened up and they started telling me their story one with a hitch other with a melamed, people out there as I said I wish this was a fairy tale storey and I press again please everybody out there go and make your own poll but do it smart because nobody will open up and tell you t he truth unless they feel comfortable you will get the shock of your life as I did
60
Sep 22, 2008 at 03:51 PM Anonymous Says:
I too have a problem digesting the 7 out of 8 statistic but that shines little light on the number of molestors out there.
Studies have shown that most molestors abuse scores and sometimes hundreds of children over the course of a lifetime.
61
Sep 22, 2008 at 05:19 PM Anonymous Says:
Does anyone notice that the more progress the survivors of abuse make in getting this issue out in the open, and educating people about it, the more vicious the anti-survivor attacks become?
One thing is very clear, those adults who have molested children are getting very nervous.
62
Sep 22, 2008 at 06:34 PM formely Says:
Anonymous Says:
comments - arrow Formerly, with you I can't argue because you sure don't ask any shaylos but do as you please. and to others who claim people are calling robonim garbage.
The point is many feel that this issue is not an issue to be left to robumin. If you have a a cholesterol issue and not sure what food to eat you call a doctor not a rebbie.
Simply, no one can be an expert in everything and this issue is one that the rebbies studied and prepared for. This is not like a question if one can make an erov or not that you ask a rov. this issue one goes to the people who where trained in dealing with this the da police and courts.
63
Sep 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM Pinchas HaKanai Says:
The sexual abuse of children - girls and boys - that we have allowed to be perpetrated within each of our respective communities, is the "Molech" of our generation. (Check out the Rashi in Yirmiyahu, Perek 7, Posuk 31 "Bamos HaTofes"). Those in the Jewish community that enable the abusers, by actively covering up their crimes, or by denying the existense of this abuse and its pervasiveness, are merely "banging on drums" so that we are unable to hear the cries of our children. It must end.
64
Sep 23, 2008 at 02:54 AM Anonymous Says:
I think all victims can make a shehcheyunu that we have lived to see the day that people are actualy doing something about it!
65
Sep 23, 2008 at 02:53 AM Anonymous Says:
Some of you get hysterical when others are upset aobut the 'Rabbis'. Face fact. Many rabbonim have no knowledge of abuse. It seems so scary to them to lock up a person behind bars that they will do anything to prevent that. You are jumping on Dov that he is doing everything wrong. Did you check what he is actualy doing? By the way there are some rabbonim that are knowledgeable regarding abuse. Go ask them if an offender doesnt belong behind bars...
They are not starving there... Its the best place for them. They cant be around children... yes YOUR children. (if you really care about them)
66
Sep 23, 2008 at 02:46 AM Anonymous Says:
maser maser maser. Did you ever learn the holoches of that? Do you know that an abuse has a din of a rodef?! Do you know what he can cause?! Do you know what you are supposed to do with a rodef?! Scream maser louder, you are all fools living in denial.
67
Sep 23, 2008 at 02:43 AM Anonymous Says:
To all of you that are busy that we are hanging out are dirty laundry, dont make it diry or rather wash it before it hangs dirty... If we would have taken care of it the right way we would have had clean laundry to hang dry..
68
Sep 23, 2008 at 09:25 AM Break the Silence Says:
I support the political backing of our legislature. The children need to know their parents and community leadership will protect them (and their friends or future victims) from the perpetrators.
It is hard for people to believe sexual molestation exists in our community. Please accept the fact that it does an do not get lost in arguments about "how many". Do not focus on the title of the perpetrator.
For some it is a difficult decision to report an incident of molestation or further abuse. This is so sad for our children, as they will not feel protected by our adults and leaders. It is double indemnity for the victim to be abused and then either not believed or aware that there was no legal action taken.
Community Silence is the best friend of each perpetrator, as it allows the perp to find more victims. Don't wait until one of those victims is your own relative, chas v'shalom.
Other comments have been right on target regarding the years of emotional repair needed for victims.
All this because of resistance to face this issue with the strength and conviction to protect the children who have placed trust in the adults in their world.
69
Sep 23, 2008 at 09:50 AM Anonymous Says:
Respectfully, I caution against celebration at this juncture. It saddens me to point out that there are likely many in high positions of power in our establishment institutions who face extreme loss of credibility and considerable exposure to both civil and criminal actions were the carpet under which we've been sweeping problems for the last few decades under their leadership to be lifted and the rightful owners of each hidden scandal be called upon to explain its placement under said carpet.
Look for the worst types of personal attacks against those who work to bring this seed of responsibility to full maturity.
70
Sep 23, 2008 at 10:43 AM formely Says:
AS PER A DA that I know who handles sexual abuse cases, if one has more than one accuser it is rarely false. The DA also know that that if they are wrong and accuse arrest the wrong person, that innocent person is ruined for live since people will always have that doubt. This is why they are very careful more careful than other cases before they make an arrest.
The da also told me many times, they can make arrests, and protect children in the orthodox communities, if there would be cooperation from the communities.
The DA says people do report sometimes, but do not want to give a statement as to who did it, but will say my child has been abused. And even sometimes if a parent wants to help, the powers to be, whoever they are, makes sure it does not happen, they harass the family and the police and the DA to stop the investigation.
Sadly, the DA says when ever they get a abuse report, (for those who thing it is minimal, it is a lot more than you think) and the person does not want to give a name the DA office knows right away it was a frum person who committed the abuse.
Since if it was a non frum person who committed the abuse there is cooperation from the family and community.
This is why they know there is a problem of frum people abusing frum children. In addition think about it, if you where an abuser who would you abuse, a non frum or non Jewish person who will report you or a frum child where you know the chances of getting arrested are nil. And if arrested someone will whisk off the Isreal, and then you can start all over again.
The issue of Mosser, is not really valid, I did look it up when I was very frum and learning in bais medresh, it was in no way created to protect criminals, it was created since in those times and countries a yid could not get a fair trail, and does not apply to real criminals that are a danger and in a country like the USA.(look it up for yourselves if you do not believe me)
Also, it would behoove the community and some brave leaders to find out who is this mafia that impends the arrest of these criminals, and maybe even bullying the robonium to keep quit about this issue.
I am not sure why the robonium are so silent about this issue, but maybe one needs to consider they the robonum have been warned not to speak out. It just seems so amazing (and this comes from someone who does not look up to robonium, like most people on this place) that a few robonium do not speak up loudly and say this is not an issue of mossar.
There is always some disagreement when is comes to halacha issues, from if an erov is good or not, checking for bug water filters and almost everything else.
How then could there be almost total agreement on this issue, and the few that think differently are very silent too unless they are very afraid for their lives and family like twerzky.
I have no solid evidence to back this up, but all the other explanation do not add up.
Like i said i was frum at one time but not anymore and I am very cynical about robonim and rebbis (as one can see from my posts) that is just in general. But to have virtually no robonoim speak up publicly and forcefully about this and to say all robinium are idiots or cannot see that maybe this issue is beyond their capabilities or all are sticking their head in the sand, or have a different thinking of mossur is even to much for me to believe, unless they fell threathened.
Just something to think about.
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Sep 23, 2008 at 01:04 PM Anonymous Says:
to formely:
I agree with you to some degree although what it has to do with you not being frum, I don't understand. We all know there is a lot of hypocrisy everywhere, not only in the frum velt. Ultimately, being frum or not frum is your bechira and these things normally should not affect the way you are.
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Sep 23, 2008 at 02:06 PM Anonymous Says:
Being frum or not frum usually does affect the way you are, with some exceptions. In formerly's case it make him cynical of the Rabbonim and makes him consider the DA a tzadik.
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Sep 23, 2008 at 02:48 PM Anonymous Says:
Anonymous Says:
Being frum or not frum usually does affect the way you are, with some exceptions. In formerly's case it make him cynical of the Rabbonim and makes him consider the DA a tzadik.
09-23-2008 - 2:06 PM
If so many people are cynical about the establishment rabbonim there might be a reason.
Where there is smoke there is fire.
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Sep 23, 2008 at 06:33 PM formely Says:
by no means do I think DA office is a tzadikem. I am also cynical of the da however, the da I am talking about I know personally, I did not even know he was a da until someone mentioned an abuse story in the papers (not a frum case, but is was in the papers since it was truly horrible) and it was then he mentioned that is the department he is in.
But otherwise I would be just as cynical of DA's since many of them think it is a game to win/convict and not really looking for justice
Ok I am very cynical of people in power
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Sep 23, 2008 at 06:26 PM formely Says:
I think you guys misunderstood the reason I mentioned it is that for once I might be sticking up for robonium to say it does not make sense, that even I you do not follow what they say, find their silent strange, (there has to be some who find these issue very disturbing) and would have thought that some would spoken up and maybe they are being threatened to shut up by some bad guys
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Sep 24, 2008 at 12:18 AM Anonymous Says:
Some rabbonim are threatend. If they would know that sometimes its empty threats because the victim is frightened. If you show the victim that you're not fearful then they would stop threatening. The abusers should be afraid to threaten people that would report them.
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Sep 24, 2008 at 03:02 AM Anon. Says:
Throughout the generations Klal Yisroel were tested with false leadership - starting from Moshe Rabbainu's time on down. I'm not saying the Rabbonim in our generation are like people like Shabbtzay Tzvi, just maybe they can't handle every problem that comes their way. Had they had some introspect they might have realized this. Had they realized this -they should have gone to the gedolim in EY and asked them to come out with guidelines. One tends to wonder why they haven't gone with this to the gedolim in EY (or to Rav Moshe when he was alive) instead of sweeping everything under the carpet. Perhaps they are scared of the repercussions that would affect their instituions.
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Sep 24, 2008 at 07:58 PM formely Says:
One tends to wonder why they haven't gone with this to the gedolim in EY
there are not doing a great job either and maybe worse. I forgot the name but a prominent rov told someone not to go the the police and tell people about incest in his family and the incest followed for a few years until the police got evolved. Just like almost every other case it took the police to stop the molester. However none seems to have learned this yet
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Sep 25, 2008 at 12:43 AM Anon. Says:
To Formely,
I wasn't talking about Rabbonim in EY; I was talking about the few G'dolim there, I just didn't want to mention names.