Sexual assault perpetrator pleads guilty
A man employed by a major Jewish communal institution in Australia has pleaded guilty to numerous charges of child sexual abuse perpetrated against multiple victims.
The perpetrator’s name or the name of the institution cannot be disclosed due to a suppression order but a plea hearing has been set for Victoria’s District Court on August 2.
This is the second of three separate court cases involving child sexual abuse within the Victorian Jewish community where the perpetrator has pleaded guilty. David Kramer, a former teacher at Melbourne’s Yeshivah Centre, pleaded guilty on 12 April to numerous charges involving multiple victims. Kramer’s plea hearing is scheduled for 17 July. The third case involves David Cyprys, also from Yeshivah, who is facing 40 charges against 12 victims. Cyprys’ trial is due to commence on 29 July.
Manny Waks, founder and CEO of Tzedek. Australia’s only dedicated advocacy group for Jewish victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, stated: “This new development is another important milestone for the Australian Jewish community. There are multiple cases currently before the courts and numerous investigations taking place in a number of States. The guilty plea will hopefully embolden other victims and survivors to pursue justice.
It takes a great deal of courage and determination to pursue justice in these circumstances so hopefully today’s result will demonstrate that pursuing justice through the courts is a worthwhile option. We acknowledge the immense courage of all the victims in this case and we thank them profoundly for pursuing justice in the way they have.
I have spoken this morning with one of the victims who feels “overwhelmingly relieved” with the outcome of today’s hearing. She also said that she feels “vindicated” and that this entire process, despite its many challenges, has been “well worth it now that justice will finally be served”. We are now all looking forward to seeing the perpetrator receive a just sentence for his crimes.
No one needs to hide. No one needs to feel ashamed. No one needs to feel guilty. Except for the perpetrators and their enablers. The victims are never to blame. We will do everything within our power to ensure that all the perpetrators and their enablers within the Jewish community all held to full account.
We thank the community for the overwhelming support for Tzedek and for the many victims and survivors in pursuing justice for past crimes and to ensure the safety of our children into the future.
It’s great to see that the wheels of justice are finally turning.”
Kol HaKevod Manny Waks and Tzedek for the support you show people in your forthright responses to their plight and the recognition of their courage in exposing obscene and damaging acts perpetrated against them. Let no organisation of any kind, or congregation/community, hide behind a facade of holiness or uprightness in order to maintain silence against ugly truths.