Australian politicians meet Rabbi Litzman
The Israeli Health Ministry has announced a very productive meeting with a senior Australian political delegation attended by the Israeli Deputy Minister for Health Rabbi Yaakov Litzman under investigation for interfering in the Malka Leifer extradition case.
Rabbi Litzman 3rd left Roger Cook is centre. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Health
Leifer is wanted by Victorian police to face 74 charges of child sexual abuse and is fighting an extradition case,
Manny Waks reports: The statement says that the delegation was led by Mr Roger Cook, who is wrongly referred to as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister (as far as I’m aware, Mr Cook is Deputy Premier of Western Australia and its Health Minister).
The Israeli Health Ministry notes that the delegations discussed strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries, mainly in the areas of digital medicine, management of public health systems, assimilation of genomic technologies, medical cannabis and vaccination policy. The delegations agreed to continue the cooperation between the countries, including the visit of expert delegations to exchange information in the areas discussed.
(It is noteworthy that the Israeli statement bizarrely refers to relations between the countries, when in fact, the discussions were held between Israel and Western Australia only, and not with the Australian Federal Government.)
Manny Waks commented: “This is an astonishing development – why would any credible Australian leader meet with Israel’s Deputy Health Minister, Rabbi Yaakov Litzman? Litzman is currently under police investigation for interfering in the Malka Leifer case – he is accused of pressuring medical experts to try to prevent Leifer from being extradited to Australia to face 74 charges of child rape and sexual assault against several of her former students.
“This is an affront to Leifer’s alleged victims, their supporters and to those of us working tirelessly to ensure justice is achieved.
“Litzman should have been forced to stand down, at least until the police investigation against him has concluded.
“At the very least, no Australian official should be legitimising Litzman by engaging with him while he is still under investigation – his alleged conduct has exacerbated the pain and suffering of several Australian citizens. And by engaging with him, these Australian leaders have further added to these courageous alleged victims’ hurt.
“These leaders should apologise immediately for their thoughtless and offensive action.”
Nicole Meyer (one of Leifer’s alleged victims) stated:”It’s surprising and disappointing to see that a high-level meeting took place today between Australian officials and Health Minister Litzman.
“Have these senior Australian representatives forgotten about Leifer and of Litzman’s alleged involvement in the case?
“We are waiting every single day since 2011 for Malka Leifer to be extradited back to Australia and to see this meeting occur is deeply hurtful. Even more hurtful is that there is no mention of the alleged corruption and interference that has happened in this case.”
Judge Lomp will give her decision on 23 September regarding whether Malka Leifer is fit to face court (if she is indeed fit, Leifer will then face the extradition hearing).
