Alleged abuses by a “trusted official” in Melbourne’s Jewish community have been going on “for some time,” an umbrella organization of rabbis acknowledged.
The Rabbinical Council of Victoria, in a statement in Friday’s Australian Jewish News, admitted it was aware of the alleged abuses and “encouraged alleged victims to come forward and confidentially present their issues to the RCV, so that halachic and legal counsel may be provided.”
The alleged abuser is believed to be a rabbi who is not a council member. It is also understood the rabbi has no connection to the Adass Israel community, which is still reeling following allegations of molestation at its Jewish day school by former principal Malka Leifer, who fled to Israel earlier this month.
Council President Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant told the Australian Jewish News that if alleged victims come forward, “there will be no cover-ups and no sweeping of any issues under the carpet.”
The newspaper said the latest allegations are believed to involve “inappropriate physical behavior as well as improper financial transactions.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
